Hungary now officially the poorest country in the EU
New Eurostat figures show that Hungary has officially become the poorest member of the European Union based on one of the most important welfare indicators—Actual Individual Consumption (AIC) per capita. In 2024, the average consumption level of Hungarian households amounts to just 72% of the EU average, placing the country last in the ranking—behind even Bulgaria and Estonia.
Higher GDP, but lower consumption
Based on per capita GDP, Hungary ranks mid-tier (77% of the EU average), yet the actual goods and services consumed by households—including public services like healthcare and education—are significantly lower. This suggests that the country’s economic output does not translate into a higher standard of living for its citizens.
Meanwhile, Poland—a country Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has often cited as a model—achieves an AIC of 85%, beating Hungary by 13 percentage points despite having a similar level of economic development, according to Kyiv Insider.
What’s behind the decline?
The gap continues to widen, and economic factors alone don’t tell the full story. Analysts point to the increasingly authoritarian direction of the Orbán government, the funnelling of state assets and EU funds to loyalist circles, as well as low wages, high inflation, and emigration as key contributors to the decline in household wellbeing. The middle class is eroding, and the social groups essential to sustaining real prosperity are slowly disappearing.
Is a political earthquake on the horizon?
The deteriorating economic situation appears to already be having political consequences. According to a Medián poll published by HVG on 18 June, the opposition party led by Péter Magyar—the Tisza Party—is leading Fidesz by 15 percentage points among likely voters (51% to 36%). Among voters under 40, the lead is even stronger, with 58% supporting Tisza. Just three months ago, the gap was only nine points.
This shift could have not only domestic but also geopolitical implications. Hungary remains the EU and NATO’s most pro-Russian member state, regularly blocking support for Ukraine and echoing Kremlin talking points. As support for Fidesz crumbles, one of Vladimir Putin’s key European allies may also be losing its footing.
A chance for change
The message is clear: the Orbán system—sustained by strong macroeconomic indicators but marked by centralised power and a clientelist economy—is showing signs of weakness. Ordinary Hungarians are feeling the effects: wages remain stagnant in real terms, quality of life is declining, and more citizens are seeking better opportunities abroad.
Without sweeping reforms—including transparent allocation of EU funds, strengthening the rule of law, raising wages, and combating corruption—Hungary will continue its downward spiral. However, the latest Medián data also signals that the public desires change, and a political shift that prioritises family wellbeing could be imminent.
Read more economy-related news on Daily News Hungary.
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