Hungary; 2005 Article IV Consultation—Staff Report; Staff Statement; and Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that Hungary’s economy achieved valuable gains in 2004 with GDP growth recovering to 4 percent. The growth was supported by strong investment and robust export growth. Consumption slowed in response to rising unemployment, a moderation in wage growth and a tightening of the housing subsidy scheme. Despite these favorable developments, risks associated with the twin deficits remained. Although some fiscal consolidation has taken place, the twice upward-revised fiscal deficit target was not met.