Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Hungary's Orban announces $304 million aid for restaurants
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has given restaurants a big financial boost just before an important election.
The government is giving 100 billion forints, which is about $304 million, to help restaurants.
They will also cut some taxes for restaurants and let them treat part of their money as a service fee, which means they pay less in taxes.
This is because the cost of living is high, and people are worried about money.
Orban is trying to help people by giving them more money and cutting taxes, but some experts say this might be hard because the economy is not doing well and energy costs are high.
The election is in April, and Orban wants to make sure people are happy with him before then.
Meanwhile, the opposition Tisza party's lead has narrowed slightly, with Fidesz gaining some support through intensive campaigning and focusing on themes of war and peace.
Hungary's government announced a 100 billion forint ($304.42 million) package to support the restaurant industry.
The package includes liquidity support, halving of tourism tax, and waiving of entertainment levy for companies.
Nearly 10,000 restaurants will be allowed to treat up to 20% of their revenue as a service fee, reducing their tax bill.
The measures aim to address the impact of a recent 11% increase in the minimum wage and rising energy costs.
The announcement comes ahead of an April 12 election, with Orban's government also considering extending energy price subsidies.
- Who
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government and the main opposition Tisza party
- What
- Announced a 100 billion forint ($304.42 million) package to support the restaurant industry and a narrowing lead for the opposition ahead of the April election
- When
- Wednesday, January 21, 2024 (aid package); Thursday, January 22, 2024 (poll results)
- Where
- Budapest, Hungary
- Why
- To shore up the restaurant industry and address economic concerns ahead of the April election, with the opposition's lead narrowing slightly
Opposition
Government
Election Polls
Opposition
Tisza party leads by 9 points, down from 12 points in December, with 47% support among decided voters.
Government
Fidesz support grew to 38% from 36% among decided voters, with pro-government media and war themes aiding their campaign.
- Amount
- 100 billion forints ($304.42 million)
- Beneficiaries
- Nearly 10,000 restaurants
- Tax Relief
- Halving of tourism tax and waiving of entertainment levy
- Service Fee
- Up to 20% of revenue treated as service fee
- Election Date
- April 12, 2024
- Inflation Rate
- 2% to 4% in November 2023
- Minimum Wage Increase
- 11% at the start of 2026
- Currency Exchange
- $1 = 328.49 forints
- Opposition Lead
- 9 points among decided voters, down from 12 points in December
- Fidesz Support
- 38% among decided voters, up from 36% in December
- Undecided Voters
- 27%