Latest news in Hungary - 18 Aug 2025

** 1.4bn HUF lottery win ** Budapest locals step up to water trees ** Man beaten to death in Újbuda ** Lower mortgage rates incoming ** Fidesz candidate emerges in Pécs ** Abuse alegations at Szolnok childrens home **

August 18, 2025

Community Watering Effort Revives Budapest's Saplings: Local residents on Gellért Hill have formed a passionate watering community to combat the drought affecting young trees. Volunteers, led by dedicated individuals like Attila Orbán, are using tanks to efficiently water saplings, significantly improving their survival rates as severe drought continues across the city. Read more here

Jackpot Winner in Six-Number Lottery: A single ticket claimed the jackpot in the six-number lottery, netting a staggering 1.4 billion forints on August 17. Alongside, 42 tickets matched five numbers winning 398,660 forints each, while a renewed lottery format promises two draws per week starting this fall. Read more here

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Lower Mortgage Rates on the Horizon: Two to three banks may soon offer mortgage loans with interest rates below 3 percent, potentially dipping to 2.5 or 2.8 percent, as part of the government-sponsored Otthon Start program. This competitive move targets premium clients with verified monthly incomes over 700-800 thousand forints. Read more here

Tragic Incident in Újbuda: A verbal dispute over urinating in a bush escalated into a fatal altercation, resulting in the death of 51-year-old László, who suffered severe head injuries after being assaulted near Kelenföld train station. Police have arrested a 41-year-old suspect, while László’s family mourns the loss of a well-liked community caretaker. Read more here

Potential Fidesz Candidate Emerges in Pécs: Cziráki Attila, head of the Cardiology Clinic at the University of Pécs, is being speculated as a candidate for Fidesz in the upcoming 2026 parliamentary election, though he has publicly stated that he is focusing on his medical and municipal duties and not actively seeking a nomination. The current constituency president, Őri László, has also expressed interest in running, with final candidate selections expected in the fall. Read more here

Shocking Allegations from Szolnok Children's Home: A distressing report reveals a 15-year-old girl in a Szolnok reception home faced daily violence, theft, and substance abuse, including abuse by a drunken supervisor. The report highlights alarming conditions, such as toddlers restrained and living on dirty mattresses, prompting calls for accountability as the abusive supervisor allegedly found a new job immediately after resigning. Read more here

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