The majority of Hungary's residents support the introduction of a single European currency, but the timing of the switch to the euro remains a subject of political disagreement.
This is shown by the results of a recent public opinion poll published in the Hungarian media.
According to the research results, 41 percent of respondents believe that Hungary should switch to the euro as soon as possible. Another 37 percent support the implementation of the single currency, but believe that it should happen only after predetermined economic conditions have been met and according to a clearly defined schedule. Thus, overall, about four-fifths of the survey participants have a positive attitude towards the prospect of abandoning the forint and switching to the euro.
However, Viktor Orban's previous government held an opposing position for a long time. The government repeatedly declared that the country's economy is not yet ready to join the eurozone and that maintaining the national currency allows Hungary to conduct a more independent economic policy.
The government led by Peter Madyar takes a different position. The new administration promises to begin preparations for the switch to the euro and considers joining the eurozone as one of the key elements of the country's economic strategy.
Currently, Hungary is one of the few European Union countries that do not use the euro. Along with Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Sweden remain outside the currency union. At the same time, to join the eurozone, a country must meet the Maastricht criteria, which include requirements related to inflation levels, the state of public finances, exchange rate stability, and long-term interest rates./AZERTAC