Latest news in Hungary - 16 Sep 2025

Court Takes Up Deputy Mayor Issue in Budapest: Nearly a year without a deputy, Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karácsony faces legal action from Sára Botond, the head of the capital's government office, claiming the absence jeopardizes city operations. The Metropolitan Court will hear the case on October 7, which could lead to a mandated election for a deputy or an appointment by Botond if the court rules in her favor. Read more here

Kunhalmi Open to Supporting Magyar as PM: Ágnes Kunhalmi, co-chair of the MSZP and representative for District XVIII, has confirmed her intention to run for re-election while expressing readiness to vote for Péter Magyar as prime minister if he wins. She highlighted the need for opposition coordination against Fidesz and warned of potential dangers posed by alliances like that with Mi Hazánk. Read more here

Impersonating a Police Officer Leads to Arrest: A security guard was arrested in Budapest for wearing a police uniform after several people mistook him for an actual officer. He was fined 104,000 HUF for unauthorized use of an official title after claiming he had wore the uniform for a video shoot. Read more here

Microplastics Found in Urban Air: An international study has found up to 1300 microplastic particles per square meter daily in some urban areas, with Budapest showing a lower rate of around 300. The research highlights the pervasive presence of inhalable microplastics, coming from various sources including tire wear, and raises concerns about their impact on human health and the environment. Read more here

Cold Front and Thunderstorm Warnings Issued: A cold front will move in from the north on Tuesday, bringing rain and thunderstorms across most of Hungary, with maximum temperatures varying from 14-29 degrees depending on the region. Thunderstorm warnings have been issued, focusing on lightning risks, with a significant temperature drop expected in rain-soaked areas. Indian summer is anticipated to arrive by Thursday. Read more here

Tax Exemption for Mothers with Three Children: Starting October 1, mothers raising at least three children can submit a tax advance declaration for a new tax exemption on wages, as announced by the National Tax and Customs Administration. This initiative follows earlier benefits proposed by the Prime Minister, with plans to expand exemptions to mothers with two children next year and gradually introduce age-based exemptions starting in 2026. Read more here

Orbán's Daughter Acquires Property in Hűvösvölgy: Sára Orbán, daughter of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, purchased a 2000 square meter property in Hűvösvölgy from Guller Zoltán, former CEO of the Hungarian Tourism Agency, in 2022. Reports suggest similar properties in the area are valued at several hundred million forints, raising questions about the transparency of government real estate transactions. Read more here

Rental Prices Continue to Climb: Despite the launch of the Home Start program, rental prices in Budapest are still on the rise, with the average rent reaching 274,000 HUF—an 18% increase from last year. University towns are also seeing higher rents, with Debrecen leading the way at 269,000 HUF. The expected impact of the program on stabilizing prices remains unclear. Read more here

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