Minister Gergely Gulyás, head of the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that all pensioners will receive a quarter of the new 14th month payment alongside their February 2026 pensions. This gradual implementation reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining pensioners' purchasing power amid inflationary pressures. The minister emphasized that the real value of pensions has been preserved and, where possible, the government has opted to raise pensions further.
The pension announcement was just one of several sweeping economic and social policy decisions unveiled following Prime Minister Orbán’s return from his visit to the United States. According to Minister Gulyás, Hungary’s exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy — secured during talks in D.C. — ensures continued access to affordable energy, a cornerstone of the country’s utility price cap policy. Without the exemption, energy prices in Hungary could have tripled, he warned.
Hungary’s alignment with the United States on migration, family policy, and sovereignty was also reaffirmed, Minister Gulyás said, adding that discussions included the possibility of Hungary hosting a future international peace summit on Ukraine, contingent on regional developments.
On the domestic front, the government announced an extension of the interest rate cap on certain household and student loans. Nearly 273,000 families will continue to benefit from the rate freeze, and the 7.99% interest ceiling on student loans will remain unchanged. The administration also introduced a new 3% fixed-rate loan program for small and medium-sized businesses, expected to assist around 7,000 enterprises. Further tax reductions and simplifications for SMEs are under negotiation with the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In parallel, the government will double the so-called bank tax, arguing that financial institutions — whose profits have surged — can absorb the added burden without passing costs on to consumers. Minister Gulyás assured the public that the state will monitor banks to prevent higher fees.
Strengthening child protection is another priority. The government will double compensation for foster parents and increase allowances for parents raising children with disabilities. It will also create 200 new positions in the guardianship office and expand the number of school guards and child protection officers. A nationwide hygiene minimum will be introduced as well, and a new infant care institution is being planned.
In a broader political context, Minister Gulyás defended the government against criticism from Brussels and opposition parties, particularly on issues of national sovereignty and data protection. He accused the European Commission of using funding as leverage to push for a change in government in Hungary and called the recent Tisza Party data leak a serious national security threat.
Minister Gulyás concluded by emphasizing that Hungary’s economic and political stability, combined with strategic partnerships, allows the government to make ambitious policy commitments such as the 14th month pension. He underlined that such initiatives reflect long-term planning rather than short-term populism.