A new survey conducted by the Nézőpont Institute in cooperation with Hungary’s public media indicates broad public support for the 13th and 14th month pensions, as well as for the government’s utility price cap.
Presenting the findings on public news channel M1 on Saturday morning, analyst Milán Pálfalvi said 74 per cent of respondents have a positive view of the 13th-month pension. He attributed the high level of support to the fact that the benefit is now well established and familiar to the public. Support for the 14th-month pension stood at 62 per cent, which he said is slightly lower because the measure is newer.
According to Pálfalvi, the broad social consensus suggests that Hungarians welcome the preservation of the real value of pensions and appreciate that pensioners receive additional payments on top of their regular benefits. He added that many citizens see the extra pensions as a tangible expression of respect toward older generations, who contributed to building the country during their working years.
The analyst noted that the 13th-month pension, which he said had previously been withdrawn by socialist governments, was reintroduced by the current administration, which also introduced the 14th-month pension.
Pálfalvi argued that the increase of one million jobs since 2010 provides sufficient financial backing for the additional pension payments. He also pointed to room for manoeuvre within the state budget, citing the taxation of multinational companies as a means of maintaining balance while sustaining the utility price reduction scheme.
He added that the extra pension payments also stimulate consumption, which in turn has a positive impact on the economy.
The survey also examined public opinion on the government’s utility price cap. Two-thirds of respondents described the measure as a good decision. Pálfalvi called it a responsible step, demonstrating that the government assumes responsibility in times of crisis. He said the cabinet reacted swiftly to increased utility costs caused by unusually cold weather.
The analyst maintained that the government has consistently managed crises effectively, in contrast to administrations prior to 2010, which he said mishandled or failed to address crisis situations. As an example, he recalled a deadly storm that struck the country on 20 August in a previous period, claiming the authorities had been unprepared.
In closing, Pálfalvi said the government has always addressed crises in line with Hungarian national interests, including in matters related to the war.
Related articles:
