Latest news in Hungary - 24 Apr 2025

Megafon Dominates Facebook Ads: In a playful twist, it turns out that Megafon occupies 12 of the top 15 daily rankings for Facebook ads in Hungary, with the remaining spots also belonging to Fidesz. This highlights the influence of right-wing funding over public discourse amid accusations of left-liberal bias. Read more here

Tiborcz Denies Citizenship Claims: István Tiborcz, son-in-law of the Prime Minister, has denied allegations made by Péter Magyar that he applied for citizenship in the United Arab Emirates, a claim intended to suggest he might evade legal issues due to the absence of extradition. Tiborcz emphasized that he faces no investigations, unlike his accuser. Read more here

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MOL CEO Voices Concerns Over Excessive Taxes: Zsolt Hernádi, CEO of MOL Group, expressed frustration at the 3.5 billion dollars in extra taxes his company has paid over the past three years due to government interventions. He highlighted the need for a more predictable legislative environment to enhance Hungary's competitiveness as the company continues to navigate a challenging economic landscape. Read more here

Electrification of Balaton Railway Planned: Tibor Navracsics, Hungary's Minister of Regional Development, announced the start of planning for the electrification of the Balaton Circular Railway, with 7.5 billion HUF allocated for the design. This project aims to enhance connectivity around Lake Balaton and promote tourism, although challenges remain regarding loops that currently prevent a complete circumnavigation by train. Read more here

World War II Bomb Discovered in City Park: A hundred-kilogram WWII bomb was found near the hot air balloon in Budapest's City Park while responding to a pipe burst. The bomb, confirmed to have a broken firing mechanism and a functioning detonator, was safely transported and destroyed by the Hungarian Defense Forces without any public restrictions required. Read more here

Donald Trump Jr. to Visit Budapest: Donald Trump Jr. will be in Budapest this Friday to attend a closed event with 4iG CEO Gellért Jászai as part of the "Trump Business Vision 2025" initiative, aimed at fostering business opportunities in the region. His trip includes meetings with right-wing politicians and travels to Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. Read more here

City Major Park Gets a Funding Boost: The II and XII districts of Buda have initiated a joint effort to renovate the beloved City Major park, initially proposing a 20 million forint contribution each. Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karácsony has announced an increased support of 35 million forints, aiming to revitalize the park with plans for improved green areas and amenities. Read more here

U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Visits Budapest: Robert Palladino, the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires, met with Mayor Gergely Karácsony at City Hall to discuss enhancing cultural and economic cooperation between Budapest and the U.S. Karácsony highlighted the longstanding historical ties and shared values between the nations, wishing Palladino a successful term in Hungary. Read more here

Orbán Discusses Hungary's EU Membership: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed supporters, stating Hungary will only consider leaving the EU when it becomes more advantageous than remaining a member—currently, 85% of Hungarian products are exported to the EU. He emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and criticized the opposition, while also softening his stance towards Ukraine, asserting that Hungary should avoid military involvement in the conflict. Read more here

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