Two-thirds of Hungarians had a good year and the majority are optimistic about the coming
According to the latest survey by the Mária Kopp Institute for Demography and Families (KINCS), 63% of Hungarians said they had a good year, and 52% are optimistic about 2026. Half of those surveyed expect positive developments in their own lives, while four out of ten do not expect any changes. This more optimistic mood is reflected in the fact that Hungarians reported feeling better in autumn than in summer.
When asked to assess 2025, almost two-thirds of Hungarians said they were satisfied, while 34% said that this year had not been favourable. The year 2025 was rated particularly positively by people with families (67%), parents with young children (77%) and married people (70%). However, a significant proportion of religious people (72%) and pro-government voters (80%) also expressed satisfaction. This favourable assessment is reinforced by the improvement in the general mood of the population. According to the results of KINCS's public opinion survey results, assessment of the country's situation improved in autumn, as did satisfaction with one's own life. Satisfaction and the sense of security increased slightly, while perception of happiness and health remained stable.
Half of Hungarians – particularly those with young children, people under 30, and religious individuals – are optimistic about 2026. Meanwhile, 27% believe there will be no change, and 15% believe that the new year will be more challenging. Regarding their own lives, 49% of Hungarians are optimistic, 9% are pessimistic, and 38% believe that there will be no change in the coming year. Opinions are divided on the economic situation, incomes, housing, living standards and the country's reputation. One-third of Hungarians expect an improvement in these areas in 2026, one-third do not expect any change, and 24–32% expect negative developments.
Therefore, the majority of Hungarians are optimistic about 2026, when a number of support measures will be launched to strengthen their financial security. Europe's largest tax reduction programme will continue in 2026, with family tax allowances increasing by a further 50% from 1 January 2026. Additionally, mothers under the age of 30 and women under the age of 40 with two children will also enjoy personal income tax exemption. A new home support programme for public service employees will be launched, the 13th month pension will be paid out, and the introduction of the 14th month pension will also begin, which will significantly contribute to raising the standard of living of our elderly compatriots.
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