Hungary General Government Deficit over HUF 2,100 Bn

Hungary's cash flow-based general government deficit reached HUF 2,106.8 billion at the end of February, the Ministry of National Economy has confirmed in a detailed release of data.

The central budget deficit reached HUF 2,010.1 billion and the social security funds were HUF 129.6 billion in the red, but separate state funds had a surplus of HUF 32.9 billion. Revenue from tax and contributions rose 8.8% from the base period. Alone in February, the general government deficit came to HUF 2,139.1 billion, climbing from HUF 1,655.0 billion in the same month a year earlier.

The ministry noted that the cost of pensioners' 13th-month supplement came to HUF 579.3 billion, while the first quarter of their 14th-month supplement boosted expenditures by HUF 144.8 billion. Home purchase or mortgage repayment support offered to public sector workers early in the year - up to HUF 1 million per applicant - came to around HUF 160 billion, it added.

New personal income tax exemptions for mothers and higher tax allowances for families raising children left close to HUF 60 billion with taxpayers compared to the base period, the ministry said. Expenditures were also lifted by public sector pay rises from the start of the year that showed up in February paycheques, it added.

"In spite of the prolonged war and its negative impact on the economic environment, the 2026 budget ensures all necessary resources for support for families, pensioners and local SMEs," the ministry said. "Hungary's finances are in order and fiscal stability is being preserved," it added.

The detailed data show Hungary's central budget debt rose by HUF 2,379.5 billion during the period, boosted by HUF 1,672.7 billion of net forint issues and 1,182.4 billion of net FX issues. The firmer forint shaved HUF 476.7 billion off the debt.