Finance Minister: War and energy crisis has “fundamentally” changed economic environment

Finance Minister Mihály Varga said the protracted war in Ukraine and the energy crisis caused by the European Union’s sanctions have “fundamentally” changed the economic environment, so the government must adjust the budget in the interest of protecting families and the economy. During a parliamentary debate on amendments to the 2023 budget, the minister said: “The government is sticking to its goals of protecting families, pensioners, jobs and the Hungarian economy, as well as ensuring Hungarian security.” The amendment bill would serve to provide “a basis for protecting achievements in these times of hardship and danger”, he said. The bill “aims to protect Hungarian families, businesses, and jobs while at the same time improving the country’s financial balance,” he added.