Latest news in Hungary - 2 May 2025

Traffic Restrictions on Hungária Ring Road: From May 5 to May 11, the outer lane on the Hungária Ring Road overpass to Árpád Bridge will be closed, with additional middle lane restrictions starting May 12, due to warranty repairs on the bridge's expansion joint. A speed limit of 30 km/h will be enforced in the area, and delays are expected. Read more here

Weber Predicts Orbán's Retirement: Manfred Weber, recently re-elected as President of the European People's Party, stated that Viktor Orbán will retire next spring and that Péter Magyar from the Tisza Party will represent Hungary in the EPP. This follows the Tisza Party's surprising success in the European Parliament elections, where nearly 30% of Hungarian voters supported them. Read more here

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NAV Raids Invoice Factories for Tax Fraud: The National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) conducted raids on a criminal organization involved in producing fictitious invoices, causing a loss of approximately 505 million forints to the state budget. The operation led to the arrest of the gang's leader and his associates, who now face serious charges potentially resulting in up to 20 years in prison. Read more here

Sweden Welcomes LGBTQ+ Refugees from Hungary: In a new strategy to enhance its image, Sweden plans to accept up to 40,000 LGBTQ+ immigrants from Hungary, where recent government actions have restricted rights. Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa highlighted the need for openness in response to rising authoritarianism globally, also indicating readiness to welcome American tech workers and others facing challenges in their home countries. Read more here

Major Tax Fraud Bust in Budapest: The National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) raided a large-scale invoice factory in Budapest, linked to a criminal organization that defrauded around 505 million forints in taxes. Key figures, including the gang leader and an accomplice, were apprehended during the operation, which involved raids at 60 locations and the seizure of assets such as properties and cash. The suspects face potential prison sentences of up to 20 years. Read more here

Hungary Requests EU Budget Flexibility: The Hungarian government has formally requested the "national exemption clause" from the European Commission, allowing it to potentially exceed budget deficit limits for defense spending by up to 1.5% of GDP from 2025 to 2028. This comes as the current budget deficit reaches 2,554 billion Forints, or 62% of the annual target, raising questions about how these new spending opportunities will impact military plans and upcoming elections. Read more here

Tree Removal Sparks Outrage Near Nagymaros: Hundreds of meters of riverside trees have been cut down between Nagymaros and Kismaros, triggering protests from locals concerned about ecological impacts and the timing during nesting season. The Duna Menti Regional Waterworks Co. cites the need for maintenance to protect drinking water from muddy conditions as the reason for the deforestation, which is taking place under approved environmental regulations. Read more here

Fire in Budapest Underground Garage: A minibus and a car caught fire in an underground garage of a residential building in Budapest's 11th district, prompting firefighters to respond with two water jets. Residents were evacuated and provided a warming bus as crews worked to extinguish the fire. Read more here

Orbán Optimistic About 2025 Despite Economic Stagnation: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán spoke on Kossuth Radio, expressing an expectation for a "very good year" in 2025, even amidst European economic stagnation attributed to the ongoing war and financial aid to Ukraine. He emphasized focusing on achieving set goals despite the challenges. Read more here

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