Latest news in Hungary - 1 Oct 2025

Judit Polgar Chess Festival Unveils RubikChess: The Judit Polgar Chess Festival kicks off at the Hungarian National Gallery, featuring the unique RubikChess, which combines chess with Rubik's Cube challenges. The event, emphasizing creativity and community, will include simultaneous exhibitions, robot chess, and participation from both Judit and Ernő Rubik, with free admission for all. Read more here

Cheaper Airport Bus Tickets for Pass Holders: Starting October 1, passengers with a Budapest, Pest County, or national pass can purchase tickets for the 100E airport bus for just 1000 forints, down from the previous 2500 forints. The new tickets will be available via the BudapestGO app, addressing concerns raised by local residents about the ticket price. Read more here

Rising Illegal Cigarette Consumption in Hungary: Illegal cigarette consumption in Hungary has surged from 8% to 13% in just a year, part of a broader trend in Europe where black market tobacco poses significant health risks and leads to substantial tax revenue losses. Experts warn that counterfeit products are now the primary concern, highlighting the dangers of engaging with unregulated goods, which can severely impact both health and finances. Read more here

National Széchényi Library Director Suspended: Rózsa Dávid, the director of the National Széchényi Library, has been suspended for one month pending an internal investigation, while general deputy Gerencsér Judit will temporarily take over his duties. President of the MNMKK, Demeter Szilárd, assured the public that library operations will continue unaffected during this period. Read more here

Orbán Plays Football with AI: Viktor Orbán shared an AI-generated video featuring a fictional footballer, Péter Magyar, scoring a goal against an AI goalie, engaging in digital creativity as he navigates the election campaign. He emphasized the importance of maintaining seriousness in politics as he attempts to enhance his online presence. Read more here

Fidesz Launches Campaign Against Tisza Tax: Fidesz is intensifying its campaign against the opposition Tisza Party, warning homeowners in the I district of a potential property tax that could reach up to 1.5 million forints annually. This follows accusations of a planned personal income tax increase by the Tisza Party, which they have denied, leading to a nationwide consultation initiated by the government. Read more here

Hungary to Extend War Emergency State: The Hungarian government intends to prolong the state of war emergency for an additional 180 days, extending it until May 13, 2026, due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from the Russian-Ukrainian war. This extension follows a series of crises in Hungary since March 2020, aimed at managing humanitarian needs and economic changes. Read more here

Orbán Welcomes Merkel to Budapest: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hosted former German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Budapest, sharing a warm welcome on Facebook, but details of their discussion remain under wraps. Read more here

U.S. Embassy in Budapest Halts Facebook Updates: The U.S. Embassy in Budapest has paused regular updates on its Facebook page due to the federal government shutdown that began on Wednesday morning. While social media posts are limited, essential consular services, including passport and visa issuance, continue unaffected. Read more here

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