Latest news in Hungary - 20 Dec 2024

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- Christmas Ceasefire Proposal by Orbán: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed the EU summit in Brussels, proposing a short ceasefire during Christmas to reduce battlefield casualties. He also called for significant EU policy changes, including halting migration and reducing energy prices. More details on his proposal can be found here.

- Constitutional Court Blocks Olympic Referendum: Hungary's Constitutional Court has struck down a local referendum on hosting the 2036 Olympics in Budapest, deeming it unconstitutional. This ruling halts signature collection efforts initiated by Olympic champions. Further information is available here.

- Economic Development Plans for Pécs University: The University of Pécs is planning an industrial park of 400-600 hectares to boost the local economy amid high unemployment rates. Initial funding for land acquisition and infrastructure is set at 930 million forints. For more on this initiative, click here.

- Forint's Struggle Against the Euro: The Hungarian forint has dropped to 415 forints per euro, with significant fluctuation attributed to currency speculation. Prime Minister Orbán noted that these fluctuations do not represent the Hungarian economy's actual state and highlighted the central bank's role in stabilizing the currency. More details can be read here.

- New Worker Loan Program Initiated: Starting in January, Hungary will roll out an interest-free loan program for workers aged 17 to 25 working at least 20 hours a week, offering up to 4 million forints, with benefits for rural home renovations included. This initiative aims to address housing challenges. More information can be found here.

- Asylum Granted to Polish Former Deputy Minister: Hungary has granted political asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a former Polish Deputy Minister facing corruption charges. This move has led to diplomatic tensions with Poland, which considers the decision "hostile." Further details are available here.

- Weather Warning for Strong Winds: Hungary is expected to experience stormy conditions with strong winds and a drop in temperatures this weekend. Forecasters predict possible snowfall by Sunday evening. Prepare for wintry weather with more details here.

- Political Shifts and Challenges Ahead: The emergence of the Tisza Party poses new challenges for the ruling Fidesz party, which is now contending with a stronger opposition for the upcoming elections. Increased public discontent over governance issues complicates the political landscape moving forward. Read about the implications here.

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