Shocking twist: China’s state-owned media reports on Hungary’s economic struggles!
Living in Hungary as a foreigner can be both exciting and challenging. Alongside the historic cities, vibrant cultural life and welcoming communities, it is also important to be aware of the economic reality that awaits those residing here. The country’s living environment has changed significantly in recent years, particularly in terms of inflation, food prices and purchasing power. Recently, a Chinese state broadcaster, CGTN, produced a surprisingly critical report on the economic situation in Hungary.
When a Chinese state television station highlights the difficulties facing the Hungarian economy, that in itself warrants attention—especially given that the current Hungarian leadership maintains a very good relationship with Beijing, and that CGTN is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.
This is not the type of media that typically criticises its own decision-makers or allied governments, which makes it particularly striking that a relatively sharply worded report on the difficulties of everyday life in Hungary has been released. What was said in the report was not just for Chinese audiences—it may also present a realistic picture for foreigners living in Hungary who are trying to navigate the country’s economic landscape.
The perspective of families: rising prices everywhere
One of the central voices in the report is a Hungarian mother of three, whose words are simple but powerful: in just two years, her monthly food spending has doubled. This is a reality shared by many families across Hungary today. Increasingly, people are forced to count every single forint before heading to the shops. The price of basic foodstuffs has risen so dramatically that not only luxury items but also everyday necessities have become unaffordable for many.
The report reveals that Hungary currently has one of the highest inflation rates in the European Union, standing at 5.7%. The surge in food prices is even more dramatic, with the cost of basic goods increasing by around 80% over the past two years. This impacts not only low-income families but also the middle class. Fewer and fewer people can afford the standard of living they once took for granted.
Inflation or stagnation?
Former central bank governor and respected economist Ákos Péter Bod also highlighted in the report that Hungary faces a dual economic challenge: not only is inflation high, but economic growth is virtually stagnant. This is a particularly dangerous combination. When prices continue to rise while the economy fails to expand, people’s purchasing power is severely diminished, and their outlook becomes increasingly bleak.
The report further notes that the Hungarian government’s price freeze measures—originally introduced to curb inflation—have not had the intended effect. According to 444.hu, critics argue that these interventions not only fail to solve the underlying problem, but also create new issues. One such consequence is a reduction in supply, leading to shortages on shop shelves, particularly in smaller stores. In addition, small businesses are also burdened by these restrictions, which could threaten their long-term viability.
The closing line of the Chinese report is apt and telling: “As food prices rise, many Hungarian families are asking: how much longer can they afford it?” This question is not merely rhetorical—it is part of daily reality. With an uncertain economic environment and ineffective government responses, many people feel their future has become unpredictable.
If you are a foreigner living in Hungary or planning to move here, it is essential to be aware of these circumstances. In many ways, life here remains safe and culturally enriching, but everyday costs and economic uncertainty are becoming increasingly challenging. Housing, food and energy bills are in many places approaching Western European levels, while salaries often fail to keep pace.
Stay informed—find more news on Hungary’s economic situation HERE.
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First Paragraph – in the “ball park” of FACT.
WHY then are Hungary – not renewing people in THOUSANDS – born in America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – not renewing there Residency Permit Cards ???
– they hold passports of the countrys of there Birth – that are either DEMOCRACYS of “embrace” DEMOCRACY.
– they in “high” number have lived and worked, paid there taxes in Hungary for “high” numbers of years.
– large number are Property owners.
– large number are SELF Funded retirees taking NO “freebies” from the Hungarian Government.
– they ALL have Private & Personal Medical Polices a requirement under there status as Residency Permit.
– they have NO voting rights at National Elections.
– they have COMPLIED – meet the CRITERIA requirements of the Hungarian Immigration Department – after every (2) years – for the renewing APPROVAL to live/work in Hungary under the status of a Residence Permit in there thousands.
– in there thousands they have CONTRIBUTED to the Hungarian Economy, in the conduct of there daily lives – needs of there living.
WHY – come 30th June 2025 – under notification received from the Hungarian Immigration Department, through by “Rule by Decree” of the Orban led Fidesz Government – changes they have EFFECTED to the status of qualification to be GRANTED a Residency Permit Card – why in thousands are, people from – America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand being informed – leave Hungary by the 30th June 2025 ???
“You NO longer meet the requirements of the Hungarian Government to be granted/approved a Residency Permit Card”.
That’s the LINE of REPLY – these people, in there thousands – Americans, Canadians, Australians and New Zealand – that’s the Orban led Fidesz Government line ISSUED to the Hungarian Immigration Department – to be there REPLY.
The WRONGFULNESS of this DISCRIMITORY Policy.
Thousands of the named countrys – the people HAVE contacted approached OUTLINED in DEEP detail – the Tisza Political Party – what has been handed them by the Orban led Fidesz Government.
Peter Magyar – PERSONALLY has had DELIVERED to HIM – this appalling act of discrimination being enforced on the thousands of Americans, Canadians, Australian and New Zealand by the Orban led Fidesz Government, that SIMPLE is – we DON’T want your TYPE in Hungary – leave get out.
DEMOCRACY – “scares” Orban and his Fidesz Government.
Americans, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders – are CALLING on Peter Magyar – to “get DOWN and GET DIRTY” – be a VOICE for US.
Peter Magyar – you PROMISE in Victory – that in the DOWNFALL of the Orban led Fidesz Government – that Hungary will remain in the European Union, in N.A.T.O – work to ENSURE the building of Hungary’s Respect & Trust – GLOBALLY in countrys of DEMOCRACY.
Peter Magyar – the Tisza Political Party – these PEOPLE from countrys referred in this commentary – they are the DIRECT “blood” line from countrys that CAN assist in the RESURECTION of Hungary.
Peter Magyar – Tisza Party, increasing VOLUMN of this act of discrimination in the European Union, that reads under Law of the European Union the area of immigration & migration – that Orban and his Fidesz Government just continue on there ABUSE, there Disregard, there Non-Compliance, to the Laws of Membership of being a Member country of the European Union.
Peter Magyar – be VISUALLY representative of the thousands that are being “Culled” evicted out of Hungary – who for YOU – for HUNGARY are GOOD apples “in a box” and not the “type” the Orban led Fidesz Government want in there DYSTOPIA – of the FUTURE of Hungary.
Peter Magyar – take up our CAUSE – and be the “Light of Hope” – for the thousands of Americans, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders – who WANT to remain and live/work in Hungary.
Such rubish publicity for Magyar Peter … ! So many hungarian borned people living in the listed countries have still relatives in Hungary ,have all info needed on internet . They are loyal with Hungary . The same for many european who have retired in Hungary . So stop please
Hungary will need many years to repair the economic devastation Fidesz has inflicted on Hungarians after Fidesz is removed from office in 2026.
Not the Fidesz But the EU and this von der Leyen who is completely lost and give milliards of EU to anyone . Have you seen how many try to demonstrate the corruption of the EU! They are facing several courts
Are we sure Fidesz and Orban will not win 2026 elections?
FIDEZ will control the parliament after the 2026 election. Sad but true. Hungary will then leave the EU and join their very big bear brother. Hungary has long sought the wrong side of history.
Not the Fidesz But the EU and this von der Leyen who is completely lost and give milliards of EU to anyone . Have you seen how many try to demonstrate the corruption of the EU! They are facing several courts