Hungary has been increasing the minimum wage at one of the fastest rates in the European Union, the ruling Fidesz group in the European Parliament said on Tuesday, ahead of a vote by the EP’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) on a draft directive on adequate minimum wages.
MEP Ádám Kósa said in a statement that there was nothing new in-store with the current compromise because it leaves the right of member states to set the minimum wage based on their own economic and social circumstances. The draft continues to leave room for the minimum wage policy of the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrats, he added. Compared with 2010, when the Orbán government entered power, the basic monthly minimum wage in Hungary has increased from 73,500 forints (EUR 180) to 200,000, and the minimum wage for skilled workers from 89,500 to 260,000, he said. In European comparison, this is the fourth fastest wage increase and the fastest among the Visegrad Group countries, he added. The EU draft does not threaten Fidesz’s minimum wage policy but proposes a calculation methodology, he said.
Photo credit: fidesz-eu.hu