At Wednesday’s government press briefing, Minister Gergely Gulyás and government spokesperson Eszter Vitályos outlined several key economic and policy decisions made by the Hungarian cabinet. The meeting included Hungary’s ambassador to Brussels, who briefed ministers on upcoming EU developments ahead of next week’s European Council summit.
Gulyás criticized the recently adopted EU Migration Pact, arguing it poses ‘the greatest danger’ by allowing unlimited migrant redistribution during crises. He reaffirmed that Hungary ‘will not accept a single migrant’, noting that a previous national referendum overwhelmingly rejected mandatory relocation quotas. Hungary, he added, will legally challenge any EU decision enforcing such measures.
The minister also announced that Hungary will contest the EU’s RePowerEU initiative, which seeks to restrict Russian energy imports. Gulyás emphasized that Hungary depends on Russian energy supplies to protect household utility price caps, warning that the new rules would undermine Europe’s competitiveness by banning Russian oil and gas from 2027.
Turning to domestic matters, Gulyás unveiled a 100-billion-forint solar energy and battery storage programme aimed at supporting sustainable household energy use. Applications will open in January, prioritizing residents who have lost access to the net-metering system and those living in smaller communities.
The government also approved the development of the Budapest Airport Express Rail Link through a concession model. The 27-kilometre line will connect the airport with Nyugati Railway Station in 19 minutes, operating every five–ten minutes, with ticket prices expected between 3,000 and 4,000 forints.
Addressing the ongoing investigation into the Szőlő Street juvenile facility, Gulyás confirmed that it is proceeding under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office. He said all correctional institutions housing minors will now be placed under police supervision to prevent future abuses.
On the economy, Gulyás stated that the government remains committed to achieving a minimum wage equivalent to 1,000 euros by 2028, depending on the forint-euro exchange rate. He also assured that pension increases will at least match inflation levels, citing central bank forecasts.
The minister reiterated Hungary’s opposition to seizing Russian assets held in Europe, warning that such a move would undermine investor confidence and violate international law.
Gulyás further commented on the Tisza Party, claiming that its recently leaked austerity proposals align with Brussels’s demands and are difficult to deny as authentic, given their authorship by the party’s own economic adviser.
Finally, he dismissed Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony’s criticism over delayed state payments, arguing that funds are withheld only because the capital has yet to sign the required agreements. ‘Everything due to the city will be paid,’ he said, urging cooperation instead of conflict between the government and the capital.
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