Security and fire union leaders criticize modest wage increase announced by the prime minister

Union officials from three major public-service bodies voiced strong criticism of the salary increase unveiled by the prime minister. Pongó Géza of the Independent Police Union said the raise falls short of what is required to stop personnel loss, citing an internal survey that suggested a much larger increase would be acceptable. Salamon Lajos, president of the Independent Union of Professional Firefighters, echoed the sentiment, calling the raise modest and only potentially suitable as an initial step in a broader pay-adjustment process.

Powell Pál, head of the Union of Internal, Security and Public Service Workers, complained about the absence of information on the distribution of the raise and stressed that many civil employees earn close to the statutory minimum. The prime minister presented the wage policy as part of the upcoming budget plan in parliament.