Vilmos Kátai-Németh defended the lower-than-expected wage increase

Starting in 2027, the oversight of social and child protection institutions will be separated to improve efficiency, according to Minister Kátai-Németh Vilmos. He highlighted the dire conditions faced by both staff and beneficiaries during his visits to institutions. The upcoming budget will allocate an additional 20 billion HUF for social services and 14.5 billion HUF for child protection. Despite promises of a 25% wage increase from the Tisza Party, the budget presentation indicated an average increase of 17.8%. Kátai-Németh expressed a desire for further improvements and emphasized the need for better resources for social workers. He also addressed ongoing investigations into abuses in child protection institutions, assuring that any issues will be promptly addressed. A protest organized by unions is planned for September, despite attempts to ease tensions with a two-step wage increase announcement.