In a recent interview on public Kossuth Radio, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed pressing economic developments, national security, and Hungary’s stance on European Union matters, notably Ukraine’s potential membership.
Orbán highlighted that despite multiple economic trends suggesting a decline in prices—such as the euro occasionally dropping below 400 forints and decreasing energy costs—, this has not been sufficiently reflected in consumer prices. Although traders proposed minor price reductions, the government found these insufficient. Addressing the issue of price regulation, Orbán discussed the government’s introduction of a price margin cap. He criticized the discrepancy between production and retail prices, noting that while producers sell milk for approximately 200 forints, it is retailed for 550–600 forints. The new regulation limits the profit margin retailers can add to wholesale prices, ensuring that the burden of price reductions is not unfairly transferred to producers. Orbán identified 30 essential goods most frequently purchased by families as the focus of this initiative. He acknowledged that traders might attempt to counteract the regulation, but asserted that the government is prepared to respond accordingly. Expanding such regulations to all food products would not increase food inflation, according to Orbán.
‘People live within families, and supporting families contributes to long-term happiness and financial security’
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting mothers, emphasizing that the sense of security is fundamental to encouraging childbirth and child-rearing. He noted that the government’s tax reduction initiatives are designed to ease the financial burden on mothers, especially in cases where they shoulder child-rearing responsibilities alone. Orbán described Hungary’s approach to personal income tax exemptions for mothers as unique, stating that such policies are rare in the Western world, where tax is typically regarded as an individual matter. ‘However, people live within families, and supporting families contributes to long-term happiness and financial security,’ he said. He expressed the government’s aim to introduce lifelong tax exemptions for mothers and highlighted 2025 as a year of economic breakthrough, predicting that global movements towards peace will have positive economic implications.
Regarding Ukraine’s accelerated EU membership process, Orbán voiced significant concerns. He argued that such a move would harm Hungarian interests, stating: ‘The European leaders have decided that Ukraine must fight, and in return, it will get fast-track membership. This would ruin Hungary.’ The Prime Minister emphasized that decisions of this nature require unanimous consent from EU member states and urged Hungarian citizens to critically assess the issue from multiple perspectives, including economic, labour market, and security considerations. Orbán contrasted Ukraine’s situation with that of Serbia, suggesting that Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro could be integrated into the EU without negative repercussions. In contrast, Ukraine’s inclusion poses substantial risks. The Prime Minister also criticized the notion of all EU member states allocating a fixed percentage of their GDP to support Ukraine, calling it ‘madness’. He argued that focus should instead be on peace negotiations and economic stability.
Discussing Hungary’s stance on EU defence policy, Orbán highlighted two approaches within the EU: one advocating for shared debt financing and another for financing from individual resources. He underscored Hungary’s constitutional prohibition against long-term debt accumulation without a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
‘We should not burden our children or grandchildren with debt’
Orbán firmly opposed Hungary’s participation in joint EU borrowing initiatives, stating: ‘We should not burden our children or grandchildren with debt.’ Instead, he advocated for contributing to common defence efforts using national funds, not shared loans. The Prime Minister reiterated Hungary’s anti-war stance, contrasting it with other EU nations supporting prolonged conflict. He noted that Hungary, along with Slovakia, consistently advocates for peace.
He concluded by stressing that Hungary’s involvement in EU defence should be financially responsible and avoid future indebtedness, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s long-term economic stability.
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