Latest news in Hungary - 19 Apr 2025

Radio Hosts Fined for Mocking Diabetics: The NMHH has imposed an 800,000 HUF fine on Radio 1 after its hosts mocked individuals living with diabetes during a broadcast, deeming the remarks disrespectful to human dignity. Additional fines were issued to other media providers for regulatory violations, with an investigation launched against Base FM for airing age-restricted content. Read more here

Nine Injured in M7 Highway Accident: An accident on the M7 highway near Pázmánd resulted in nine injuries, including four children, after two cars collided, leading to the highway's temporary closure. Multiple rescue units were deployed, including a helicopter, and the injured victims were transported to the hospital with various injuries. Read more here

TEK Raids Wrong House in Törökbálint: A family from Törökbálint claims the Counter-Terrorism Centre (TEK) mistakenly stormed their home, holding them at gunpoint for hours while searching for a suspect. TEK denies any error, stating they were at the correct address, while the family demands compensation after their home was damaged during the operation. Read more here

Rural Pubs in Hungary Face Decline: Rural pubs in Hungary are struggling to stay afloat, with many closing down as locals increasingly gather at stores instead. A recent government grant of one billion forints aims to support these establishments, but pub owners express doubt about its impact, highlighting a deeper issue of declining populations and limited funds for leisure activities. Read more here

Costs of National Consultations Revealed: The total expenditure for Hungary's last two National Consultations has surpassed 6.7 billion forints, with 3.15 billion for the 2023 consultation on sovereignty and 3.61 billion for the 2024 economic policy consultation. Despite the 2024 consultation receiving responses from over 1.3 million people, it is estimated that more than six million forms may have gone to waste. Read more here

Nena to Perform in Budapest After 40 Years: German pop icon Nena, best known for her hit "99 Luftballons," will return to perform in Budapest on October 21 as part of her "Wir Gehören Zusammen" tour, celebrating 40 years of music and including songs from her long career. Tickets will be available starting April 22 for members and April 23 for the general public. Read more here

Potential Changes to Electoral Rules in Hungary: As upcoming elections draw near, speculation grows regarding possible modifications to Hungary's electoral laws, particularly concerning the controversial winner compensation system that has benefited Fidesz in previous elections. With recent polling showing the Tisza Party gaining significant support, experts suggest that Fidesz could act to adjust the electoral framework to maintain its parliamentary dominance. Read more here

Hungarian Government Plans Early 2026 Budget: The Hungarian government has set its sights on a "budget of peace" for 2026, expecting 2.5% GDP growth this year and 4.1% next year, while managing a budget deficit projected at 4% of GDP for 2025, down to 3.7% in 2026. Initiatives include doubling child tax benefits and substantial housing support, with a planned allocation of 5.6 trillion forints for family policies, even while sectoral special taxes will remain. Read more here

New Draft Law for Municipal Self-Defense: A new draft law allows Hungarian municipalities to restrict incoming residents in order to preserve their identity and character, particularly in areas facing rapid population changes. The proposed measures include a ban on property transactions for non-residents and conditional property purchases, aiming to empower communities in determining their desired population size. Read more here

Digital Signature Now Required for DÁP Users: The DÁP (Digital Citizenship) mobile app is mandating the creation of a digital signature for using various online services starting early 2025, creating concerns among users about security, usability, and the necessity of mobile access. As of now, individuals can electronically sign official documents, providing a legally binding alternative to paper signatures, but will need to register and create an account to obtain a signing certificate. Read more here

Hungarian Man Denied U.S. Entry: A 26-year-old Hungarian man faced a challenging experience at the Detroit airport while trying to visit his aunt. After questioning and a phone search by Customs and Border Protection, which included scrutiny of his communications and background, he was ultimately deported back to Hungary, unable to enter the country despite having an ESTA visa waiver. Read more here

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