Latest news in Hungary - 27 Jan 2025

- MÁV Sets Record for Ticket Evasion Fines: In 2024, Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) reported a significant uptick in ticket evasion fines, totaling 24,100 incidents. Notably, one passenger received a record fine of 128,000 HUF. MÁV collected nearly 61 million HUF from around 7,500 cases, while an impressive backlog remains, with 80,000 passengers owing over 5 billion HUF in unpaid fines. Additionally, bus services issued over 3,000 penalties, contributing around 30.5 million HUF in revenue. Read more here

- Budapest Mayor's Legal Action on Rákosrendező Site: Gergely Karácsony plans to exercise the city's right of first refusal regarding the urban development of the Rákosrendező site. He raises concerns about potential favoring of an Arab investor and indicates that legal actions may follow if the government's transparency laws are bypassed. Read more here

- Ukrainian Refugees' Experience in Budapest: Many Ukrainian refugees, residing in a shelter on Gyáli Road, are finding better living conditions than back home. However, they express a strong desire to return to Ukraine once the war concludes. The shelter has supported 91 individuals since the war began, focusing on community and job search assistance. Read more here

- Train Service Disruption in Szeged: Following a freight train derailment in Szeged, cleanup efforts are underway. Train services are expected to resume by Wednesday, although some limitations will remain. Replacement buses are being utilized to support affected passengers. Read more here

- Hungarian Minister in Talks for New Swiss Trains: Hungary's Minister of Construction and Transportation, János Lázár, has announced negotiations for a fleet of modern trains from Switzerland. The deal may involve around 60 double-decker Bombardier trains among others, aiming to improve Hungary's rail punctuality significantly. Read more here

- Hungary's Record Warm Weather: Hungary is experiencing remarkably warm weather, with temperatures expected to reach up to 20 degrees Celsius this week. Initially sunny conditions will be disrupted by rain and strong winds, marking a notable shift from typical winter weather. Read more here

- Hungary's Political Relations with the U.S. Improve: Péter Szijjártó, Hungary's Foreign Minister, had discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio focusing on rebuilding relations and reviewing previously enacted sanctions against Hungary under the Biden administration. Read more here

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