Public Policy & Social Justice
The Criminalisation of Informal Payments in Hungarian Healthcare...
Informal payments; Hungarian healthcare; criminalisation; legal consciousness; anti-corruption law
This article examines the criminalisation of informal payments in Hungarian healthcare, with particular attention to the legal uncertainty that preceded the 2020 reform, the logic of the new anti-corruption framework, and the social attitudes surrounding its enforcement. It analyses the former judicial treatment of “hálapénz”, the legislative shift introduced by Act C of 2020, and the broader question whether criminal law can effectively eliminate a practice that has long been socially embedded. Drawing on questionnaire-based research, the article also explores public knowledge of the current regulation and attitudes towards the punishability of informal payments. It argues that criminalisation may narrow the scope of the practice, but that its long-term reduction is likely to depend on broader structural improvements in the healthcare system, including legal clarity, institutional trust, and the perceived fairness and quality of care.
JÁGER, ESZTER – CZEBE, ANDRÁS
Towards a Sustainable Occupational Safety Governance...
Economic growth, health, sustainability, technological changes, workplace safety
The aim of the study is to examine how sustainable occupational safety and health (OSH) practices, digitalisation, and corporate and employee attitudes contribute to economic and social sustainability. The research is justified by the fact that global sustainability expectations and technological development are increasingly linked to the issue of occupational safety, while the expectations of companies and employees are also constantly changing. The study was based on secondary research analysing international reports, scientific studies, and statistical data (e.g. ILO, EU-OSHA, European Commission, KPMG, Porter Novelli). The qualitative methodology used focused content analysis, with a focus on the prevalence of digital occupational safety technologies, the integration of sustainability management, and the attitude of stakeholders. The results show that the use of digital technologies such as sensors, wearables, and predictive analytics significantly increases compliance with occupational safety and health regulations, while integrating sustainability aspects reduces the number of accidents and costs for companies in the long run. Employer engagement and a positive corporate culture are critical factors in the success of sustainable occupational safety and health, while employees increasingly demand ethical and responsible corporate operations. The originality of the research lies in the fact that it examines the relationship between occupational safety and health digitalisation and the Sustainable Development Goals in an integrated way. Its findings are of practical application both in the field of corporate governance and in the development of occupational safety strategies.
NAGYNÉ, HOKSTOK KINGA
Nation Branding in the Decade of Crises – Italy
Crisis, Italy, nation branding, public diplomacy, soft power
Italy, as most countries in the world, has been facing a long period of crises which has brought unprecedented challenges. Italian politicians and scientists interpret this period as the so-called “decade of crises” (2015–2024), starting with the migration crisis of 2015, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the escalation of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. These challenges have been generating health, financial and social crises and have profoundly affected our lives and our habits. The new challenges also influenced political leadership, and national governments and international organisations had to react to situations without precedent.
The new situation caused by the different crises forced nations to rethink the strategies, priorities and instruments they use for nation branding and public diplomacy. In this new and increasingly competitive and interconnected world, nation branding has become a crucial way to promote a country in a period when nation states have more need than ever to be assessed positively.
The research analyses how Italy has adjusted its policies, strategies and institutional system responsible for nation branding accordingly in this new and sometimes very conflictual and controversial context. The research examines primary sources, the relevant legislation, strategies, programmes and the institutional structure responsible for their implementation, and uses interviews with senior officials to assess the efficiency of the government's response to crises, the results of the introduced integrated approach and “shared” governance. The analysis of the efficiency will be completed by analysing the evolution of Italy's position in international rankings, assessing whether the measures introduced during the crisis period have had a measurable positive impact.
TANÁCS-MANDÁK, FANNI
Public Funds and the Legal Framework of Fiscal Oversight in Hungary
Public funds, fiscal oversight, State Audit Office, internal control, legal framework, accountability
The study explores the legal and institutional mechanisms governing the control of public funds in Hungary. It outlines the constitutional foundations and statutory definitions of public tasks and budgetary institutions, emphasizing their role in ensuring lawful and transparent financial management. The analysis focuses on the multi-level system of fiscal oversight, including the external (State Audit Office), governmental (Government Control Office, Hungarian State Treasury), and internal control mechanisms operating within budgetary bodies. Through a doctrinal and normative approach, the paper highlights how these mechanisms collectively guarantee the effective and accountable use of national resources. The findings demonstrate that Hungary’s fiscal control system provides a coherent legal framework that reinforces transparency, effectiveness, and public trust in the management of state finances.
HOTTÓ, ISTVÁN
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