Latest news in Hungary - 13 May 2025

MÁV-Volán to Acquire 869 New Buses by 2027: MÁV-Volán has announced a new initiative to add 869 buses to its fleet by the end of 2027, part of a larger plan to procure around 1,000 new vehicles as outlined by Minister János Lázár. The new buses will meet Euro 6 standards, with the first 269 expected to be operational by the end of this year, contributing to a significant fleet renewal since 2018. Read more here

Péter Magyar's Walk to Oradea: Péter Magyar, president of the Tisza Party, will embark on a 300 km journey on foot from Budapest to Oradea this Wednesday, aiming to take one million steps while promoting peace and unity among Hungarians. He emphasizes addressing everyday issues faced by compatriots during this symbolic walk. Read more here

Momentum Politician Won't Run in 2026 Elections: Tóth Endre, a Momentum MP from Budafok-Budatétény, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026 due to his party's stance against participating in the elections. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing collective interests for a potential regime change, and although stepping back, he pledges to continue advocating for change in the education sector and beyond. Read more here

Stray Dog Attacks in Budapest: On May 1, two stray dogs— a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a German Shepherd—attacked multiple dogs and injured two people near the Liberty Bridge, resulting in one dog’s death and severe injuries to others. The Budapest Police have launched an investigation into the dog's owner for potential animal cruelty, amid rising concerns over the safety of pets and residents. Read more here

Military Raids Across Hungary: Multiple military facilities in Kecskemét, Szolnok, Nyíregyháza, and Szeged were raided by the Central Investigative Prosecutor's Office, with documents related to reservists and IT equipment seized as part of an ongoing investigation. Further details on the case remain undisclosed to protect the integrity of the inquiry. Read more here\

Klub Vittula to Close After 21 Years: Budapest's beloved underground pub, Klub Vittula, will close its doors at the end of May after 21 years of operation. The club announced the decision on Facebook, expressing gratitude to its guests and indicating plans for a farewell party. Read more here

BKV CEO Dismissed by Budapest Mayor: Mayor Gergely Karácsony has dismissed Tibor Bolla as CEO of BKV, Budapest's public transportation company, citing concerns over his connections to individuals accused of budget fraud. Péter Takács, the Deputy CEO for Railway Operations, will temporarily take over the role as the company navigates its financial challenges. Read more here

Hungarian Duo to Compete in Eurovision 2025: Abor & Tynna, an Austrian-Hungarian sibling duo, will represent Germany in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with their original song "Baller," celebrating personal themes of liberation. Although Hungary has not participated since 2019, the duo remains connected to their roots, expressing an interest in collaborating with Hungarian artists and incorporating Hungarian influences into their music. Read more here

Taxi Fare Stalemate in Budapest: Despite negotiations, Budapest has opted not to raise taxi fares, keeping the base fare at 1,100 forints, with drivers voicing concerns about deteriorating earnings amid rising inflation. Currently, around 7,500-8,000 licensed drivers are coping with high costs and competition from both legal and illegal transport alternatives. Read more here

Chinese Car Factory Proposal in Pécs: The Hungarian government is in discussions with multiple Chinese manufacturers to establish a car factory in Pécs, aiming to boost Southern Hungary's industrial sector, which has lagged behind other regions. Plans include a 600-hectare industrial zone near the city, with optimism from Deputy Minister Levente Magyar about the investment not straining U.S.-Hungarian relations. Read more here\

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