The budget integrates Hungary’s new 21-point economic action plan, with an ambitious goal to achieve a 3-6% growth rate in 2025. The budget is expected to be bolstered by new investments, including BMW and BYD establishing operations in Hungary next year, which will contribute significantly to economic growth.
Key initiatives include a work loan program designed for young people aged 17-25, offering an interest-free loan up to 4 million forints for those working at least 20 hours weekly or running a business. Students with existing educational loans are not eligible, as this loan targets financial flexibility for youth entering the workforce.
Additionally, the home renovation program will be reintroduced to support families in towns with fewer than 5,000 residents, covering up to 50% of labor costs with a cap of 3 million forints, similar to the successful 2021-2022 version of the program.
Minister Gulyás emphasized economic neutrality as a central budget objective, with measures like doubling tax benefits for families with children. This strategic move aims to stimulate economic resilience by reducing tax burdens and focusing on policies that support sustainable family incomes.
The minister also addressed EU agricultural funding, criticizing the European People's Party (EPP) and Hungary’s Tisza Party for backing changes that may redirect Hungarian agricultural subsidies to Ukraine. Minister Gulyás called for national unity on this issue to protect Hungary’s farmers and ensure that agricultural resources remain in Hungary, expressing frustration with any Hungarian political parties that align with these external interests.
On matters of national sovereignty, Gulyás stated that the Tisza Party’s actions align with Brussels' stance, which he described as an attempt to interfere in Hungary’s internal affairs. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining control over domestic policy and prioritizing Hungary's economic interests in the face of foreign pressures.
Minister Gulyás concluded by reaffirming Hungary’s focus on growth, stability, and defending its interests within the EU framework, setting the stage for a budget that he believes will support Hungary’s goals both economically and politically in the coming year.