The Fidesz model is untenable, yet the European champion VAT remains

The Tisza Party promised to reduce VAT on fruits and vegetables to 5% immediately after taking office, but has yet to fulfill this commitment. Despite the unchanged rationale for the reduction, which cites lower VAT rates in other countries, only two minor VAT reductions have been implemented: a decrease on prescription drugs from 5% to 0% and on firewood from 27% to 5%. These changes are expected to result in a combined revenue loss of 14 billion HUF by 2027. However, the promised reduction for healthy foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, would lead to a much larger revenue loss of 160 billion HUF, which is not included in the 2027 budget due to fiscal constraints. Experts are debating whether it is time to lower Hungary's high VAT rates.