"From the excellent economists available, I selected someone capable of managing even the toughest situations. Mihály Varga is the calmest and most experienced choice," said the prime minister. Varga has been a member of parliament since 1990 and has held critical economic positions within the government, building a wealth of practical knowledge that PM Orbán believes will serve the central bank well.
As the finance minister transitions to his new role, the government is preparing for a revised economic management structure, which will start in January. PM Orbán hinted at significant adjustments, aligning them with Hungary’s broader economic objectives, including efforts to stabilize growth and address the challenges of wage increases.
The prime minister highlighted the government's commitment to increasing wages, describing the recent 40 percent minimum wage hike as historic in scale. "This is comparable to our earlier commitments, like creating 1 million jobs by 2010—a bold move many doubted at the time," he remarked. However, he acknowledged that such increases hinge on improving productivity and reducing administrative burdens for businesses, an area where the government plans to collaborate closely with industry chambers.
During the interview, PM Orbán also commented on regional matters, notably the upcoming Romanian elections. He commended the leadership of Hunor Kelemen, president of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), urging ethnic Hungarians to vote decisively in the parliamentary elections to ensure representation. "If they are proud of their identity, they will ensure the Hungarian community has a voice," he said.
On international matters, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a pressing concern. PM Orbán described the paradoxical situation as being "closer to peace than ever, yet in the most dangerous phase." The recent escalation, including the use of intercontinental ballistic missiles by Russia, underlines the fragile geopolitical climate. Despite these tensions, the prime minister reiterated Hungary’s dedication to a peaceful resolution.
PM Orbán also addressed the complexities of navigating European Union pressures while implementing a "peace budget" designed to transition Hungary to a new economic strategy. He criticized EU institutions for opposing measures aimed at supporting Hungarian citizens, asserting, "We must defend Hungary from decisions in Brussels that undermine our goals."
The prime minister concluded by emphasizing the importance of resilience and unity in both domestic and international arenas.