He noted that more than 15,000 people have applied for the scheme in its first three weeks, averaging around 1,000 applications per working day. Property listings also surged, with 20 percent more homes advertised in early September than a year earlier, and a 31 percent jump from August to September. The largest increases were seen in Budapest, where listings rose by 71 percent, and in county seats, where the growth was 60 percent. According to the minister, the program not only stimulates the housing market but also allows renters to become homeowners, often with repayments equal to or lower than rental costs.
Gulyás stressed that family support remains a cornerstone of government policy, with more than 4,800 billion forints earmarked for family-related measures in 2026. From October 1, mothers of three or more children will be exempt from personal income tax, with mothers of two joining the scheme from January in a phased manner. The minister highlighted that the government has increased nursery places by 70,000 since 2010, meaning childcare is now available in four times as many towns and villages as before. He also pointed out that 600,000 children receive free or subsidized meals and 1.2 million are entitled to free schoolbooks.
Turning to energy policy, Gulyás warned that decoupling from Russian energy would endanger Hungary’s security of supply and could cost around 4 percent of GDP — some 10 billion dollars — citing an International Monetary Fund study. He added that the Adria oil pipeline cannot provide secure, affordable supplies, noting that Croatian transit fees have risen sharply in recent years. He emphasized that while the government continues to diversify energy sources, maintaining Russian imports remains essential to both energy security and the protection of household utility price cuts.
The minister ruled out austerity measures, saying budget revenues remain solid thanks to consumption, even as economic growth slows across Europe. He confirmed that the government’s National Consultation on tax policy will begin on October 1, asking Hungarians to weigh in on whether to keep the single-rate income tax and family reliefs or move toward a progressive system.
On legal and political matters, Gulyás addressed the ongoing Szőlő utca case, stating that no minor victim appears in the criminal process and describing related allegations against government officials as part of a coordinated smear campaign. He also criticized a European Parliament committee’s decision to maintain opposition leader Péter Magyar’s immunity in a public-prosecution case, arguing that this demonstrates undue political protection from Brussels. He further underlined that carrying firearms to assemblies is strictly prohibited by law, with violations subject to license revocation and potentially criminal liability.
Gulyás announced that the government has approved the payment of the six-month “arms money” bonus for members of the armed forces and police. The allowance will also extend to border hunters and officer cadets, with payouts scheduled for February 2026 provided no disciplinary proceedings are pending against recipients.
In agriculture, the cabinet allocated 3.8 billion forints to fight the spread of grapevine flavescence dorée, a disease transmitted by the American grapevine leafhopper. The funds will cover spraying, the removal of infected vineyards, and drone-based detection efforts. Gulyás warned that the disease threatens Hungary’s entire grape-growing sector, though it poses no danger to humans.
Government spokesperson Eszter Vitályos highlighted that 490 billion forints’ worth of investments were delivered last week, including the upgrade of the Békéscsaba–Lőkösháza railway line, worth 186 billion forints. She also announced major new projects, such as a high-tech insulation materials plant by Vulcan Shield Global in Békéscsaba and a new facility for automotive supplier Meleghy Automotive in Miskolc.
On transport regulation, Gulyás confirmed that a comprehensive overhaul of the KRESZ road code is underway. A draft is expected by spring 2026, with the new rules entering into force in the second half of that year. Zero tolerance on alcohol will remain, while stricter rules for electric scooters and potential staged licensing for high-power vehicles are also under consideration.