Latest news in Hungary - 18 Jun 2025

** Tisza poll surge ** Bánkitó festival to end ** Pride to go ahead and municipal event ** Student loan interest freeze extended ** 2026 budget approved ** Chironomid swarms expected at Balaton ** Elefánt frontman in hospital **

June 18, 2025

Hungarian Parliament Approves 2026 Budget and Campaign Spending Changes: In a recent extraordinary session, the Hungarian Parliament approved the 2026 budget, now allowing unlimited campaign spending and preparing for a major toll system reform starting in 2026. Despite economic uncertainties, the ambitious budget includes significant allocations for pensions, economic development, and defense spending. Read more here

Budapest Pride to Go Ahead Despite Government Opposition: Despite Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declaring that Pride events are banned in Hungary, Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karácsony announced that the city will hold the Budapest Pride on June 28, circumventing legal restrictions by organizing it as a municipal event. The city is asserting that this categorization frees it from the assembly law's prohibitions on gatherings promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Read more here

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Interest Freeze on Student Loans Extended: The Hungarian government has announced the extension of the interest freeze on student loans until the end of 2024, benefiting nearly 400,000 students. Contracts signed in this period will maintain a maximum interest rate of 7.99% for loans, while targeted schemes like Diákhitel2 and Képzési Hitel will remain interest-free, with additional repayment benefits for families with children. Read more here

Chironomid Swarming Expected at Lake Balaton: A significant increase in chironomid populations is anticipated at Lake Balaton, marking the most intense swarming season in 30 years due to higher nutrient levels in the water. Though harmless and non-biting, these insects will be drawn to lights in the evening and serve as vital food sources for local wildlife. Read more here

Bánkitó Festival to Conclude After 16 Years: The Bánkitó Festival will host its final edition in July 2025 after organizers cited rising costs, declining revenues, and a challenging political and economic climate as reasons for ending the event. The festival, known for its support of progressive arts and social issues, will aim to close this chapter with a memorable farewell edition. Read more here

Tisza Party Surges Ahead in Latest Polls: The Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, is experiencing a significant rise in support, leading Fidesz by 15 percentage points among assured voters and 10 points among the overall voting-age population. This new polling data reveals that the Tisza Party's backing has surpassed 50%, a notable shift from the 2022 election results. Read more here

Elefánt Frontman Hospitalized: Szendrői Csaba, the lead singer of the band Elefánt, has been hospitalized but is reportedly recovering well. As a result, the band has canceled several upcoming festival performances, including at Biatorbágyi Városi Napok and VIBE festival, while they focus on his recovery. Read more here

Tisza Party Surges Ahead in Latest Poll: The Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, currently leads Fidesz by 15 percentage points among decided voters and by 10 points among the entire voting-age population, with 58% support from those under 40. As the desire for government change grows, 62% of respondents favor a new administration following the upcoming election. Read more here

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