Hungary's Pension Crisis: 800,000 Retirees Live Below the Poverty Line

Hungary's Pension Crisis: 800,000 Retirees Struggle to Survive Hungary is grappling with a severe pension crisis, as a new Bankmonitor report reveals that a staggering 800,000 pensioners are living below the poverty line. The study, conducted in June 2025, highlights the stark reality for many elderly citizens, with the cost of living far exceeding their current pensions. According to the report, pensioners require at least 174,000 forints (approximately 400 Euros) per month to meet their basic needs. This is substantially higher than the current minimum pension, leaving many struggling to afford essential goods and services. "It's a very difficult situation," says one pensioner interviewed in the Bankmonitor report, describing the struggle to make ends meet on a fixed income. "I spend most of my pension on utilities and medicine, leaving very little for food." The report emphasizes that the current pension increases haven't kept pace with the rising inflation, leaving a widening gap between the cost of living and the financial resources available to pensioners. The government's planned November correction and additional payments are insufficient to alleviate the widespread hardship, according to the report. The video concludes with a call for increased attention to the plight of Hungary's elderly population and the urgent need for more substantial pension reforms.