Latest news in Hungary - 11 Mar 2025

** Food inflation hits 7.1% ** Price cap imposed ** Public transport changes ** Vietnamese couriers disappear ** Tisza Party proposes 5% VAT ** Semmelweis Hospital care concerns ** Wizz Air goes cashless ** 440 Billion HUF energy program ** Apartment price surge **

March 11, 2025

Wizz Air Goes Cashless: Starting April 1, 2025, Wizz Air will only accept bank cards and digital payment methods for onboard purchases, eliminating cash payments. This move aims to enhance service efficiency and hygiene, with new rules allowing a maximum of 150 euros in purchases per passenger and requiring boarding pass presentation for larger transactions. Read more here

City Council Discusses Public Transport Changes: The City Council's recent meeting focused on various public transport updates in Budapest, including a proposed ticket price increase for BKK services, adjustments to the 100E airport bus, and enhancements to nighttime transport. Notably, a single ticket may rise from 450 HUF to 500 HUF, while pass holders could benefit from discounted rates on the airport bus. Discussion also included the development of a BKK policing initiative to enhance safety in public transport. Read more here

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Concerns Over Care at Semmelweis University Hospital: A shocking report reveals patient neglect and mismanagement at Budapest's Semmelweis University Hospital, where a 72-year-old woman developed fatal hospital-acquired infections leading to leg amputation, and a pregnant woman reported degrading treatment and lack of communication during her stay. Despite the hospital's claims, many patients continue to experience a lack of information and respect, leading to growing concerns about the quality of care provided. Read more here

New 440 Billion Forint Energy Program Launched: Hungary has unveiled the Jedlik Ányos Energy Program, a 440 billion forint initiative aimed at reducing utility costs for businesses through improved energy efficiency, energy storage systems, biomethane production, and more. The program is designed to enhance energy independence and support green initiatives while increasing the competitiveness of domestic companies. Read more here

Vietnamese Couriers Disappear from Budapest: A documentary explored the lives of Vietnamese couriers in Budapest, highlighting the situation of the 120,000 guest workers in Hungary, many of whom face abuse in the system. After initial filming, these couriers unexpectedly vanished, raising questions about their treatment and the regulation of guest labor. Read more here

Food Inflation Hits 7.1% in Hungary: Recent data from the Central Statistical Office reveals that consumer prices rose by 5.6% year-over-year in February, with food prices increasing significantly—flour up 44.3% and cooking oil by 27.5%. The government is responding with a three-step action plan to mitigate further price hikes, following Minister Márton Nagy's warnings about potential inflation. Read more here

Used Apartment Prices Surge in Budapest: The average price of used apartments in Budapest has almost reached 100 million forints, with a significant year-on-year increase of 17% in February, reflecting a booming demand that outpaces supply. The average price per square meter is now at 1.24 million forints, signaling a tight market for buyers, especially in the most desired districts. Read more here

Price Caps Introduced on 30 Food Products: Beginning mid-March, the Hungarian government will implement price caps on 30 essential food items, including various chicken cuts, milk, cooking oil, and sugar, to address rising food costs. State Secretary András Tállai outlined these measures to prevent unjustified price hikes. Read more here

Tisza Party Proposes 5% VAT on Healthy Foods: The Tisza Party's leader, Péter Magyar, has called for a significant reduction of VAT on healthy foods to 5% amidst rising food prices and inflation, criticizing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government for profiting from high food taxes while families struggle. Meanwhile, opposition statements suggest that inflation is influenced by major food companies rather than traders, leading to calls for the government to eliminate VAT on basic foodstuffs to alleviate the financial burden on citizens. Read more here

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