Poll-leader Péter Magyar makes historic pledge on the Hungarian euro introduction

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government’s economic policymakers have repeatedly stated that they have no intention of introducing the Hungarian euro, deeming the country unready. Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party takes a radically different view—and has now made firm commitments on the matter.

Only Poland, Romania, Czechia, and Hungary without euro

It is hardly surprising that the euro question has not become a centrepiece of the current parliamentary election campaign, even though its adoption, or continued absence, arguably affects our daily lives more profoundly than any other issue. Bulgaria joined the eurozone on 1 January this year, Croatia did so three years ago, and the currency is already in use by Slovaks, Slovenes, and Austrians. Among neighbouring EU states, only Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary remain outside.

Mr Orbán insists Hungary is not ready for the euro because the economy lacks sufficient stability. He invariably deploys his familiar anti-Brussels rhetoric when making the case against it, arguing that there is little merit in tying Hungary more closely to a disintegrating EU—even in financial matters. In an interview with Economx, he declared that “the euro will not be on the table” in Hungary for as long as he holds power.

Why does Mr Orbán oppose the Hungarian euro?

According to HVG, the answer is relatively straightforward. The forint, as an independent currency, is far too vital to the Orbán system. It allows certain processes to be obscured, while others can be spun within the realm of political messaging. The magazine argues that the government can thus “play” with exchange rates, inflation, and interest rates, yielding significant political advantages in key moments. Economic policymakers can, for instance, easily blame high inflation on the war raging nearby, rather than inviting scrutiny of deeper macroeconomic causes. Adopting the single currency would make such manoeuvres far more difficult, HVG contends.

Tisza wants the euro—but with consultation first

On Saturday, Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party unveiled its manifesto, pledging to launch expert and public consultations on euro adoption. This may sound rather tepid, yet it signals openness within the party to paying with the euro within a foreseeable timeframe—a prospect unimaginable under Mr Orbán’s continued rule. Tisza goes further, aiming to set a realistic target date. The party also commits to meeting the eurozone’s strict convergence criteria: a budget deficit below 3 per cent, falling public debt, sustainably low inflation and interest rates, and a stable forint exchange rate.

Some analysts have dubbed the moment historic. Ferenc Faragó, who writes under the pseudonym Vakmajom, hailed the inclusion of euro adoption in the government programme as a potential game-changer. “If this one point from the 240-page document is realised—and it is the most important—it would already be a historic success,” he said. “So much else hinges on it; so much that is useful and good.”

Hungarians favour the euro

A summer 2025 Eurobarometer survey found overwhelming Hungarian support for euro adoption: 41 per cent want it as soon as possible, and 37 per cent back introducing it on a set target date. Just a decade ago, only 16 per cent urged immediate adoption.

• PHOTOS: This is what the new Hungarian euro coin looks like!

Polls from independent research institutes suggest Tisza has a strong chance of victory in the 2026 elections, with leads of up to 400,000–500,000 votes in various surveys, assuming the data hold true.

Check out more of our articles concerning the latest poll results about the outcome of the April general elections:

• Could Orbán lose the 2026 election over Minister Lázár’s ‘toilet-cleaning gypsies’ remark? Alarmingly stark poll data emerges
• Latest polls – Strong Orbán numbers, weak party showing: Tisza stays ahead of Fidesz