Hungary's Minister Judit Lannert faces criticism over education reforms

Hungarian Minister of Education and Children, Judit Lannert, has addressed declining PISA scores, noting that student performance in mathematics, science, and reading comprehension has dropped significantly. Lannert stated that the current situation is largely a consequence of the past 16 years of governance and emphasized that rebuilding the educational system will be a long-term process. She cited successful models in Japan, Estonia, England, and Ireland as examples of effective educational structures.

However, Lannert is facing political backlash from KDNP faction leader Bence Rétvári. Rétvári criticized the Minister's previous statements regarding the high cost of maintaining many small schools and 'homogeneous communities,' arguing that her views threaten parents' freedom to choose schools. Rétvári also took issue with comments Lannert made regarding physical education teachers and her past remarks suggesting that the teaching profession currently attracts individuals who are not 'independent or innovative thinkers.'