In the coming days, millions of Hungarian families will see higher wages arrive with the transfer of January salaries, following the entry into force of several government measures. These include an increase in the family tax allowance, pay rises for teachers, and a personal income tax exemption for mothers raising two children, government officials said at a Government Press briefing.
Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás stressed that the obligation of sharing public burdens applies to Budapest as well, despite claims by the city’s leadership that the capital faces bankruptcy. According to Gulyás, Budapest has not gone bankrupt and therefore must meet its statutory obligations like any other public authority.
The press conference covered a wide range of topics, including Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union, the future of the price margin cap, and decisions related to the solidarity tax.
Speaking about developments in Transcarpathia, Gulyás said a report presented at the latest government meeting confirmed that forced conscription by Ukrainian authorities is continuing. He recalled that last year József Sebestyén died as a result of such practices, and more recently, another Hungarian citizen suffering from heart disease became a victim.
Gulyás described forced conscription as unacceptable even in the case of a country that is under attack and at war, adding that Hungary is particularly sensitive to violations of the fundamental rights of the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia. As a consequence, Hungary has imposed entry bans on three military leaders involved in the practice. He added that those responsible are barred not only from Hungary but from the entire Schengen area.
‘Gulyás described forced conscription as unacceptable even in the case of a country that is under attack and at war’
The minister pointed out that this is the same Ukraine whose EU accession Brussels is promoting, alongside plans to provide it with 1,500 billion in financial support in several instalments. According to Gulyás, this funding is presented as loans, but in reality amounts to grants. He said this is why the national petition on the issue is important. He reiterated that Hungary remains committed to peace, will not send weapons or troops, and will not finance Ukraine.
Gulyás confirmed that wage increases arriving in February reflect measures already in force. Beyond tax relief for families and teachers’ pay rises, he said the government aims to gradually extend personal income tax exemptions so that not only mothers over 40, but eventually those over 50 and 60, will no longer pay income tax.
He also noted that the minimum wage rose in January, affecting around 200,000 workers, while the guaranteed minimum wage applies to approximately 700,000 people. Based on its level, Hungary now ranks better than 16th place among EU member states.
Teachers’ salaries have doubled over the current government cycle, while employees in the cultural and social sectors are receiving 15 per cent higher pay. Gulyás also said applications remain open for the 1-million-forint housing support available to public sector employees, confirming that the subsidy applies to everyone working in state public service.
Regarding civilians employed by armed bodies such as the defence forces or police, he said proposals for their pay rises have already been submitted to the government by the interior minister, with increases expected later this spring.
On pensions, Gulyás explained that those who requested postal delivery will receive the first instalment of the 13th and 14th month pensions shortly, while bank transfers will begin on 12 and 13 February. Responding to criticism voiced at a Republikon Institute conference, he recalled that the left-wing government previously abolished the 13th-month pension, arguing that claims of policy continuity are not credible.
The minister also spoke about the energy storage programme, noting that tens of thousands have already applied. The government plans to increase available funding, with applications open until 15 March. The goal, he said, is to enable solar energy storage, which he described as a new form of utility cost reduction.
On disputes with Budapest’s leadership, Gulyás criticized Mayor Gergely Karácsony for what he described as constant political confrontation. He said paying public charges is a normal obligation in any functioning state, rejecting claims that the solidarity tax amounts to expropriation.
Asked about shifting positions within the Tisza Party on closing underpasses at night, Gulyás said such inconsistency was not surprising. He added that keeping underpasses open overnight is unnecessary given the availability of shelter spaces.
Commenting on opinion polls suggesting Péter Magyar is a more suitable prime ministerial candidate, Gulyás dismissed the findings as propaganda, claiming polling firms have previously misjudged results by 8 to 20 per cent to the detriment of Fidesz. He said the outcome of the election would clarify political realities.
Gulyás said the government will decide at its next meeting whether to extend the price margin cap, which he described as an effective tool in reducing inflation. He argued that multinational companies also benefit from Hungary’s economy and should contribute to public finances, rejecting calls to abolish sector-specific taxes.
He criticized the Tisza Party for supporting Ukraine’s EU accession, saying this position is part of its programme and backed by more than 50 per cent of its supporters. According to Gulyás, Ukraine’s accession would have dramatic consequences for Europe, potentially impacting the entire EU budget and exposing European markets to Ukrainian agriculture and labour. He reiterated that as long as Hungary has a national government, Ukraine will not become an EU member, as accession requires unanimous approval.
Gulyás also criticized the National Judicial Council, warning that its stance on judges appearing on leaked political support lists could legitimize politically aligned judges, which he called extremely dangerous.
On the sentencing of far-left activist Ilaria Salis and the related case of Maja T, he said antifascist groups are condemned in all civilized countries and described the eight-year prison sentence handed down as lenient.
Regarding protests linked to the Benes Decrees, Gulyás said Hungary considers restrictions on freedom of speech and the principle of collective guilt unacceptable. He confirmed that legal assistance would be provided to victims if necessary and expressed hope that Slovakia’s Constitutional Court would annul the decrees.
Finally, addressing claims of EU interference in elections, Gulyás said Brussels operates without consequences and accused European institutions of overreach, adding that such interference is unacceptable.
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