Hungarian Conservative

At an event launching the project aimed at improving teachers’ salaries with EU support State Secretary Bence Rétvári reminded that teachers’ salaries nearly doubled over four years, while other governmental measures are also being implemented to increase the number of people choosing the profession.

Balázs Hankó underscored Hungary’s strides in scientific and educational excellence, noting that 12 Hungarian universities now rank among the top five per cent globally. He outlined ambitious goals, aiming for one Hungarian university to enter the world’s top 100 by 2030, with three making it into the top 100 institutions in the European Union.

Hungary’s commitment to significantly enhancing educator salaries not only acknowledges the invaluable contribution of educators but also aims to bolster the quality of education by attracting and retaining top talent in the teaching profession. The decision comes as part of Hungary’s broader efforts to navigate pandemic challenges and foster a robust recovery in the education sector.

In March, the second phase of wage adjustment for healthcare professionals, including specialized nurses, will follow, as stated by Minister of the Interior Sándor Pintér during Tuesday’s session of the Welfare Committee of the National Assembly.

In the autumn legislative package, the government will broaden the competencies of general practitioners, for example, they will regain prescription rights for certain medications that were previously taken away.

Regarding healthcare salary increases, the minister said the government will continue its two-stage wage hike programme. In addition to the 18 per cent raise in July this year, 200 billion forints have been allocated for this purpose in the draft budget for next year. The funds for pharmaceutical subsidies, cash benefits in health insurance, and the procurement of ambulances will also be expanded.

A new draft legislation has been posted on the government’s website which details plans to increase teachers’ salaries, introduce employment relationships in public education, and make other miscellaneous changes to the public education system.