Latest news in Hungary - 10 Jun 2025

** Second waste fire in Maglód ** Increased mortgage costs ** Eagles die in storm ** Campaign finance proposal controversy ** KÜNST turns one ** Strawberry vendors inspected ** Zelensky Criticizes Orbán ** Hungary doubles loan plans **

Four Young Steppe Eagles Die in Storm: Tragically, four young steppe eagles were found dead after their nest tree fell during stormy winds near Szolnok. This critically protected species, valued at 1,000,000 forints, has been losing nesting trees in the area, and such a nest with four chicks is quite rare. Read more here

Paper Waste Fire in Maglód: Firefighters have again battled a paper waste blaze in Maglód, this time affecting an area of 300 square meters. This incident marks the second fire in a week, with the first requiring six water jets to extinguish. Read more here

Fidesz Campaign Finance Proposal Sparks Controversy: A new proposal from KDNP aims to abolish the spending limit for parliamentary election campaigns, potentially allowing parties to spend unlimited funds in 2026, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in political financing. Experts warn that this could further skew the playing field in favor of ruling parties, as Fidesz reportedly prepares to tap into oligarch donations. Read more here

KÜNST Celebrates One Year in Budapest: KÜNST, the vibrant community bar at Ferenc Square, has marked its first anniversary by enriching its offerings with Southern European wines, monthly art exhibitions, and live music events. The venue is not only a favorite for locals but also attracts patrons from the Portuguese embassy, and it serves as an ideal spot for gatherings with attentive service and a cozy atmosphere. Read more here

Nébih Inspects Strawberry Vendors: In a recent inspection by the National Food Chain Safety Authority (Nébih), about one-sixth of the 30 inspected strawberry vendors were found to be suspicious for potentially selling non-producer products, with investigations launched in five cases. Consumers can verify the legitimacy of strawberry products by checking for proper labeling and registration numbers on Nébih's website. Read more here

Zelensky Criticizes Orbán's Actions: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Viktor Orbán for exploiting the Ukraine war for electoral gain, asserting that his policies are anti-Ukrainian and harmful to Hungary's international standing. Zelensky accused Orbán of spreading misinformation and attempting to interfere in Ukraine's internal affairs, warning that such actions represent a historic mistake. Read more here

Increased Fees for Borrowers Amidst Bank Fee Freeze: While banks have committed to keeping retail account fees unchanged until June 30, 2026, costs related to mortgage loans are rising. For example, Erste Bank increased property appraisal fees by 45%, and CIB Bank has also raised appraisal fees for CSOK Plus loans. Read more here

 Hungary Doubles Foreign Loan Plans for 2025: The Hungarian government has announced plans to double net foreign financing for 2025 from 838 billion HUF to 1,685 billion HUF due to a cash deficit, shortfall in EU funds, and a worsened economic outlook. The debt ratio is projected to rise slightly above the government’s target, indicating ongoing financial challenges. Read more here

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