Hungary’s National Economy Ministry (NGM) issued a sharp statement on Thursday, reacting to the latest labour market figures while accusing Brussels and the opposition Tisza Party of pushing for damaging economic measures.
According to the ministry, the European Commission expects Hungary to introduce higher progressive income tax rates, reduce tax benefits, phase out household energy subsidies, and end price and interest caps.
The NGM claimed the Tisza Party, following EU instructions, would impose steep new income tax brackets of 22 per cent and 33 per cent, while also raising corporate tax from the current 9 per cent to 25 per cent. The ministry argued that such steps would hurt Hungarian families and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with revenues instead supporting Ukraine and multinational corporations.
‘The so-called “Tisza tax” would endanger households’ livelihoods and devastate the SME sector,’ the ministry warned, stressing that the government stands firmly on the side of workers and businesses.
Citing data from the Central Statistical Office, the ministry highlighted that nearly 4.7 million people were employed in August 2025, one million more than in 2010. During the same period, the average wage has more than tripled, while the minimum wage has quadrupled. Real wages have been rising continuously for over 18 months, it added.
The ministry also pointed to the government’s Demján Sándor Programme, which provides more than 1,400 billion forints to help SMEs grow and boost productivity. It emphasized that SMEs make up 99 per cent of Hungarian businesses and employ 72 per cent of the workforce, making their protection crucial to economic stability.
‘The opposition would impose brutal tax hikes, leading to wage cuts and job losses. By contrast, our government is committed to strengthening domestic industry, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring families’ financial security,’ the statement concluded.
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