Latest news in Hungary - 22 Apr 2025

RTL Hungary Partners with Disney: RTL Hungary has announced a multi-year agreement with Disney, bringing popular films like Independence Day and Die Hard, as well as iconic series like Desperate Housewives, to its channels starting in April. The collaboration will feature major Disney brands, including Star Wars and Pixar, with special holiday presentations of beloved animations and the first two Home Alone films set to air at Christmas 2026. Read more here

President Sulyok to Attend Pope Francis's Funeral: Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok will be present at Pope Francis's funeral in Rome on April 26, showing respect for the late pope, who was noted for his commitment to faith and humanity. A nine-day mourning period commenced earlier this week, with the public able to pay their respects at St. Peter's Basilica. Read more here

Budapest's Financial Woes Continue: Budapest is facing a serious financial deficit of 31 billion forints, which is expected to grow to 60 billion by September due to a high solidarity tax and delayed EU funds. The city's director general, Ambrus Kiss, stated that Budapest will likely continue operating on overdraft until autumn when business tax payments are received. Read more here

Curia Blocks Protest on Elizabeth Bridge: The Curia has denied Ákos Hadházy's appeal to occupy the Elizabeth Bridge for a protest scheduled on Tuesday, emphasizing that the police must consider traffic disruptions. Hadházy plans to gather at Ferenciek tere and walk onto the bridge, expressing his frustration over what he perceives as political fear of protests. Read more here

Hungarian Women's Water Polo Team Claims Silver at World Cup: The Hungarian women's water polo team secured a silver medal at the World Cup in Chengdu after a 13-9 loss to Greece in the final, marking their second silver in this competition since 2002. The Dutch team took bronze in the tournament. Read more here
Hunyadi Series Now Streaming on Netflix: The complete ten-episode series of Hunyadi, Hungary's most expensive film production, is now available on Netflix with English subtitles. Following its successful TV debut, averaging 1 million viewers per episode, the series has received direct state support of 16 billion forints and is rated for ages 16 and up. Read more here

Increase in Filipino Seasonal Workers in Hungary: Due to rising labor costs and a shortage of local workers, Hungarian farmers are increasingly hiring Filipino seasonal workers, whose daily wages have seen significant increases this year. Employers face challenges with government restrictions limiting guest worker permits to 35,000, while vocational training changes are further complicating the hiring of local students for these roles. Read more here

MNB Scandal Unfolds: The Hungarian National Bank scandal deepens as the State Audit Office reveals significant financial mismanagement involving nearly 500 billion forints in assets, with losses attributed to poor investments and conflicts of interest linked to former central bank governor György Matolcsy and his associates. As the government faces mounting questions, both Matolcsy and his foundation contest the findings, sparking ongoing debates over accountability and transparency in state finances. Read more here

Peter Lindbergh Exhibition Opens in Budapest: The ninth Budapest Photo Festival features an exhibition celebrating the work of iconic fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh, known for his authentic portrayals of models and cinematic approach to photography. Open until June 22 at Műcsarnok, the display showcases vintage prints and highlights Lindbergh's belief in self-expression and creativity within his artistic process. Read more here

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