Latest news in Hungary - 22 May 2025

Ukrainian Citizen Arrested on Espionage Charges: A Ukrainian national, István Holló, has been arrested in Budapest under suspicion of espionage activities linked to the Ukrainian military intelligence, with connections to Hungary’s military and energy sectors. The Budapest Central District Court deemed his detention necessary due to the risk of witness tampering, and investigations are ongoing following a criminal complaint by the National Security Office. Read more here

Metallica to Rock Budapest with Double Concert: Get ready for a heavy metal weekend! Metallica will perform two concerts at the Puskás Arena on June 11 and 13, 2026, featuring unique setlists and opening acts for each show as part of their M72 World Tour. Stay tuned for ticket sale details! Read more here

KineDok Film Club Blacklisted: The Sovereignty Protection Office has classified the KineDok film club as a pressure group, particularly after screening the film "Fanni's Garden," which portrays a transgender teen. The organization, receiving EU funding of around €100,000, asserts that it aims to promote quality films and community engagement, despite inaccuracies in the office's claims about its activities. This situation unfolds amidst a legislative proposal that could complicate financing for similar organizations. Read more here

Presidential Pardons on Hold: Since taking office, President Sulyok Tamás has rejected all 69 presidential pardon requests submitted in 2025, marking a significant decrease in clemency applications compared to previous years. Last year alone, he turned down a total of 680 requests, reflecting a sharp contrast to the more lenient pardoning practices of his predecessors. Read more here

Klimt Painting Exported from Hungary: Gustav Klimt's valuable portrait of the African Prince, worth €15 million, was exported to Austria after Hungarian authorities deemed it not of significant heritage value, despite it being identified as a Klimt painting. The Ministry of Construction and Transport allowed its departure without an export permit, leading to questions about the oversight of cultural heritage laws. Read more here

Óbuda Mayor Returns from Prison with Heated Speech: András Nádor, the mayor of Óbuda, delivered a critical address at a municipal meeting following his nine-month imprisonment on allegations of corruption, expressing outrage over the lack of evidence against him and condemning the political environment in Hungary as oppressive. His defiant stance received applause from supporters, while members of the ruling Fidesz party staged a walkout during his speech. Read more here

Tiborcz Rises in Hungary's Rich List: Tiborcz István, the son-in-law of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, jumped from 19th to 11th place on the list of Hungary's 100 richest, doubling his wealth to 188 billion forints in just a year. The total wealth of the individuals on the list increased by 22% to 11,020 billion forints, with Lőrinc Mészáros maintaining the top position at 1,422 billion forints. Read more here

FBI-Captured Suspect in Budapest: A 59-year-old dual Hungarian-American citizen wanted for 16 counts of sexual assault against minors was arrested in Budapest just 24 hours after the FBI alerted local authorities. He had previously been investigated in Illinois, USA, and had changed his name before fleeing to Hungary. Extradition proceedings will follow. Read more here

Ferenc Square Closed Due to Crow Attacks: Ferenc Square in Ferencváros is temporarily closed due to an increase in hooded crow attacks, particularly as the chicks begin to fledge. The local government states that relocating the birds is impractical, and the closure will last about 1-2 weeks until the situation calms down. In the meantime, residents are advised to confront attacking crows by making themselves appear larger and more intimidating. Read more here

Radio 1 Fined for Inappropriate Content: Radio 1 has been fined 9.15 million HUF by the Media Council for violating age classification regulations during a Balázsék program that discussed a sexual record attempt, deemed inappropriate for listeners aged 12 to 16. The station faces additional penalties due to previous violations, including a fine for its senior officer and a mandated notice publication. Read more here\

-