BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary's government will offer free grants to hundreds of thousands of pensioners in rural areas to renovate their homes, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday as the veteran leader gears up for elections due in about a year.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's hopes that a strong economy will propel his Fidesz party to another election victory in 2026 are being challenged by a rebound in inflation, sagging household morale and even a plunge in the birth rate he so wants to boost.

Hungary's government plans to offer free home renovation grants to rural pensioners, aiming to bolster electoral support for Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party. As Hungary faces political and economic challenges,

Hungary will give grants to pensioners in rural villages to help them renovate their homes, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban looks to boost flagging support before key elections.