Minister Gulyás: Small local shops will receive 1 to 3 million forints to cover operational costs
'This means around 40,000 forints for the average pensioner,' Minister Gulyás said, explaining that the measure aligns with the Central Bank's inflation projection of 4.5 percent for 2025. The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving pensioners' purchasing power as a matter of fairness and sustainability.
The briefing also addressed the government's margin price cap policy. According to the minister, price caps introduced earlier have led to reduced costs for a total of 874 products, with significant cuts observed for items such as flour, milk, and yogurt. 'These goods became 17.4 percent cheaper on average,' Minister Gulyás noted, adding that the government stands ready to introduce further measures if needed.
Gulyás also condemned recent traffic blockades in Budapest. A few hundred demonstrators managed to shut down four major bridges, causing massive disruptions for tens of thousands. 'The right to assembly does not override the rights and freedoms of others,' he stressed. He suggested that if judicial interpretations permit actions that paralyze public infrastructure, the legislature will consider its options.
Meanwhile, Alpár Gyopáros, government commissioner for modern settlements, introduced the relaunch of several elements of the Hungarian Village Program. These include a support scheme for small local shops, where applicants may receive 1 to 3 million forints to cover operational costs, and a program to install ATMs in every small settlement where there is demand. Gyopáros emphasized that village churches are 'the most important and proudest buildings' of many communities, and hundreds could now be renovated under a newly announced restoration initiative.
On other fronts, Gulyás labeled Ukraine's potential EU accession 'absurd and nonsensical,' criticizing attempts to expedite the process. He warned such a move could severely disrupt agricultural policy and cohesion funding. He also confirmed a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting 3,000 animals in northwestern Hungary and outlined restrictive measures in affected areas.
Commenting on cultural controversies, Gulyás dismissed the suggestion to place a rainbow symbol resembling the Pride flag on a church as 'distasteful and cynical.' He argued the rainbow is fundamentally a Christian symbol and its political reinterpretation was inappropriate in such contexts.
Touching on the ongoing public debate over surveillance metaphors in political discourse, Gulyás clarified that recent references to 'bugs' were symbolic nicknames, not literal allegations.
Finally, the minister said Hungary expects over 3 billion euros in EU funds this year, although full access to disputed resources may be delayed until 2026 or 2027. He also reflected on opposition figure László Varju's by-election victory, stating, 'An election result is never the voters' fault,' but acknowledged that the ruling side 'probably did not present an appealing enough alternative.'
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