Hungary announces overhaul of regional administration and new social support measures

Prime Minister Magyar Péter presented a package of reforms that would replace the current county (vármegye) system with traditional regions (megye) and substitute county prefects with government appointees. The government also plans four amendments to energy legislation, raising the maximum height for wind turbines to 199 metres and giving priority to energy‑efficiency in public procurement.

Additional measures include stricter budgeting rules, an autumn‑time budget draft, and the dissolution of several public‑asset foundations by 2026‑27. Site selection for battery‑processing plants will shift from ministerial to standard administrative procedures, and a review of price differentials between small and large renewable‑energy producers is underway.

In a related briefing, the cabinet announced a school‑start support programme for about 400,000 children, providing an initial 100,000‑forint grant followed by a 50,000‑forint voucher, costing roughly 40 billion forints in the 2026 budget. A water‑infrastructure revitalisation plan was also unveiled amid a severe heat‑wave, alongside aid packages for Hungarian families in Venezuela and for local health‑equipment needs. The reforms will require changes to dozens of laws, including those governing the former county‑prefect system.