Latest news in Hungary - 16 Oct 2025

Dobrev Klara Defends Against Threats: Democratic Coalition leader Dobrev Klara has responded to Schmidt Maria's accusations of communism and veiled threats regarding her child protection initiatives, insisting that she will not be intimidated in her fight to expose sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Dobrev asserts the importance of abolishing confession confidentiality to bring such abuses to light, challenging Schmidt on her motives. Read more here

Train-Car Collision in Kőbánya: On October 15, a train collided with a passenger car at a railway crossing in Budapest's 10th district, resulting in the car overturning. Emergency services, including four ambulances and three fire trucks, responded to the scene, and the affected road section has been completely closed off. Read more here

Viktor Orbán Kicks Off Election Campaign: With six months until the 2026 elections, Viktor Orbán is actively campaigning, recently visiting Eger, Salgótarján, and Pesterzsébet for a signature collection against "Brussels' war plans." Fidesz is calling on supporters to help track Orbán's appearances by sharing information on his upcoming events. Read more here

Tisza Party Leads in Latest Polls: A recent Publicus Institute survey shows the Tisza Party leading with 32% of total voters, compared to Fidesz's 27%. The research, conducted between October 6 and 13, indicates 45% support among certain party voters for Tisza, while Fidesz captures 38%. With 29% of voters still undecided, the Democratic Coalition and Mi Hazánk are also positioned to potentially enter the National Assembly. Read more here

Foul Smell Plagues Csepel Island: Residents of Csepel Island are once again complaining about a persistent bad odor, suspected to stem from the nearby Mol oil refinery. While Mol denies responsibility, attributing the smell to other industrial sources, locals fear this olfactory issue may become a routine nuisance. Read more here

Hell Energy Lawsuit Outcome: The owners of Hell Energy have lost their lawsuit against the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ), as the court ruled that TASZ’s statements regarding their financial situation were not defamatory. The owners, who were seeking 10 million forints in damages and a public apology, now face court costs as they have been deemed public figures and their case pertains to public matters. Read more here

Controversy Surrounding MÁV's Train Procurement: MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt. plans to acquire 93 used Swiss trains, but the procurement faces potential obstacles as it must first be approved by the Public Procurement Arbitration Board. Concerns have been raised about the justification for bypassing standard procurement processes, leading experts to doubt whether the contract will be approved by the October 28 deadline. Read more here

Hungarian National Bank Reports Embezzlement Allegations: The Hungarian National Bank has lodged a report alleging embezzlement, fraud, and abuse of office concerning the renovation of its headquarters at Szabadság Square. The claim follows an expert report that indicated the bank incurred financial disadvantages during the renovation process. Read more here

-