Viktor Orban's earnings soar amid Hungary's living standards gap

The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, receives a monthly salary of 6.3 million forints (approximately £16,400), considered high by European standards, according to Peter Bucsky from the Hungarian economic portal G7 in a statement for RTL television.

Although Viktor Orban is not the highest earner among European government heads, the contrast between his earnings and Hungarian citizens' average standard of living is the most pronounced.

In mid-2023, Orban's salary increased by over 620,000 forints (about £1,620), bringing it to 4.18 million forints (approximately £9,800). In addition to this, Orban also receives a parliamentary allowance.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister's official savings are relatively modest, as reported by Hungarian media. This year, Orban declared savings of 10 million forints (about £23,400), which is 4 million forints less than last year.

Last year, the Prime Minister of Hungary listed in his declaration two properties: one in Budapest and one in Felcsut, in the north of Hungary, where he grew up. He also reported debts of 14 million ft (about £32,800) from a credit institution on a joint account with his wife.

Orban "does not own a car, boat, airplane, or other personal property, nor is he the owner of any business or has investments in a private equity fund" - reported the media at the time.

In Hungary, the Prime Minister's salary is linked to the salary of the Speaker of the Parliament, which automatically increases with the rise in the average gross wage.