Facing rising economic challenges and a growing need for external financing, Hungary has returned to international debt markets with a major dollar bond sale, signaling a shift in fiscal strategy and a bid to reassure investors of its financial footing. The Hungarian government raised $4 billion through a three-part dollar bond sale this week, ramping […]

Hungary's Budget Deficit Nears Annual Target Amid Economic ConcernsHungary's budget deficit has surged to 62% of the government's full-year target in the first quarter, following a significant shortfall in March—the second-largest for that month in 24 years. This development raises questions about the feasibility of the administration's revised economic growth projections, especially as the National […]

As we usher in the new year, Hungary finds itself at the crossroads of fiscal challenges and economic resilience, with the government acknowledging a significant overshooting of its budget deficit estimate for 2023. The implications of this unexpected development reverberate beyond national borders, impacting investor confidence and raising questions about the credibility of Hungary's fiscal […]

After experiencing a surplus in the previous month, Hungary faced a significant monthly budget deficit in October, surpassing the government's initial target and intensifying concerns about the nation's financial stability. The shortfall signals challenges for the cash-strapped Cabinet that is desperately seeking EU funds, that remain suspended by Brussels due to ongoing concerns related to […]

By the end of April, 83% of the full-year deficit of HUF 3,152.7 billion planned for the public finances had been reached in Hungary. The value of Hungarian exports was 8.7% and that of Hungarian imports 23% larger in EUR terms in March 2022 than in the same period of the previous year. According to […]

Sándor Csányi, chairman of Hungary’s largest commercial bank OTP, warned that the Hungary needs a budget adjustment of up to HUF 1,700 billion. The war in the Ukraine, international energy prices and the outcome of Hungary’s standoff with the European Union will decide the exact extent and nature of the budget adjustment, according to Csányi. […]

A hefty spending spree by the government ahead of April’s elections has left a significant hole in Hungary’s budget at a time when the war in Ukraine is putting further pressure on the country’s financials. With the budget deficit reaching nearly 75% of the annual target by the end of March, the new government will […]

According to preliminary data the deficit of the general government sector in 2021 was HUF 3,736 billion, 6.8% of GDP. The balance improved year-on-year by HUF 25 billion, or by 1.0 percentage points as a proportion of GDP. Hungary's Central Statistical Office reported the data to Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the EU, in compliance […]

Hungary will cut spending by around EUR 2 billion next year as the government expects economic expansion to slow in 2022. The Cabinet of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, facing a closely fought general election next spring, is balancing between generous financial handouts to voters and a commitment to keep the budget deficit in check. The […]

Hungary’s November government deficit broke an all-time record, boosted by a government spending spree to win re-election next spring. Economists fear that the upcoming general election will put the much-needed fiscal consolidation on hold. Hungary recorded an unprecedented monthly budget shortfall of HUF 1,009 billion in November, according to preliminary information published by the Ministry […]

Hungary raised the equivalent of EUR.4. billion in foreign-currency bonds this week in one of the largest FX debt issuance in the country’s history. The move suggests the government expects the dispute with the European Union over funding to drag on. Hungary sold USD 2.25 billion in 10-year dollar bonds, USD 2 billion in 30-year […]

Despite lifting many of the pandemic-related restrictions, Hungary’s central budget posted a significant shortfall in May. Expenditures are mounting on a new set of measures to re-start the economy. In May, the central budget booked a deficit of HUF 269 billion, pushing the shortfall in the first 5 months of the year to HUF -1,312.6 […]