Are Large Firms Misusing Their Power in Hungary?
Democratic Coalition Pushes for Fair Treatment of Consumers by Large Firms
The opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) has taken a bold step towards consumer protection by submitting a draft resolution aimed at holding large firms accountable for what they call “abusive practices.” This initiative, unveiled in an online press conference by board member Sándor Rónai, seeks to enforce fair customer treatment across various sectors, including banking, insurance, telecommunications, and public services.
Addressing Corporate Misconduct
Rónai emphasized that the resolution intends to combat the “inhumane practices” prevalent in customer service management, asserting it is time to end the arbitrary mistreatment by service providers. He stressed that the proposed measures would ensure that consumers are not left vulnerable to corporate machinations.
The key features of the proposal include:
Personal Customer Assistance: Service providers would be required to offer direct customer assistance at least three days a week. This initiative aims to ensure customers can reach a representative by phone within five minutes.
Timely Online Responses: Companies would be mandated to respond meaningfully to online inquiries within a 24-hour timeframe.
Prohibition of Unilateral Amendments: The resolution seeks to ban unilateral changes to contracts and the use of complex fine print that often leads to “incomprehensible contracts.” This aims to safeguard consumers from hidden clauses that could disadvantage them.
- Service Accountability: In cases where service interruptions occur or errors are made by service providers, the burden of proof would shift from the consumer to the service provider. This provision is designed to protect consumers from having to prove their cases in disputes.
A Commitment to Consumer Rights
Rónai declared this proposal as a clear message that the people of Hungary will no longer tolerate instances where power holders prioritize corporate interests over consumer rights. Asserting that “no one punishes unreachable companies,” he highlighted the Democratic Coalition’s commitment to representing the interests of the populace against profit-driven corporations.
He further articulated the party’s vision for a fair and transparent service system where consumer rights are upheld, stating, “Our goal is a fair, predictable, and transparent service system, where the service provider does not dictate, but the consumer can also assert their rights.”
As the Democratic Coalition moves forward with this resolution, the focus remains on fostering an environment where consumers are treated with respect and equity.
