Mihály Varga has served as national economy minister since March 2013, assuming this position when György Matolcsy left it to become governor of the National Bank of Hungary. Várga was finance minister for the final year and a half of the first Orbán government from 2001 to 2002. He serves as one of three deputy prime ministers in the fourth Orbán cabinet. 

Has been a Fidesz National Assembly representative since 1990. 

Biography 

Born and raised in the town of Karcag (population 21,000, east-central Hungary), where he graduated from high school in 1983. Received bachelor’s degree in economics from the Karl Marx University of Economic Sciences in Budapest in 1989.  

Joined Fidesz in 1988, though not one of founding members.    

Was member and chairman of various National Assembly budgetary, auditing, economic and financial committees from 1990 to 2010. 

Served as political state secretary at the Finance Ministry during the first Orbán government from 1998 to 2000 before being appointed finance minister on January 1, 2001 in place of Zsigmond Járai, who left the post to become governor of the National Bank of Hungary.

Was state secretary in charge of the Prime Ministry in the second Orbán government from June 2010 to June 2012. Served as minister without portfolio in charge of the government’s relations with the International Monetary Fund and the European Union from June 2012 to March 2013.  

Has been Reformed Church elder since 2001.

Last updated: May 7, 2018.