logo
Fitch Ratings affirms Hungary's sovereign rating with a stable outlook

Fitch Ratings affirms Hungary's sovereign rating with a stable outlook

Budapest Times2 days ago

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Hungary's sovereign rating with a stable outlook.
The National Economy Ministry said all three big rating agencies have put Hungary in the investment grade category.
The ministry faulted decision-makers in Brussels for adopting a failed economic policy, supporting the war instead of peace, and giving all available funding to Ukraine, while the European economy faces growing challenges. The government is working to shield Hungarians from the negative external environment and strengthen the economy, allocating resources to support families and SMEs, it added.
In spite of pressure from Brussels, the government is implementing Europe's biggest family-friendly tax cut programme, while taking firm steps against unjustified price increases, the ministry said.
At the same time, the government continues to preserve fiscal stability and exercise strict fiscal discipline, maintaining its commitment to reduce state debt and the budget deficit, it said. In May and June, budget revenue was boosted by a HUF 110bn dividend paid by Liszt Ferenc International operator Budapest Airport and a HUF 200bn dividend by state-owned energy group MVM, it added.
Hungary's economy stands on firm foundations, confirmed by the latest data showing employment at close to 4.7 million and a record low number of job-seekers, the ministry said. Real wages have climbed for over a year and a half, and the tourism sector is set to have a record year in 2025, it added.
Confidence in Hungary is reflected in bond issues on international markets, most recently a EUR 1 billion security issued by the Hungarian Development Bank (MFB) that drew outstanding interest, the ministry said.
The ministry highlighted stimulus programmes such as the Demjan Sandor Programme for scaling up SMEs that will pump over HUF 1,400bn into the economy.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Georgia is under attack because it stands for peace, PM says
Georgia is under attack because it stands for peace, PM says

Budapest Times

time9 hours ago

  • Budapest Times

Georgia is under attack because it stands for peace, PM says

Prime Minister Orbán's meeting with the Georgian Prime Minister brought to the forefront Hungary's solidarity with countries defending their sovereignty. Referring to Georgia's firm stance on remaining neutral in the Ukraine conflict and resisting pressure from Brussels, Prime Minister Orbán praised the Georgian government's position. 'Their government is under attack from Brussels because it stands for peace, refuses to be drawn into war, stands up for its sovereignty, and proudly declares that their homeland comes first,' he stated. Hungary, he continued, supports Georgia's sovereignty not only in bilateral relations but also on the European stage. 'We understand their situation deeply, and we consider today's guests, led by the prime minister, to be true patriotic heroes,' Prime Minister Orbán said, emphasizing the shared values and experiences between the two nations. The Hungarian and Georgian governments signed multiple cooperation agreements during the summit, underscoring their commitment to strategic partnership and mutual support. Reacting to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's remarks, Prime Minister Orbán declared, 'Hungary was openly and harshly threatened by the Ukrainians.' The prime minister was unequivocal in his message. 'The Ukrainians do not accept that decisions regarding Ukraine's EU accession should be made by the Hungarian people in Hungary,' he said. 'And they certainly do not accept a negative decision. That's why they are threatening us, blackmailing us, and attacking us.' In light of this, Prime Minister Orbán made a pointed recommendation: 'We suggest to the Ukrainian president that instead of threatening and blackmailing, he should thank the Hungarian people.' His comments reflect growing tensions surrounding Ukraine's EU integration process, which Hungary has been hesitant to support unconditionally.

Ministry for National Economy updates expected 2025 cash-flow based budget deficit
Ministry for National Economy updates expected 2025 cash-flow based budget deficit

Budapest Times

time11 hours ago

  • Budapest Times

Ministry for National Economy updates expected 2025 cash-flow based budget deficit

The Ministry for National Economy has changed the expected 2025 cash-flow based budget deficit to HUF 4,774 billion. In line with that announcement the Government Debt Management Agency Pte Ltd. (ÁKK) has modified its financing plan for 2025. ÁKK plans to cover the resulting HUF 651 billion increase of funding needs for 2025 with FX bond issuance. The amended plan contemplates FX bond issuance in the amount of EUR 3 billion which exceeds the additional financing need which will facilitate the accumulation of intra-year liquid reserves and enhance the flexibility of debt management. Timing, currency, and maturity of any issuance will be determined by ÁKK based on market conditions. FX bond issuance will also allow ÁKK to reduce slightly the net issuance target for the institutional HUF market by HUF 344 billion. The planned net increase of retail government securities and institutional securities owned by households remains unchanged. Benchmark targets also remain unchanged.

President Sulyok: The region can rely on Hungary
President Sulyok: The region can rely on Hungary

Budapest Times

timea day ago

  • Budapest Times

President Sulyok: The region can rely on Hungary

Following a Catholic mass in Sanzieni (Kezdiszentlelek), in Romania, on Monday, President Tamás Sulyok said an important precondition for the renewal of a community is 'unity with each other and unity with ourselves, so that we can experience the unity of the nation above borders'. President Sulyok said that at a time when the region suffered from devastating floods, it can 'rely on us, on Hungary, also'. He said he was joining a comprehensive cooperation he had seen among Szeklers and the people of Transylvania, and was supporting with his contribution the activities of the Hungarian Interchurch Aid, aiming to alleviate the flood damage. President Sulyok said the Pentecost holiday was also an expression of unity, and this unity could be experienced each year at the Saturday mass when Hungarians from around the world meet on the Somlyo Ridge. On Saturday, President Sulyok inaugurated a carved wooden grave post in Piatra Niergeş (Nyergesteto). On Monday, he is scheduled to visit Ilieni (Illyefalva) and lay a wreath at the statue of the writer Mor Jokai, born 200 years ago this year.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store