“This agreement does not diverge from our great plan,” said Prime Minister Orbán, referring to the government’s long-term strategy of building a work-based society. He described Hungary’s historical reality: Lacking natural resources, the country must rely solely on what its people produce “with muscle or intellect.”
This, he noted, is the harsh lesson of the 20th century that still shapes Hungary’s economic philosophy today.
The prime minister emphasized that Hungary “cannot follow the model of so-called welfare societies, based on benefits.” Instead, Hungary must pursue full employment and a culture that values productivity and work ethic. “If everyone works, the country can thrive,” he declared.
According to the agreement, the minimum wage will rise by 11 percent to HUF 322,800, while the guaranteed wage minimum will increase by 7 percent to HUF 373,200. These new levels will form the basis of wage structures in the Hungarian economy for the coming year.
The measures directly affect 700,000 workers.
PM Orbán stressed that the agreement is not the government’s achievement. “The agreement was made by employers and employees. The government merely supported it,” he noted. This support included targeted tax cuts and a cooperation package with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry worth HUF 90 billion.
In addition to wage measures, the government has introduced a 3 percent fixed-interest home loan program for first-time buyers. Although not formally part of the wage deal, Prime Minister Orbán noted that it contributes to the broader aim of reducing financial pressure on young workers seeking to build their future.
PM Orbán also reiterated his long-standing position that the government should not dictate wages. “Although we could impose the minimum wage by decree, we won't do that,” he said. Describing when the government is forced to intervene because employers and employees cannot agree as a nightmare scenario, he emphasized that “wages should be set through dialogue at the workplace.”
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Orbán highlighted that over the past 15 years, Hungary’s minimum wage has grown at three times the EU average. He recalled that in 2010, the minimum wage stood at HUF 73,000, while the guaranteed wage minimum was HUF 89,000. These figures, he said, are important reminders of how far the country has come, and why the government will continue to support labor agreements built on consensus and market logic.