Hungarian Prime Minister Magyar announced on Sunday, May 24, that he is slashing his own salary and imposing pay cuts on ministers, parliamentarians, and state-owned company executives to foster austerity.
Salary Reductions for Officials
Magyar confirmed in an X post that salaries for ministers, parliamentarians, and mayors will be significantly reduced. He emphasized that he expects humanitarianism, moderation, and humility from these public figures.
Magyar’s monthly gross salary will be set at 3.8 million forints, equivalent to 10,600 euros. This figure combines 2.3 million forints from his role as prime minister and 1.5 million forints as a member of parliament. For comparison, former Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s last reported gross monthly salary was 7.8 million HUF, or 22,000 euros.
Stricter Limits on Allowances
The Prime Minister also announced that the monthly allowance limit for MPs, which previously covered fuel, accommodation, and office maintenance, will be reduced from 7 million to 5 million forints. These cuts will extend to the management of state-owned companies as well as members of supervisory and advisory boards.
Investigation into Destructive Practices
Magyar is currently auditing the actions of the previous government. On May 17, he reported the discovery of at least 15 bags filled with shredded documents and campaign materials belonging to former minister Janos Lazar and the Fidesz party at the Ministry of Construction and Transport.
The Prime Minister stated that the discovery may indicate multiple crimes, including illegal party financing. He has called for an investigation to determine if state resources or public sector employees were misused to produce, store, or distribute Fidesz campaign materials.