Latest news in Hungary - 14 Feb 2025

- Chain Bridge Closed for Filming: The iconic Chain Bridge in Budapest will be closed for filming from midnight Friday until 4 a.m. Monday. Expect disruptions to bus routes during this time, as international stars like Keanu Reeves and Emilia Clarke are in town for various projects. Read more here

- Jobbik to Contest 2026 Elections Independently: The Jobbik party, led by Béla Adorján, will run independently in the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections, with candidate selection already in progress. The party aims to challenge the current government and address issues such as public safety and job protection. Read more here

- Healthcare Workers' Leave Concerns: Health Undersecretary Péter Takács is considering changes to regulations affecting doctors' and nurses' unused leave requests. The Hungarian Medical Chamber is advocating for a shift, highlighting an urgent protest planned for March 8 to demand healthcare reforms, as many workers face burnout due to ongoing shortages. Read more here

- Criminal Gang Targeting Tourists Arrested: A police operation in Budapest’s party district led to the arrest of ten individuals from a gang suspected of overcharging foreign tourists. The operation involved nearly 200 officers and resulted in significant seizures worth 100 million forints. Read more here

- New Oil Pipeline Project Between Hungary and Serbia: Hungary and Serbia have announced a collaboration on a new 180-kilometer oil pipeline to enhance mutual energy security. Construction is set to take three years, part of Hungary's strategy to diversify its energy sources amid ongoing sanctions on Russian oil. Read more here

- Orbán at Tucker Carlson Summit in Dubai: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attended the Tucker Carlson Summit in Dubai, emphasizing a political shift he believes is occurring, with Hungary moving from a position of rebellion to being part of the mainstream in European politics. Read more here

- Pécs City Budget Approved Amid Tensions: The city budget for Pécs has been approved following contentious debates, highlighting the financial struggles and political divisions within the municipality. The opposition mayor criticized a significant increase in solidarity contributions affecting local services. Read more here

-