Hungary's government will provide grants to hundreds of thousands of pensioners in rural areas to renovate their homes. The initiative, announced by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, comes at a crucial moment - a little more than a year before the next election, Reuters and News.bg report.
Political and economic stakes
Against the backdrop of a slowing economy and increased competition from the center-right party “Tisza“, the ruling “Fidesz“ is betting on economic incentives, including housing subsidies, increased wages and pensions. Economists say the government's forecast of 3.4% economic growth is too optimistic, but Orban is counting on such measures to mobilize his traditional voters in small towns.
Program details
The new program provides for grants of 3 million forints (about $7,683) to pensioners living in villages with a population of less than 5,000. The total budget of the initiative is 90 billion forints over two years.
The battle for electoral support
Traditionally, “Fidesz“ dominates rural areas, but recent polls show “Tisa“ ahead of the ruling party with 42% to 37% of those determined to vote. If this trend continues, Orban will face his most serious political threat since 2010. since.
Will social generosity be able to swing the vote in Orbán's favor, or will this move be perceived as a pre-election maneuver? The upcoming elections will provide the answer.