"The data is now publicly released, but the government has access to the raw data. So when I said we were taking off with a flying start, I knew where we stood," said Viktor Orban in his regular Friday morning interview on Kossuth Radio, assessing economic data. The positive figures also reflect the impact of the US elections, since economic actors get going if there is peace, the prime minister added.
"There is a lot of money in the Hungarian economy"
He pointed out that a factor in Hungary's economic policy is for people to believe that we are in a situation where something can be done and that we can break through the cynicism. He added that there is cynicism and mockery regarding the idea of a one-million-forint average salary in Hungary, but the Hungarian economy has a great deal of money and energy.
The national consultation successfully broke through the wall of cynicism, and if people can be encouraged to mobilize their money, 2025 will be a fantastic year,
he said.
Viktor Orban also highlighted as a major achievement that Hungary was able to pay interest on government bonds. In PM Orban's view, strengthening the middle class is a realistic goal. He noted that
compared to the growth in the last quarter, even higher growth can be expected this year.
The real acceleration will be visible and palpable in the third and fourth quarters, he said, adding that he expects that this growth will continue into 2026.
Viktor Orban believes that cynicism works if it has some basis in reality. There are difficulties, but the question is how to overcome them. Cynics claim that success is impossible. In times of war, after COVID, he thinks that there is a breeding ground for this. He pointed out that since the beginning of sanctions, Hungary has lost 6.5 billion forints per year. People have money but are hesitant to invest it in the economy, according to the prime minister.
A growing middle class
What truly matters is how Hungarian people are living. The economy should be about improving their lives, Viktor Orban stressed.
Broadening and strengthening the middle class is key for the Hungarian economy. That is the antidote to poverty,
he explained. He noted that Donald Trump also won with a similar program, and European politics is
increasingly shifting away from liberal talk toward concerns about how our children will live.
In Western Europe, many believe their children will have a worse life than they do, while in Central Europe, people think differently about this issue.