Hungarian premier warns Romania and France of fiscal risks from unchecked spending and corruption

In a speech to the Budapest Parliament outlining the 2027 budget, Prime Minister Péter Magyar singled out Romania and France as illustrations of the dangers posed by prolonged fiscal irresponsibility, corruption and misappropriation of public money. He warned that unchecked deficits and waste can push nations into financial turmoil, emphasizing the need for stronger fiscal controls across Europe. Romania currently faces a budget deficit projected at around 5.8% of GDP, exceeding the EU's 3% ceiling, whereas Hungary aims to reduce its own deficit and finance expanded pension and wage increases through measures such as a wealth tax, higher energy company levies and an increased corporate profit tax. Magyar suggested that curbing corruption and cutting waste could generate savings equivalent to a notable share of GDP, improving the fiscal balance and supporting the government's social promises.