Latest news in Hungary - 3 Dec 2024

- Upcoming Christmas Tree Price Hike: Prices for Christmas trees in Hungary are set to rise by 5-10% this holiday season. Expect to pay between 5,000-8,000 HUF for trees, with increasing demand for Nordmann firs noted. Tree growers are facing challenges due to warmer weather affecting pest populations. Read more here.

- Midwives Under Investigation for Corruption: Five midwives in a Budapest hospital are being investigated for accepting bribes totaling 8 million HUF over two years in exchange for childbirth services. This action follows Hungary's strict anti-bribery laws, and the midwives have been released pending trial. Read more here.

- Train Collision Averted Near Miskolc: A potential train collision was narrowly avoided when a passenger train began its journey without authorization but was halted just in time. Investigations are ongoing, and bus replacements are currently in operation for affected rail services. Read more here.

- Judicial Salary Increase Agreement: The National Judicial Office confirmed the acceptance of a 15% salary increase for judicial staff for the upcoming year, though initial plans for a 35% increase have been scaled back. This decision aims to retain judicial personnel amid increasing workloads. Read more here.

- Hungary Enters Technical Recession: Hungary has officially entered a technical recession with the GDP dropping by 0.7% in Q3 2024. A significant decline in industrial and agricultural outputs was noted, though consumer spending rose. Read more here.

- End of Mandatory Cancer Screenings: Beginning January 2025, cancer screening tests will no longer be mandatory in Hungary, shifting to a voluntary basis amid public pushback regarding certain screening procedures. Read more here.

- New Train Timetable Announced by MÁV: Changes to train schedules will take effect this month, with some departures shifting by up to 9 minutes. Travelers should review new timetables to plan accordingly. Read more here.

- Concerns Over Preschoolers’ Gadget Use: Research indicates that unrestricted access to digital devices among preschoolers is contributing to declining language skills. Experts urge parents to limit screen time to support communication development. Read more here.

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