Latest news in Hungary - 14 Aug 2025

Orbán Heads to Bilbao: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was spotted boarding a flight to Bilbao with his wife, Anikó Lévai, after a public day where he dismissed claims about Hatvanpuszta. The purpose of their trip remains unclear, but this marks another low-cost airline journey for the Prime Minister, following a previous trip to Brussels in July. Read more here

Police Crackdown on Online Threats in Hungary: In response to a rise in alarming online comments, the Hungarian police are actively investigating threats made against public figures, including Premier Viktor Orbán. Recent weeks have seen several cases, including individuals searching for hitmen and making remarks about bombing Parliament, which could now fall under the new legal category of online aggression. Read more here

Record Surge in Personal Loans in Hungary: In the first five months of 2025, Hungarians borrowed a staggering 435 billion HUF in personal loans, marking a 44% increase compared to last year, with the average loan amount rising to 3.2 million HUF. The total outstanding personal loan portfolio now stands at 1,576.4 billion HUF, nearly double the figure from 2019, driven by needs for home renovations and car purchases amid rising costs. Read more here

Flórián Square Overpass Renovation Delayed: The renovation of the Flórián Square overpass in Óbuda is now expected to take two months longer than planned due to unforeseen damage discovered in the concrete after surface insulation removal. Originally set to be completed by September, the project may now push the opening to November, with total costs potentially rising beyond the initial estimate of 3 billion forints. Read more here

Spar Confirms No Plans to Withdraw from Hungary: Spar's communication director clarified that the closure of their store in Kisújszállás is not indicative of a larger trend, citing unsustainable operations rather than a mass closure strategy. Despite accumulating over 56 billion forints in losses in the past three years, Spar has opened new locations this year and remains committed to the Hungarian market. Read more here

School Meal Prices Set to Rise This Autumn: Starting this autumn, school meal fees will increase due to rising energy costs, with daily prices anticipated to range between 600 and 1200 forints. Public caterers are facing significant cost pressures, making it challenging to maintain quality while balancing budgets. Read more here

Hungary Wins Gold in Billiards at World Games: Szolnoki Olivér clinched a gold medal in billiards at the World Games in Chengdu, defeating Peru's Gerson Martínez 9-7 in the final. This victory adds to Hungary's impressive medal tally of eight golds, seven silvers, and five bronzes at the event. Read more here

Finnish Woman Missing in Budapest: Laakso Kaisa Liisa Kristiina, a 35-year-old Finnish woman, has been reported missing since August 9, last seen near the Köki terminal. The Budapest police are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact them at their toll-free number. Read more here

Hungarian Embassy in Prague Graffitied: Czech activists poured red paint on the fence of the Hungarian embassy in Prague in a symbolic protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's comments regarding Russia's perceived victory in the Ukraine war. The protesters aimed to highlight Hungary's accountability for civilian casualties, calling for acknowledgment of the humanitarian crisis. Read more here

Concerns Over Bus Fires in Budapest: Two buses caught fire in Budapest just as BKK prepares to launch a new night schedule, which won't take effect until November. Szentkirályi Alexandra and Mayor Gergely Karácsony have called for an immediate investigation into the incidents, which experts suggest may be linked to accumulated oil sludge in the engines. Read more here\

-