Hungarian lawmakers vote unanimously to reduce their own salaries by 40%, as part of a wider effort led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar to curb public spending and improve public finances. According to reports, the pay cut takes effect next month and also applies to other high-ranking officials, along with reductions to related allowances. The move is presented as fulfilling a reform pledge made by Magyar’s government.
One outlet notes that Magyar has positioned the decision as a response to criticism that previous arrangements—associated with nationalist premier Viktor Orbán—kept lawmakers’ pay and benefits relatively high to manage political opposition. Magyar and his party, which included many political newcomers, won the April 12 elections by a landslide, and the salary reduction is framed as part of changes introduced by the new administration.
Reporting across sources indicates the vote involves all legislators present and is aimed at lowering administrative costs. The government says the steps are intended to support economic stabilization and to help unlock or secure access to European Union funding.
