Tisza’s plans for Hungary’s economy: What we know so far

Less than a week after its landmark election victory, Hungary’s Tisza Party has already begun sketching out the direction of its future economic policy, with early signals pointing to EU rapprochement, gradual market reforms, and long-term euro adoption.

One of the most urgent priorities is unlocking frozen EU funds. Prime minister-designate Magyar Péter held a phone call with Ursula von der Leyen earlier this week, followed by the arrival of a Brussels delegation in Budapest to begin negotiations.

At stake is access to more than EUR 20 billion in EU funding, a sum widely seen as critical to stabilising Hungary’s economy and boosting investment, according to G7.

Euro adoption and cautious rollback of price controls

Tisza’s economic team has also opened discussions with central bank governor Mihály Varga, with the introduction of the euro emerging as a strategic long-term goal.

According to András Kármán, the party’s fiscal and tax policy expert and a potential finance minister, the government aims to meet the conditions for euro adoption within four years, paving the way for entry later.

At the same time, the new leadership appears set to proceed cautiously when it comes to dismantling controversial market interventions such as price caps and regulated fuel prices. Statements suggest a gradual phase-out designed to minimise the impact on households.

In parallel, talks have already taken place with Zsolt Hernádi, CEO of MOL. Following discussions, the company agreed to postpone dividend payments to the Mathias Corvinus Collegium, in line with requests from the incoming government.

Market reactions and political fallout

Financial markets have responded cautiously but positively to the political shift. The Hungarian forint strengthened throughout the week, trading in the 361–366 range against the euro and briefly dipping below the 360 threshold.

However, stocks linked to the previous political-economic elite struggled to recover, despite regaining some ground after an initial sharp drop following the election.

Meanwhile, outgoing economy minister Márton Nagy announced his withdrawal not only from government but from politics altogether.

Wáberer: “No one should obey” orders to destroy documents

In a striking intervention, logistics magnate Wáberer György (who has openly supported Tisza) has called on public officials to refuse any orders to destroy documents.

In a post-election interview with Telex, Wáberer claimed he had received reports even before the vote suggesting that evidence was being shredded within state institutions. He urged employees to resist such instructions, pledging compensation of “hundreds of millions of forints” to those who might face repercussions for refusing.

“No one should obey this order,” he said.

The businessman, who confirmed he both voted for and financially supported Tisza’s campaign, described the current political transition as even more significant than the fall of communism in 1989. He sharply criticised the previous government, alleging systemic corruption and comparing its operations to a “mafia-like” system.

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