Hungary is now officially the poorest country in the European Union—at least in terms of what its citizens can actually consume. New data from Eurostat (June 18, 2025) reveals Hungary’s Actual Individual Consumption (AIC) per capita stands at just 72% of the EU average, placing it dead last among the 27 EU nations. This measurement, which includes not just personal spending but also access to services like healthcare and education, paints a sobering picture: Hungarian households are being left behind.
For comparison, Luxembourg tops the list with an AIC of 141%. Even Hungary’s regional peer Poland, once seen by Viktor Orbán as a natural rival, clocks in at 85%. The gap is undeniable and deeply troubling.
Worse still, Hungary’s GDP per capita sits at 77% of the EU average—better than several member states. But that hasn’t translated into real-world benefits. The disconnect between GDP and household consumption is symptomatic of a broader issue: economic growth is being siphoned off, not shared.
This outcome is no accident. Under the autocratic leadership of Viktor Orbán and his ruling Fidesz party, Hungary has become a cautionary tale. Corruption, cronyism, and unchecked power have turned the country’s public purse into a feeding trough for the elite. EU funds and state subsidies are repeatedly funneled into political patronage networks—mirroring broader concerns over fund mismanagement in EU defense and energy policy.
The consequences for ordinary Hungarians? Low real wages, high inflation, and a shrinking middle class. The country is experiencing a mass brain drain, with younger citizens increasingly opting to build lives elsewhere. And still, the government touts selective macroeconomic numbers while citizens watch their purchasing power erode.
But things may be shifting. A new Median poll published by HVG on June 18 shows the opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar—a former Orbán ally turned critic—now leads Fidesz by a whopping 15 points (51% to 36%) among decided voters. Among voters under 40, Tisza commands a staggering 58%. Just three months ago, that lead was only 9 points.
This is more than an electoral trend; it’s a potential political earthquake.
Orbán’s iron grip on Hungary has also meant acting as Vladimir Putin’s loudest cheerleader inside the EU and NATO. Whether by vetoing support for Ukraine or amplifying Russian talking points, Hungary has long served as Moscow’s internal ally within European institutions.
Now, that pillar may be crumbling.
The political collapse of Fidesz would not only open the door to domestic reforms and transparency. It would also eliminate a key barrier to EU unity on Russia, reshaping the bloc’s geopolitical posture. Hungary, once a dependable vote for Kremlin interests, could pivot toward democratic alignment with Europe’s core.
It’s not just about politics. It’s about restoring dignity and economic fairness to a country where living standards are in freefall. As Hungary ranks dead last in AIC and continues to underdeliver on wages and social support, the case for change becomes overwhelming.
Without urgent reform—redistribution of EU funds, wage hikes, anti-corruption enforcement—Hungary risks deeper social fracture and long-term economic irrelevance. But if the opposition holds its momentum into the 2026 election, it could mark the beginning of the end for Orbán’s kleptocratic model.
And perhaps more importantly, it could mark the beginning of prosperity for the Hungarian people.
