Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed optimism about Hungary’s economic trajectory in his regular Friday morning interview on public Kossuth Radio. He stated that while the public is only now learning about economic data, the government has long been aware of key figures, allowing them to take decisive action.
Orbán attributed positive economic trends partly to expectations of global stability, particularly in light of the upcoming US elections. He argued that businesses become more active when peace appears likely and stressed the role of confidence in economic policy. The Prime Minister stated that one of Hungary’s economic challenges is breaking through public cynicism, which he believes can be achieved by demonstrating economic potential. He acknowledged skepticism surrounding the goal of reaching an average monthly salary of one million forints but insisted that the Hungarian economy has the resources and energy to achieve significant progress. Orbán pointed to the recent National Consultation as a tool that has helped shift public sentiment, stating that if people start investing their savings into the economy, Hungary could experience an outstanding year.
He also highlighted the importance of a strong middle class, calling it the antidote to poverty. According to Orbán, economic policy should prioritize improving the livelihoods of Hungarian citizens. He cited former US President Donald Trump’s economic approach as a successful model and criticized ‘liberal narratives,’ asserting that the key political issue today is ensuring a better future for the next generation.
Orbán described the reinstatement of the 13th-month pension as a significant achievement, noting that it was a long-standing issue that previous left-wing governments had failed to address. He claimed that Brussels is pressuring Hungary to abolish the benefit, but he remains committed to defending it.
Jó reggelt, Magyarország! 2025.01.31.
Jó reggelt, Magyarország! 2025.01.31.
‘There will be a battle over the 13th-month pension,’ he declared, criticizing economists aligned with opposition parties for questioning its necessity.
Discussing broader European issues, Orbán suggested that Germany’s economic struggles stem from Brussels’ policies rather than domestic factors. He argued that poor EU economic decisions, particularly regarding the green transition, have harmed European businesses. He reiterated Hungary’s stance on economic diversification, emphasizing that while Germany remains a key trading partner, Hungary cannot rely solely on Western markets. Instead, the country must explore Eastern and alternative markets to ensure long-term stability.
On the topic of the Russia–Ukraine war, Orbán highlighted the contrasting approaches of Europe and the United States. He claimed that while European leaders seek to escalate sanctions to help Ukraine win, American officials are now admitting that initial promises of a Ukrainian victory were unrealistic.
Orbán reaffirmed Hungary’s opposition to sanctions, stating that the country has lost 19.5 billion euros due to economic restrictions imposed since the war began. However, he noted that Hungary has strategically navigated EU negotiations to ensure sanctions do not jeopardize its energy security. He warned that if Brussels fails to uphold its commitments regarding Russian gas transit through Ukraine, Hungary will reconsider its stance on sanctions.
Orbán also addressed ongoing disputes with the European Commission, listing issues such as child protection policies, utility cost reductions, and Hungary’s access to EU funds. He accused Brussels bureaucrats of abusing their power and predicted that these conflicts will remain central to Hungary’s political agenda in the coming year. ‘The Brussels bureaucracy has not changed—they continue to overreach,’ he said, emphasizing that Hungary will continue to resist external pressure.
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