Zoltán Tarr: The more than ten percent salary increase for cultural and public collection workers is certainly not the amount we outlined in our program, but this is what the country's capacity can bear.

Zoltán Tarr, the minister responsible for social relations and culture, addressed protests against next year's cultural budget in a radio program. He emphasized the complexity of transforming a 16-20 year old system, requesting patience and trust from the government. Tarr highlighted the need to eliminate politically influenced decision-making in culture to foster creativity. He acknowledged the intention for salary increases in the budget, although the proposed raise is less than desired due to the country's capacity. Several cultural organizations criticized the budget draft, claiming it fails to reflect a change in cultural policy and maintains existing funding structures. They argue it does not lay the groundwork for a new cultural policy as promised by the minister.