Less taxes for the less fortunate, leaving Russian energy: Tisza Party reveals policy programme

Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party has presented a comprehensive policy programme outlining its vision for what it calls a “functional and humane Hungary”, pledging institutional reform, economic renewal and a decisive break with what it describes as years of political stagnation and state capture.

Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party revealed their programme

The 240-page document, published on the party’s website following months of preparation, was compiled with the involvement of more than a thousand experts working across sixty specialist groups. According to party leaders, the programme is intended as a governing blueprint rather than a campaign manifesto, addressing structural problems across the economy, public services and the rule of law.

In its introductory chapter, the Tisza Party argues that a future government must focus “from the first moment” on restoring healthcare, education, social services, child protection and public transport, while securing frozen EU funds and restarting economic growth. As 444 writes, the document also commits to rebuilding the rule of law, recovering misappropriated public assets and ensuring that political power no longer shields wrongdoing.

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Four pillars of reform

The programme is structured around four broad pillars, writes 24.hu. The first, “A prosperous and successful country”, centres on economic development and growth. At its core is the Ganz Ábrahám Economic Development Programme, which would prioritise small and medium-sized enterprises, reduce VAT, and introduce a more progressive tax system. The party proposes lower taxes for workers and greater responsibility for the wealthiest earners, alongside cuts to what it sees as distortionary subsidies for large multinationals.

The second pillar, “A peaceful and orderly country”, focuses on security and stability. Tisza Party maintains a firm stance against illegal migration, pledging to keep the southern border fence and strengthen border protection. Demographic decline is also addressed, with the stated goal of halting population loss by 2035 and returning Hungary’s population above ten million by mid-century. The programme also revisits local government autonomy, arguing for stronger municipalities and decentralised decision-making.

Under the third pillar, titled “A free and happy country”, the emphasis shifts to social welfare and quality of life. The Tisza Party promises targeted pension increases, immediate income-support measures for retirees, and the preservation of the 13th and 14th month pensions. A flagship “100% Family” initiative aims to break cycles of poverty through coordinated social policy, while specific measures target Roma inclusion and equal access to education.

The fourth pillar, “A clean and forward-looking country”, addresses sustainability and long-term resilience. Proposals include modernising digital public services, supporting SME digitalisation, increasing transparency of state-held data, and harnessing artificial intelligence in public administration. Environmental protection, climate policy and green investment feature prominently throughout this section.

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Energy, education and the rule of law

Speaking at the programme’s presentation, Tisza Party leader Péter Magyar said Hungarians are not expecting “miracles” but want a state that works. He argued that political accountability has been missing for decades and warned that Hungary is facing a deep social, moral and economic crisis that cannot be solved overnight.

Energy policy was highlighted by István Kapitány, who pledged to eliminate Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy by 2035 through diversification, energy efficiency investments and a major expansion of renewables. The party would also review the Paks II nuclear project and reassess network pricing structures.

On education, the programme promises the re-establishment of an independent education ministry, a 25% pay rise for support staff, reduced administrative burdens for teachers, greater methodological freedom, and the restoration of university autonomy. The state textbook monopoly would also be dismantled.

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Healthcare, social policy and environment

Healthcare proposals include increasing public health spending to 7% of GDP by 2030, cutting waiting times, upgrading regional hospitals and granting the health minister veto power over government decisions deemed harmful to public health. Tisza Party also aims to raise life expectancy to 80 years by 2035 through prevention-focused policies.

In social policy, the Tisza Party would double family allowances and maternity benefits, expand paid paternity leave, invest in elderly care facilities and raise wages in the social sector. It has also pledged to fully investigate abuses in state child protection and compensate victims.

Environmentally controversial investments, particularly battery plants, would be subject to strict review, while a new ministry dedicated to environmental protection, water management and animal welfare would be created.

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Where would they get the funds for all these?

According to budget expert András Kármán, funding would come from restoring EU funds, eliminating corruption, ending politically motivated subsidies, and recovering public assets. The party estimates that these measures could generate HUF several thousand billion in additional resources.