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Hungary's Opposition Brings in Big Business Brain to Fix the Economy

Hungary, BudapestTuesday, January 20, 2026
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A Bold Move for the Economy

Hungary is preparing for a significant election in April. The opposition is making a strategic move by bringing in a prominent business leader to address the country's economic challenges.

Peter Magyar's Key Appointment

Peter Magyar, leading the opposition, has chosen Istvan Kapitany for a crucial role. Kapitany, formerly a high-ranking executive at Shell and a leader among Hungarian business figures, is now joining Magyar's team.

Economic Struggles and Voter Uncertainty

The economy has been stagnant for three years, and many voters remain undecided. While Magyar's party is currently ahead in the polls, the race is still competitive.

Kapitany's Vision for Economic Reform

Kapitany has ambitious plans:

  • Reclaiming EU Funds: He aims to unlock EU funds that Hungary currently cannot access.
  • Strengthening Small Businesses: Unlike the current government's focus on large factories, Kapitany wants to empower small businesses.
  • Predictable Business Environment: He criticizes the government's frequent policy changes, which he believes have harmed business growth.
  • Combating Corruption: Kapitany emphasizes that corruption is detrimental to business and economic progress.

Collaboration with Andras Karman

Kapitany will work alongside Andras Karman, another finance expert. Together, they hope to introduce innovative solutions to Hungary's economic issues.

The Current Government's Stance

The government, led by Viktor Orban since 2010, maintains that Hungary is not more corrupt than other EU countries. However, the EU has frozen billions in funds due to concerns about the rule of law.

Kapitany's Cautious Optimism

Kapitany believes that EU funds, if used wisely, can significantly boost the economy. However, he cautions that there are no quick fixes. He stresses the importance of hard work and fair play in achieving sustainable economic growth.

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