Hungary sees 73% surge in teacher vacancies as it eases strike rules

Data from the public job portal shows that the number of unfilled teaching posts in Hungary jumped from 732 at the start of June to 1,265 by mid‑July, a rise of about 73% in just one month. The biggest shortfall is in mathematics, with 293 vacancies, followed by English, Hungarian language and literature, physical education and digital culture.

The education ministry is drafting amendments that would allow teachers to organise two‑hour warning strikes without the current five‑day advance notice and would prevent schools from forcing teachers to work during such strikes. The proposal also removes the rule that requires teachers to teach at least 50% of lessons during a strike and retains strict attendance requirements for exam‑year classes. Union leaders have criticised the changes and highlighted ongoing disputes with the ministry over strike legality and public posting of vacant posts.

Both the sharp increase in unfilled positions and the legislative push signal widening challenges for Hungary’s public‑school system as it prepares for the new school year.