Reportage
Hungary: faced with exceptional inflation, Hungarians on a dry diet
A customer looks at an information note on a price freeze on primary foodstuffs while shopping in a supermarket in Budapest's 12th district on February 1, 2022. AFP - ATTILA KISBENEDEK
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2 mins
Exceptional inflation in Hungary, with an 11.7% increase at least in June compared to last year.
Faced with the waltz of labels, and although the prices of gasoline and milk are capped by the government, Hungarians are reducing their lifestyle.
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With our correspondent in Budapest,
Florence La Bruyère
Krisztina is a saleswoman in a flower shop.
The price of food has risen so much that she is forced to tighten her belt: “
The price of eggs has tripled since last year!
An egg costs 80 forints.
The cheapest cheese is three thousand forints a kilo.
Me, I only buy products at reduced prices, and I no longer eat cheese.
»
In Hungary, inflation is hovering around 12%, which is more than the
8.6% in the euro zone
.
This increase is not only due to the war in Ukraine and soaring energy prices: the populist government of Viktor Orbán spent a lot before the elections last spring.
Result, increases in wages and social benefits have fueled inflation.
►
To read also Legislative in Hungary: Viktor Orban wins a fourth consecutive mandate
In addition, the forint has fallen sharply against the euro, which increases the price of imported products.
Officially, therefore, the inflation rate is around 12%, but several economists do not agree with these figures.
According to them, inflation would exceed 20%.
This is the feeling of Gabor, a retired engineer: “
Cheese has increased by 40%, margarine by 50%!
Same for cakes and pasta.
How can we say that inflation is at 12%?
I do not believe it.
»
A public school teacher, Katalin has reduced her expenses a lot.
“
I have to give up certain things: I no longer buy clothes.
For hygiene products and cosmetics, I take the cheapest.
I earn 500 euros per month!
We can't live with that.
»
Katalin and her family will not be going on vacation this summer.
Last year, at this time, there was not a single free room left at Lake Balaton.
This year, reservations are down.
►
See also Reduction of Russian oil in the EU: Hungary satisfied with the compromise found
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