Latest news in Hungary - 2 Sep 2025

** Árpád hit and run trial set ** Home Start loan changes ** Rákosrendező plans revealed ** Miske murder investigated ** NAV uncovers hidden drugs ** Szijjártó to attend Beijing parade ** M1 expanding ** Economic recovery stalls ** Öböl x Reflektor Festival soon **

Trial Set for Árpád Bridge Hit-and-Run Incident: The defendants in the fatal hit-and-run case at Árpád Bridge have admitted guilt, yet both insist on a trial scheduled for November. Charged with negligent causing of a fatal traffic accident, the drivers were involved in a reckless high-speed incident that resulted in a cyclist's death, prompting significant public outcry and new traffic safety measures in Budapest. Read more here

Home Start Program Changes: The Hungarian National Bank has removed the age limit for the Home Start loan program, allowing individuals over 41 to qualify with only a 10% self-contribution. However, the income threshold has increased from 600,000 forints to 800,000 forints for higher loan repayment capacity, affecting future loan terms. Read more here

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M1 Motorway Expansion Underway: The expansion of the M1 motorway has begun, with plans to widen it to 2x3 lanes and reconstruct 72 underpasses and overpasses along a 78 km stretch by August 2029. Improvements include modernized junctions, new truck parking spaces, and enhanced rest areas, all designed to accommodate increased traffic and safety. Read more here

Murder Investigation Launched in Miske: Tragically, the body of a nearly 2-year-old girl who went missing from Miske has been discovered, prompting the Bács-Kiskun County Police to initiate a murder investigation. The search involved extensive efforts from police, civil guards, and volunteers before her body was found on September 1. Read more here

NAV Raids Uncover Smuggled Drugs in Creative Packaging: During recent raids, Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) confiscated a total of 77 kilograms of illegal drugs, including 66 kilograms of cannabis concealed within seat cushions and cleverly hidden in chocolate and cookie packaging. The successful operations, bolstered by sniffer dogs, highlight the ongoing challenges of drug smuggling in the region. Read more here

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Szijjártó to Attend Beijing Military Parade: Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Foreign Minister, will be in Beijing on September 3 for the Victory Day military parade, marking Japan's WWII surrender. His visit aims to enhance Hungarian-Chinese economic cooperation, amid global tensions that he believes favor bloc formations, contrary to Hungary's interests. He will also meet with Chinese leaders to attract further investments. Read more here

Economic Recovery Stalls in Hungary: Recent statistics reveal that while domestic consumption rose by 4.9%, the agricultural sector suffered an 11.4% decline and industry saw a 3.3% drop, hindering overall economic recovery. The government now projects only 1% growth for the year, down from initial estimates of 3.4%. Read more here

Öböl x Reflektor Festival Comes to BudaPart: Get ready for the Öböl x Reflektor festival on September 12-13 at Kopaszi-gát, featuring iconic international and local acts like Co Lee, Mogwai, and Elucid. The two-day event promises a unique waterside concert experience, with discounts for Budapest locals, making it a great way to close out the summer! Read more here

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