Węgskie companies tempted by Orban with loans. “3 percent and nor a percentage more”

On Saturday, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced a new loan program for small and medium -sized enterprises with a fixed interest rate of 3 percent. and a maximum value of 150 million forints (approx. 386 thousand euros). Reuters calls it an attempt to repel the pressure of the opposition before the upcoming elections.

The program will become effective this Monday.

Orban also noticed during a press conference in Budapest that the European economy is currently struggling with serious problems, and its competitiveness is getting worse and “there is no plan to improve it.” He called the current EU economic policy “defensive”, emphasizing that high energy prices, war in Ukraine and disputes about its financing worsen Europe's prospects.

“It's not good for a country like Hungary, which not only wants to defend its achievements, but also wants to develop,” he said.

To sum up the economic strategy of his government, he drew attention to: a 3 % loan for the purchase of apartments, a 3 % loan for business activities, tax reductions for families and tax breaks for enterprises.

He explained that the launch of a credit program for SMEs was delayed by war and international situation. This year, the authorities in Budapest announced this year the program of mortgage subsidies for people buying the property for the first time or housing subsidies for budget employees.

Reuters points out that the authority from 2010 will face the most difficult choices from the beginning of his rule next year.

The opposition party of Tisza, which leads in most polls with the ruling Fidesz Orban, praised the plan of cheap loans, but noted that he would not help in stimulating the falling level of investment. Economic development cannot move again without predictable policy and regaining access to European Union funds – emphasized the largest opposition grouping.

Parliamentary elections in Hungary are to be planned in April 2026.

From Budapest Jakub Bawołek (PAP)

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