Struggling for a Break: Nearly 1.5 Million Hungarians Unable to Afford a Vacation
A recent study conducted by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has revealed concerning statistics about holiday poverty in Hungary. According to the report released in late July, 24.3% of workers in Hungary cannot afford a holiday, which is equivalent to approximately 1.46 million people. This marks an increase of 82,000 individuals from the previous year.
Hungary currently ranks 4th in the European Union for holiday poverty, with countries like Romania, Cyprus, and Greece also facing high rates of individuals unable to take a vacation. In contrast, Sweden and Finland have the lowest rates of holiday poverty, standing at around 4.7%.
The issue of holiday poverty is not unique to Hungary, as other countries in the region such as Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Croatia also report significant proportions of their population facing similar challenges. However, countries like Austria, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic are faring much better in terms of access to holidays.
This data underscores a concerning trend across the EU, with vacation poverty on the rise in almost all member states from 2021 to 2022. As the cost of living continues to increase and economic disparities persist, it is crucial for policymakers to address these issues and work towards ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to take a well-deserved break.
