Hungarian parliament freezes mayor salaries and cuts allowances

On Tuesday the Hungarian parliament approved a measure to freeze the salaries of mayors and eliminate the monthly cost allowance that previously accounted for about 15 % of their remuneration. While the basic salary – ranging from roughly 1 million to over 4 million for major city leaders – remains unchanged, the removal of the allowance reduces net income by 150 000‑450 000 HUF per month for most office‑holders.

Critics warn that the lower pay could diminish the attractiveness of local office, potentially weakening professional expertise, service quality and anti‑corruption safeguards. Politician Péter Márki‑Zay expressed concern that the reform further limits local autonomy, likening it to the emergence of a “new one‑party system.” The debate reflects broader tension over central‑government control of municipal powers.