Latest news in Hungary - 16 Jul 2025

New Bottle Return Record Set in Hungary: The MOHU bottle and box return system reached a daily record of 15 million returns in June, surpassing last year's Christmas peak by 3 million. The return rate is averaging 80%, aiming for a 90% target, although nearly 33 billion forints worth of bottles remain unreturned. Read more here

Drought Conditions Easing but Not Over: Hungary continues to grapple with drought conditions, with 95% of the country previously facing severe drought. While recent rainfall has improved the situation in some areas, many parts still experience critically dry soil, particularly in the central and eastern regions. The latest reports indicate that, although localized rainfalls reached 50-80 mm in some areas, much of the country received under 20 mm, making the moisture insufficient for recovery. Future forecasts suggest more rain is expected, which could help improve crop conditions. Read more here

Director General of NEAK Dismissed: Zsolt Kiss has been relieved of his duties as Director General of the National Health Insurance Fund Management (NEAK) by Minister of the Interior Sándor Pintér, effective July 15, 2025. László Kőrösi, the Deputy Director General, will take over the responsibilities starting July 16. Reasons for the dismissal were not provided. Read more here

Farkasréti Cemetery Side Entrances Reopen: In response to public complaints, Mayor Gergely Karácsony has reopened the side entrances of Farkasréti Cemetery, effective immediately. The decision comes after concerns were raised by district mayors and organizations about the inconvenience caused by their closure, leading to plans for ongoing consultations and improved security measures. Read more here

BRFK Expected to Close Case Against Greta Thunberg: The Budapest Police Department is likely to terminate administrative proceedings against Greta Thunberg, similar to those against another activist, Lili Pankotai, due to privately filed complaints related to the Pride event. This decision follows the police's indication that they would not pursue action against individuals involved in the banned assembly. Read more here

MÁV Reports Improved Train Punctuality: Hungary's national railway MÁV has noted a 4% increase in train punctuality this June compared to last year, with 72% reliability on the heavily trafficked Balaton line. Even though breakdowns in Transdanubia caused some delays, MÁV is optimistic about further improvements amid ongoing maintenance challenges and operational issues. Read more here

Márton Tompos Resigns as President of Momentum: Márton Tompos has stepped down from his role as president of the Momentum party, with Zugló mayor András Rózsa set to succeed him. Tompos expressed pride in being elected to lead the community he considers his political and friendly home over a year ago. Read more here

Peter Magyar's Nationwide Tour Highlights Concerns Over Government Actions: Peter Magyar, president of the Tisza Party, kicked off his nationwide tour in Tokaj, raising alarms about the government's plan to auction valuable downtown Pest properties, claiming it would lead to "looting" before the elections. He emphasized the need for EU funds to address pressing issues in healthcare and infrastructure while promising a focus on a predictable economic policy if his party gains power. Read more here

Human Ashes Discovered on Tisza River: Bags containing human ashes were found washed ashore in Szolnok after being improperly stored, leading to concerns about the materials used for water burials. Regulations on scattering ashes in the Tisza will be tightened from September 15, 2025, prohibiting such actions on weekends and public holidays. Read more here

Seniors Over 80 To Receive Gondosóra Automatically: Starting soon, all Budapest seniors aged 80 and above will receive the Gondosóra device automatically, with around 45,000 deliveries planned. Although approximately 418,000 people over 65 in Budapest are eligible, only about 127,500 are currently registered, highlighting the aim to increase this number significantly through direct delivery. The program has already aided nearly 900,000 users and has facilitated over 60,000 life-saving interventions. Read more here

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