Latest news in Hungary - 15 Oct 2025

Mi Hazánk Positions for Opposition Role: The Mi Hazánk party is preparing to act as a constructive opposition while vying for a government change, emphasizing their role as a viable political alternative during their campaign. In the Baranya region, they have introduced 106 candidates, with a recent survey showing them at 5% in the Baranya 1 electoral district. Read more here

24,000 Teachers Miss Out on Pay Increase: Over 24,000 teachers in Hungarian district schools did not receive an autumn pay raise despite performance evaluations, with many highlighting discrepancies in the evaluation system. Out of 82,877 eligible teachers, only 58,685 were awarded increases, often lower than expected, as concerns about the evaluation process's objectivity continue to grow. Read more here

Uniform Train Surcharge Coming October 16: Starting October 16, MÁV Group will standardize the on-site surcharge for ticket inspections to 25,000 forints, aligning it with the check-paid surcharge. Additionally, passengers presenting home-forgotten tickets will incur a fee of 2,600 forints. This change follows a year-long awareness campaign and aims to streamline the purchasing process amid decreasing fare evasion rates. Read more here

Grapevine Gold-Colored Yellowing Hits Tokaj Region: The grapevine gold-colored yellowing disease has been detected in the Tokaj wine region, marking its presence in 17 counties and 20 wine regions across Hungary. Authorities are urging grape growers to report any symptoms, as they implement plant health measures in affected areas to prevent the spread of the disease, which has been aided by the invasive American grape leafhopper. Read more here

Austerity Measures Looming in Hungary: György Surányi, a prominent economist, warns that if Fidesz remains in power after the elections, Hungary should prepare for serious austerity measures next summer. He emphasizes that the economy is trapped in a growth deadlock, projecting a growth of less than 1% this year, while suggesting that a potential Tisza government could avoid austerity by reallocating state funds and obtaining EU funds. Read more here

West Nile Fever Case in Csongrád-Csanád: A 45-year-old woman has been hospitalized with West Nile fever in Csongrád-Csanád County, marking the 14th case reported this year in Hungary. This viral disease, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, has affected several individuals with severe neurological symptoms, highlighting the ongoing public health concern as there is currently no vaccine available. Read more here

Possible Introduction of 14th Monthly Pension: At the Lázárinfo event, Minister János Lázár discussed the potential implementation of a 14th monthly pension to support small pensioners, particularly in rural areas where benefits are currently low. He emphasized the government's commitment to providing additional support, including a pension supplement of around 50,000 forints and a 30,000 forint food voucher at the end of the year. Read more here

High-Stakes EU Lawsuit for Hungary: A significant lawsuit has begun involving the European Parliament and the European Commission, concerning around €22 billion in Hungarian subsidies linked to judicial reforms. The European Parliament claims the Commission's approval of these reforms was hasty, amid concerns over fundamental rights and legal compliance, with a judgment expected in February 2026. Read more here

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