Latest news in Hungary - 28 Oct 2024

- Fire Breaks Out at Budapest Hotel: A minor fire in Budapest’s V. district led to the evacuation of 383 guests from a hotel. The source of the smoke was identified as a wood-fired oven in the kitchen. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. Read more here.

- Wesley School Closure Affects 150 Students: The abrupt closure of Wesley John Kindergarten, Primary School, and High School in Szeged has displaced about 150 students across 38 schools. Many affected students had special educational needs. Legal proceedings regarding the closure are ongoing. Read more here.

- Budapest's Mayoral Support for Olympic Collaboration: Mayor Gergely Karácsony is advocating for collaboration between Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna to develop sports infrastructure for future Olympics. Discussions are still preliminary and require public consent for progress. Read more here.

- Job Cuts in Hungary’s Battery Plants: Significant layoffs have occurred in Hungary’s battery plants, including Samsung and SK, due to a decline in electric vehicle demand. While some companies are cutting back, others like CATL continue to hire, indicating a mixed outlook for the sector. Read more here.

- Forint Hits Record Low: The Hungarian forint continues to struggle, currently at a new low of 404 forints against the euro. The central bank has halted interest rate cuts following concerns about currency stability. Read more here.

- Transaction Limit at MOHU Recycling Machines: New regulations at MOHU recycling machines set a 5000 forint limit per transaction for beverage container returns. This change may require users to perform multiple transactions for larger returns, aiming to enhance the recycling system. Read more here.

- Gas Outage in Sopron: Residents of an apartment building in Sopron have been without gas for several months due to a leak, leading to challenges for families, especially those with children. Local authorities are providing temporary electric appliances while repairs are ongoing. Read more here.

- Lidl Celebrates 20 Years in Hungary: Lidl has marked 20 years in Hungary, having grown into the leading discount chain with over 210 stores and nearly 10,000 employees. The company is a significant player in promoting local suppliers and contributing to retail turnover. Read more here.