Latest news in Hungary - 13 Mar 2025

Two Tourist Trails Closed Due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease: The Hungarian Hiking Association has announced the closure of two tourist trails—one on the National Blue Trail near Tapolca and another at Búzás Valley Lake—due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting cattle. The disease, which has resurfaced in Hungary after over 50 years, requires strict animal culling measures, but poses minimal risk to humans. Read more here

Fire at Semcorp Film Factory in Debrecen: Firefighters responded to reports of smoldering in the air conditioning system of a facility on Jedlik Ányos Street, with 20 individuals evacuated and no injuries reported. The Semcorp factory, which received significant state support in 2021, has not yet commenced operations, and it's unclear if the incident occurred at their location. Read more here

Calls for Transparency on Orbán's Health: Péter Magyar, president of the Tisza Party, is urging the government to publicly disclose Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's health status, highlighting the need for transparency in light of recent controversies surrounding healthcare discussions, including an investigation involving a former advisor. The request emphasizes the Hungarian people's right to know about their leader's fitness to govern. Read more here

Proposed Saturday Workdays Announced for 2026: The Hungarian Ministry of National Economy has proposed new Saturday workdays for 2026 to offset public holidays falling on weekends, including January 10, August 15, and December 12. A public consultation is open for feedback until March 20. Read more here

Budapest Road Closures for March 15 Celebrations: Expect significant road closures in central Budapest on March 15 for national holiday events, affecting areas like Kossuth Lajos Square and Andrássy Avenue. BKK services will follow a Sunday timetable, with advice to use metro or fixed-track transport, while the Pest lower embankment will be open to pedestrians for the first time this year. Read more here

Netanyahu's Upcoming Visit to Hungary: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Hungary within the next two and a half weeks, with details about the timing and purpose still under wraps. This visit follows Hungary's supportive diplomatic stance towards Israel, including moving its embassy to Jerusalem. Read more here

Constitutional Amendments Targeting Pride and Civil Organizations: Hungary’s ruling party, Fidesz, has proposed significant amendments to the Fundamental Law, including measures that may restrict Pride celebrations under the guise of protecting children's rights and a move to suspend citizenship for foreign-funded civil organizations. These changes are part of a broader agenda to redefine family and national identity amid ongoing political tensions. Read more here

Majority of Hungarians Oppose Ukraine's EU Membership: A recent Medián survey reveals that 56% of Hungarians are against Ukraine's EU membership, while 71% support Serbia's accession. The poll also indicates a growing acceptance of Pride events, with 21% supporting them now compared to just 6% in 2019. Read more here

Government to Ban Investment Property Purchases in Overpopulated Areas: The Hungarian government plans to introduce legislation to prevent investment property purchases in overpopulated municipalities, with Minister Tibor Navracsics outlining measures including a ban on non-resident property sales and local tax obligations. The proposal aims to protect municipalities at risk of unsustainable growth, with the legislation expected to be adopted in the spring session and effective by summer. Read more here

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