Latest news in Hungary - 29 Mar 2025

** Potential school shooter arrested ** NER arrests expecte ** Hungarians shine at Oberhausen Festival ** MÁV investigates hate gesture ** Tisza Party surge in polls ** Ambulance incident ** Dairy prices investigated ** Partial solar eclipse ** Ukrainian refugees struggle **

Ambulance Incident at Upscale Restaurant: A 70-year-old man receiving care in an ambulance was interrupted when a frustrated bystander insisted the crew move, fearing onlookers would think a restaurant guest needed help. Despite the unusual request, the paramedics completed their care in 12 minutes before transporting the patient to the hospital in stable condition. Read more here

Tisza Party Surges Ahead in Polls: A recent study by ZRI Závecz Research shows the Tisza Party has gained a 5 percentage point lead among committed voters, boasting 40% support compared to Fidesz's 35%. With a growing support base primarily among younger voters, 55% of respondents desire a change in government ahead of the 2026 elections. Read more here

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Investigation into Dairy Product Pricing: A recent analysis revealed that, following a government-imposed margin cap, the price of lactose-free dairy products has decreased significantly, averaging an 18% drop compared to an 8% decrease for regular dairy. The findings highlight substantial price margins that retailers previously applied to lactose-free items, suggesting unfair pricing practices prior to the cap. Read more here

Arrests of NER Oligarchs Expected Soon: Péter Magyar has asserted that arrests of oligarchs linked to the NER (National Cooperation System) will occur within days. This announcement hints at significant political developments ahead as the government addresses corruption allegations. Read more here

19-Year-Old Apprehended for School Shooting Threat: A 19-year-old man has been arrested by Hungary's Counter-Terrorism Center (TEK) for threatening a massacre at his former high school, where he outlined disturbing details in an email demanding large sums of money and the dismissal of politicians. The suspect was apprehended just three and a half hours after sending the email and is currently in custody facing charges of terrorism. Read more here

MÁV Investigates Conductor's Farewell Gesture: MÁV has launched an investigation after a TikTok video surfaced showing a conductor in Füzesabony waving goodbye in a manner that raised concerns. The railway company emphasizes its zero tolerance for hate speech and is taking the matter seriously. Read more here

Partial Solar Eclipse Observed in Hungary: On March 29, 2025, a partial solar eclipse was visible from Hungary, where the moon covered up to 12.2% of the sun in Sopron, while Budapest experienced an 8% coverage. The phenomenon was observable for about an hour, peaking at 12:21 PM. Read more here

Fatal Accident Caused by Fleeing Driver: A 25-year-old woman without a driver's license caused a fatal accident in Vajta while fleeing police in an unlit Citroën. The pursuit ended when her vehicle crashed into a ditch and caught fire, resulting in one passenger's death and another's hospitalization. The police are investigating the incident. Read more here

Challenges Faced by Ukrainian Refugees in Hungary: A study reveals ongoing integration difficulties for Ukrainian refugees in Hungary, with 35,000 currently residing in the country amid challenges like inadequate housing, a lack of awareness of their rights among authorities, and a struggling healthcare system. The research highlights that while substantial progress has been made since the onset of the war, many still rely on the Ukrainian system for medical care, and 21% of school-age children are not in school, reflecting significant barriers to integration. Read more here

Hungarian Films Shine at Oberhausen Festival: Abdulrachimzai Amina's film "Letters to My Grandma, Bibi Ase" will compete at the prestigious Oberhausen International Short Film Festival, the oldest festival dedicated to short films, while Balogh Mirjana's animation "Wish You Were Ear" will be featured in the youth section. The festival, held annually since 1954, also includes a retrospective of works by artist Dóra Maurer. Read more here

Government Monitoring Phone and Internet Fees: The Hungarian government is closely watching the rising costs of phone and internet services, with plans to intervene if necessary to ensure fair pricing. This follows a significant increase in various banking fees, prompting the Economic Affairs Minister to seek voluntary price restrictions from banks and continue discussions with suppliers to curb unjustified price hikes. Read more here

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