The Hungarian Parliament unanimously approved a 40% reduction in the base salary of its members on Monday, June 8, 2026. The legislative change, which passed without any votes in opposition, lowers the gross base salary for deputies from 6,135 euros to 3,680 euros. This initiative was spearheaded by the Tisza party, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, following the party’s victory in the April 2026 elections.
How the new salary structure works
The legislation alters the financial framework for parliamentary compensation by reducing the multiplier used to calculate salaries. Previously, the formula was based on triple the national average salary; the new law sets this multiplier at 1.8. Despite the reduction, the new base salary of 3,680 euros remains approximately 1,600 euros higher than the country’s average wage, according to reports.
The cuts extend beyond base pay. The salary for the President of the Chamber, Ágnes Forsthoffer, will decrease from 16,500 euros to 10,700 euros. Additionally, the compensation for group spokespeople is set to drop to 8,820 euros from the previous 12,250 euros. Lawmakers will also see their allowances for housing reduced by 31% and their office rental subsidies cut by 50%.
Budgetary impact and future outlook
Finance Minister András Kármán stated that the government expects these measures to result in a total savings of 140 million euros over the four-year legislative term. While Kármán acknowledged that this figure is not substantial in the context of the entire national budget, he emphasized that the move serves as a symbolic gesture, signaling that “the State and the politicians must be the first to apply measures of austerity.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new base salary for a Hungarian deputy?
The new gross base salary for members of the Hungarian Parliament is 3,680 euros.
Did any parliamentary groups vote against the salary cuts?
No. The legislation was approved this Monday without any votes cast against it.
Will these cuts impact local government offices?
The party of Prime Minister Péter Magyar has indicated that it does not rule out the possibility of applying similar austerity measures to municipal governments in the future.
How do you perceive the impact of symbolic austerity measures on public trust in government?
