Reacting to the latest GDP data showing 0.6 percent growth in 2024—outperforming expectations—PM Orbán made it clear that the government has a clear vision for the future. “When I said we would have a fantastic year, I wasn’t gambling or playing the lottery. I knew exactly where we stood,” he stated, highlighting that the economy is already showing signs of acceleration.
One factor the prime minister pointed to was the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. “Trump’s victory signals the end of the war phase and that a period of peace is coming. Businesses know that during a war, you hold back—but when peace comes, you invest, take risks, and expand. This American tailwind will help Hungary’s economy as well,” he explained.
PM Orbán addressed what he described as a Hungarian economic paradox: skepticism and cynicism in the face of actual achievements. “When we set ambitious goals, there’s always a group that reacts with mockery. I experienced this when we committed to creating 1 million new jobs in 2010—people laughed. But we did it. Now, the same cynicism surrounds our goal of reaching a HUF 1 million average monthly salary. But mark my words: We will achieve it,” he declared.
The prime minister noted early signs that Hungary is on track to reach this milestone. “Already, thanks to teacher salary increases, we have 4,000 teachers earning over HUF 1 million per month. This is just the beginning,” he added.
He also highlighted the financial strength of Hungarian households. “There is an enormous amount of money sitting in savings. Over 800,000 people have invested in government bonds, meaning that 3.2 million Hungarians live in households with significant savings. This is only a fraction of the HUF 90 trillion in financial assets that Hungarians hold,” he revealed. The key, PM Orbán said, is breaking through the cynicism and mobilizing this capital for investment.
A core theme of the interview was the government’s commitment to strengthening the middle class. “The real question is, what is the purpose of the economy? Not abstract GDP figures, but whether everyday Hungarians see their lives improving,” he said.
For PM Orbán, the middle class is defined by stability: “They work, own property, and raise families with a sense of security. If we want a successful Hungary, we must expand this class and make sure they feel supported.”
This includes pensioners, who will once again receive their 13th-month pension in February. “Brussels wants to take this away. Every year, they recommend phasing it out. But let me be clear: As long as I am prime minister, the 13th-month pension will stay,” he vowed.
While discussing external risks, PM Orbán pointed to the weakening German economy as a major concern. “Germany is in trouble, and unfortunately, Berlin is making it worse by following Brussels’ misguided economic policies. The European Commission has imposed tariffs on Chinese electric cars, despite German manufacturers warning that this will hurt them. Now, those same manufacturers are suing Brussels,” he noted.
To protect Hungary, the government is pushing ahead with its “connectivity” strategy—strengthening trade ties with Asia and the Middle East. “We cannot be trapped in a declining European economy. Our partnerships with China, South Korea, and the Arab world will provide the growth opportunities we need,” he emphasized.
The prime minister also touched on energy security and the ongoing sanctions against Russia. “Brussels insists on prolonging sanctions, even as the Americans admit that Ukraine will not win this war. Meanwhile, we have lost €19.5 billion due to these sanctions,” he stated.
Hungary recently secured guarantees to protect its energy supply, but PM Orbán made it clear that Budapest is prepared to act if these guarantees are not upheld. “We have the power to veto the next round of sanctions. If our interests are not protected, we will pull the plug,” he warned.
PM Orbán ended the interview on an optimistic note, forecasting strong growth in the latter half of 2025. “The first half of the year will be good, but the real acceleration will come in the third and fourth quarters. That’s when everyone will see that a new growth phase has begun,” he predicted.
His message was clear: Hungary has the resources, strategy, and determination to succeed. “If we stay focused, stay optimistic, and refuse to listen to the cynics, 2025 will be a fantastic year for Hungary,” the prime minister concluded.