Poll-leader Tisza Party vows swift euro adoption in Hungary

Hungary could move rapidly towards adopting the euro and end what critics call “government by decree” if the opposition Tisza Party wins the next election, according to István Kapitány, the party’s newly appointed head of economic development and energy policy.

In a wide-ranging interview with Magyar Hang, the former businessman outlined an ambitious programme aimed at stabilising the economy, restoring competition and redirecting public spending towards healthcare and long-term growth.

One of the party’s clearest pledges: preparing Hungary for the introduction of the euro as soon as economic conditions allow.

Euro adoption back on the table

Kapitány said the single currency is a strategic priority for the party, though not without consultation.

“The Tisza Party considers the earliest possible introduction of the euro to be one of its key goals, depending on the country’s economic performance. Plans regarding the timing are already being prepared,” he said.

He stressed that the decision would follow professional and social discussions rather than a rushed political move.

Hungary committed to eventually joining the eurozone when it entered the European Union (in 2004), but successive governments have delayed setting a target date. The issue has returned to the political spotlight as inflation, currency volatility and investor concerns weigh on the forint.

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Ending rule-by-decree

Another immediate step, Kapitány said, would be scrapping emergency-style governance.

“After the election, we will immediately abolish rule-by-decree, because the country must be guided by a well-developed strategy, not improvised decisions,” he argued.

Hungary has been governed under various states of emergency in recent years, allowing the government to bypass normal parliamentary procedures: a practice the opposition says undermines predictability and investor confidence.

Healthcare, debt and tax reforms promised

Beyond the euro, the Tisza Party’s economic platform includes several eye-catching promises:

• maintaining and expanding household utility price caps
• cutting interest costs on public debt
• allocating an additional HUF 500 billion (EUR 1.3 billion) to tackle the most urgent problems in state healthcare
• introducing what Kapitány described as a “friendlier”, more socially sensitive tax system

The healthcare commitment in particular could resonate with voters, as hospitals and clinics across Hungary continue to struggle with staff shortages, long waiting lists and ageing infrastructure.

“The economy is being held back”

Kapitány was sharply critical of the current government’s economic model, arguing that favouritism and politically connected businesses are distorting competition.

According to him, growth is being stifled because a “selected group” receives state backing, while genuine market competition is weakened. These protected players, he claimed, often fail to compete internationally.

He also accused the government of wasting vast sums on unnecessary investments while constantly changing policy direction.

“The cabinet keeps pulling the steering wheel left and right,” he suggested, describing the approach as unpredictable and inefficient.

Experience under scrutiny

As a recent arrival in party politics, Kapitány has faced criticism over his lack of macroeconomic policy experience. He dismissed the attacks as counterproductive and politically motivated.

He believes the governing parties recognise the threat posed by what he called a “fresh and youthful” Tisza movement supported by experienced professionals.

Speculation has also surfaced that he could emerge as a future prime ministerial candidate, though his current focus remains on economic planning and energy diversification.

A new challenger on the scene

The Tisza Party, which has gained momentum in recent months, is positioning itself as a technocratic, competence-driven alternative to the current leadership. With promises of euro adoption, healthcare investment and more predictable governance, the party is clearly targeting voters frustrated by stagnating growth and rising living costs.