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Orban Rejects Austerity Amid Economic Struggles Ahead of Election

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, denied the need for austerity ahead of the April election.
He said his Fidesz party would maintain spending policies despite a stagnant economy and inflation from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Economists say the next government will need to tighten budgets after heavy pre-election spending, as Hungary's economy has struggled for three years and lagged behind Poland and the Czech Republic.

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Story summary

Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, denied the need for austerity ahead of the April election.
He said his Fidesz party would maintain spending policies despite a stagnant economy and inflation from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Economists say the next government will need to tighten budgets after heavy pre-election spending, as Hungary's economy has struggled for three years and lagged behind Poland and the Czech Republic.