BUDAPEST, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Hungary's parliament approved the 2026 central budget on Tuesday with 133 votes in favor, 47 against, and no abstentions.
The government projects 4.1 percent economic growth next year, with inflation targeted at 3.6 percent and the budget deficit set at 3.7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Public debt is expected to decline to 72.3 percent of GDP by the end of 2026, from 73.1 percent forecast for 2025.
The 2026 budget sets expenditures at some 43,781 billion forints (125.06 billion U.S. dollars) and revenues at 39,563 billion forints, resulting in a deficit of 4,219 billion forints. Key allocations include 5,600 billion forints for family support programs, 4,000 billion for education, and 3,919 billion for healthcare. Defense spending will reach 2,016 billion forints, meeting Hungary's 2 percent NATO commitment.
The budget includes a 13-percent increase in the minimum wage, a guaranteed 13th-month pension, and expanded tax benefits for families. From 2026, mothers under 40 with two children will be exempt from personal income tax, as part of what the government calls "Europe's biggest family tax reduction programme."
"We voted for an anti-war, family-focused budget," said Mate Kocsis, Fidesz parliamentary group leader. "More money than ever will remain with families raising children." (1 Hungarian forint = 0.0029 U.S. dollar) ■
