Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
According to a report by news agency MTI, the central budget deficit came to HUF 2.010 tln and social security funds were HUF 129.6 bln in the red, while separate state funds posted a surplus of HUF 32.9 bln.
Revenue from taxes and contributions rose 8.8% from the base period.
In February alone, the general government deficit reached HUF 2.139 tln, up from HUF 1.655 tln in the same month a year earlier.
The ministry said the cost of pensioners’ 13th-month supplement totaled HUF 579.3 bln, while the first-quarter portion of the 14th-month supplement added HUF 144.8 bln to expenditures.
Support for home purchases or mortgage repayments offered to public sector workers early in the year — up to HUF 1 million per applicant — came to around HUF 160 bln, it added.
New personal income tax exemptions for mothers and higher tax allowances for families raising children left close to HUF 60 bln with taxpayers compared to the base period, the ministry said.
Expenditures were also lifted by public sector pay rises from the start of the year that appeared in February paychecks, it added.
“Despite the prolonged war and its negative impact on the economic environment, the 2026 budget ensures all necessary resources for support for families, pensioners and local SMEs,” the ministry said.
“Hungary’s finances are in order and fiscal stability is being preserved,” it added.
Detailed data show Hungary’s central budget debt rose by HUF 2.379 tln during the period, driven by HUF 1.673 tln of net forint issuance and HUF 1.182 tln of net FX issuance. A firmer forint reduced the debt by HUF 476.7 bln.
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For over 30 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
