Latest news in Hungary - 28 Feb 2025

New Anti-Drug Appointed: László Horváth has been named Hungary's new government commissioner against drugs, with a clear mandate to combat drug distribution, asserting, "a manhunt begins." The initiative follows Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's focus on improving the nation's drug situation, and it will include educational presentations on drug prevention in schools. Read more here

Profit Limitations on Retail Chains Discussed: The Hungarian government is considering profit limitations for retail chains to tackle rising food inflation, with discussions ongoing. Stores like Lidl and Penny reported modest profits of around 1-2%, raising concerns over the potential impact of new price controls following previous measures that led to unintended price hikes. Read more here

Government Moves to Ban Pride Parade: Hungary's government has confirmed that the Pride parade will not be allowed in its previous form, with Gergely Gulyás citing the need for “common sense” and family protection. This contrasts sharply with earlier more tolerant statements by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who in 2015 expressed gratitude towards the LGBTQ community, highlighting a significant shift in governmental stance over the years. Read more here

Hungarian Burger Chain Expands to New York: Máté and Simon Tóth, owners of Simon’s Burger, are opening a new hamburger restaurant named Smashy in Union Square, New York, slated for a March launch. This expansion, backed by several hundred million forints of their own funds, aims to maintain the same quality and flavors found in their Budapest locations by sourcing most ingredients from American suppliers. Read more here

Szijjártó Requests US Sanction Exemption for Nuclear Plant: Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Péter Szijjártó, has requested an exemption from US sanctions affecting the Paks II nuclear power plant project, which is crucial for Hungary's energy security. He emphasized that the ongoing construction and the extension of the current Paks plant's lifetime are vital for the country's energy independence amidst political challenges. Read more here

Population Decline in Hungary: In January 2025, Hungary saw a significant population decline with 6,367 births and 12,855 deaths, resulting in a natural decrease of 6,488 people—more than the same month last year. The total fertility rate dropped to 1.35, and 1,605 couples tied the knot, indicating ongoing demographic challenges. Read more here

Bouncers Sentenced for 2000 Manslaughter Case: Two former nightclub bouncers in Kecskemét have been sentenced to 13 years and 6 months in prison for the manslaughter of a 24-year-old man, whom they severely beat before placing on train tracks, leading to his death by train in 2000. Their conviction comes more than 20 years after the incident was initially closed, following new evidence that emerged during a separate investigation. Read more here

Nissin Foods Expands Operations in Kecskemét: Nissin Foods is set to invest 40 billion HUF to double its manufacturing capacity in Kecskemét, creating a new plant for packaged and cup instant noodle soups, which will boost employment to 600. With 90% of production aimed at foreign markets, this expansion underscores Hungary's growing role as a hub for Japanese investments, which total over 72 significant projects in the last decade. Read more here

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