Industrial output declines for 2nd month, dips 1.3% in Dec
The country’s industrial production declined for the second month in a row, shrinking 1.3 per cent in December 2015, mainly due to fall in manufacturing and capital goods output. Industrial output had grown 3.6 per cent in December 2014.
According to data released by Central Statistics Office capital goods contracted 19.7 per cent in December 2015, while the manufacturing sector contracted 2.4 per cent. But growth in the mining sector improved to 2.9 per cent during the month. And consumer durables output showed a robust growth of 16.5 per cent in December 2015.
Hungarians protest against PM Viktor Orban acts
Hungarians protested on Saturday against education reforms enunciated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban . Teachers Union said it is another attempt by the right-wing leader to boost his control over state institutions.Teachers, demands include a sharp reduction in teaching hours and a free choice of textbooks, were joined outside parliament by other unionized workers including miners and civil servants. Singing the national anthem, some protesters shouted “We won’t let this happen.” Others held banners saying “Don’t chase our youth away.”
Protesters further add the reforms are part of a centralisation drive by Orban over the past six years that has brought state media and other public institutions under his government’s control.