The nationalist leader, who is seen trailing behind the opposition in polls ahead of the April election, had promised an economic "flying start" for 2025, with the government originally forecasting a 3.4 percent growth. But the export-oriented central European country of 9.5 million has been severely impacted by declining external demand amid global trade disruptions. But she predicted a return to stronger growth this year "thanks to a revival in external demand and an improving European economy". In November, industrial production declined to a level not seen since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic five years ago. Economy Minister Marton Nagy blamed the tepid growth on the fallout from the war in Ukraine, as well as "weak EU competitiveness, and weak external demand".
