Hungary posts massive budget surplus in first 100 days after anti-corruption overhaul

Hungary's electorate ended Viktor Orban's 16-year rule on April 12, ushering in Prime Minister Peter Magyar's cabinet. Within three months, the administration reversed a central-government deficit that had hit 91% of the 2026 target, posting a surplus of HUF 991.9 billion. This fiscal turnaround was achieved by curbing public spending, cancelling inflated procurement deals, and targeting politically motivated outlays, without imposing austerity or deep reforms.

The new leadership also moved to dismantle the previous system of state capture, strengthening oversight bodies and establishing a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office to retrieve misappropriated assets. Constitutional amendments were adopted to increase transparency and limit future abuse of public funds, while plans for a new constitution will be put to a national referendum.