Latest news in Hungary - 2 Mar 2025

Solidarity March for Ukraine in Budapest: Several hundred demonstrators gathered for a solidarity march towards the Ukrainian embassy on Sunday, expressing their support for Ukraine and denouncing the recent criticisms of President Zelensky by U.S. leaders. The event, organized by the Civil Base movement, aimed to promote a message of dignity and peace for Ukraine, culminating in a meeting with the Ukrainian ambassador. Read more here

Big Lottery Win: The latest draw of Hungary's lottery saw one lucky ticket holder win approximately 649 million HUF with the winning numbers 4, 5, 12, 15, 28, and 41. In total, winnings were awarded across various categories, including 33 tickets with 5 correct numbers and over 31,000 tickets with 3 correct numbers, while next week's expected jackpot is set at 111 million HUF. Read more here

New Danube Beaches Coming This Summer: Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has announced the opening of a free beach at Hosszúréti stream and a Danube beach near Pünkösdfürdő, due to improved water quality. This initiative is part of a larger plan to create more swimming spots along the Danube in the coming years. Read more here

Tax Exemptions for Mothers Clarified: Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation, confirmed that only salaries will be tax-exempt for mothers with two or three children starting in 2026, while dividends and capital gains will still be taxable. This follows Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's previous announcement regarding tax exemptions, with implications for future family budgeting and an estimated budget shortfall of 1,300 billion forints. Read more here

Man Arrested for Bribery in License Plate Scheme: A vehicle retail company director has been arrested for allegedly trying to bribe an individual who claimed he could leverage connections with the tax authority and police to resolve issues surrounding improperly issued license plates. The accused sought 2,500 euros and additional payments totaling 400,000 forints from the entrepreneur to prevent penalties, which raised suspicions leading to his detention. Read more here

Train Disruptions in Budapest: Due to a damaged overhead line between Ferencváros and Kelenföld, trains are operating on a single track, and passengers can use train tickets on metro line M3 and tram line 1 in the affected area. Additionally, delays are expected on services to Győr and Pécs, with some trains running with extended travel times. Read more here

New Battery Factory Announced Near Hungarian Border: Gotion InoBat Batteries is set to build a 1.23 billion euro battery factory in Nagysurány, Slovakia, aiming to create 1,300 jobs and produce batteries for 200,000 electric vehicles annually. This investment comes amid layoffs in Hungary's nearby battery manufacturing sector, highlighting a contrasting development in the region's economy. Read more here

Megan Fox Joins Hell Ice Coffee: Megan Fox has been signed as the new brand ambassador for Hell Ice Coffee, following previous endorsements by Bruce Willis and Eva Mendes. This collaboration aims to enhance Hell Energy Hungary Ltd.'s brand presence globally, highlighting Fox's iconic style and dynamic personality as a perfect match for their products. Read more here

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