Latest news in Hungary - 29 May 2025

New E-Receipt System Launching: Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) is introducing a new e-receipt system aimed at enhancing consumer experience by allowing digital receipts via an app, which will store purchase details for ten years. This system, replacing traditional paper receipts, will include QR codes for anonymity and enable exciting new promotional opportunities, like manufacturer discounts valid across multiple stores. Full implementation of the system is expected by 2028. Read more here

Hungary Reports Record Low Births: In April 2025, Hungary recorded its lowest monthly birth rate ever, with only 5,323 children born compared to 9,565 deaths. This represents a 14% drop in births from last year and a total fertility rate decline from 1.37 to 1.28. While the infant mortality rate saw a slight improvement, the overall natural decrease in population accelerated by 21%. Read more here

TV2 Fined for Hunyadi Broadcast: The National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) has fined TV2 over 6 million forints for airing the first episode of Hunyadi at 8 PM, violating minor protection laws by broadcasting content rated for viewers aged 16 and above during a time slot meant for those under 12. The series, which has sparked numerous complaints due to explicit content, cost over 25 billion forints to produce and achieved high viewership ratings. Read more here

Orbán Addresses CPAC Hungary: At the CPAC Hungary conference, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán outlined a four-point patriotic plan for Europe, calling for electoral victories among sovereignist parties to reclaim Brussels from liberal influences. He received a supportive video message from Donald Trump, who praised him as a "great man," while Orbán criticized European liberal elites and emphasized Europe's need to reject globalization in favor of nationalism and sovereignty. Read more here

Juvenile Institution Director Arrested: The director of a juvenile institution in Budapest has been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, forced labor, and abuse of a public position, along with a female employee. Detention has been requested to prevent evidence tampering and reoffending, following an internal investigation initiated by an anonymous tip. Read more here

Pécs Official Sentenced for Fraud: Attila Magyar, the former economic director of the Zsolnay Heritage Management in Pécs, received a suspended sentence of 1 year and 10 months for fraud involving false contracts that resulted in a financial loss of 13.7 million HUF for the municipal company. His accomplice also received a suspended sentence, and both are banned from public office as a result of this case that followed an opposition-led audit of municipal companies. Read more here

Hungarian Community Radio Curates SXSW Festival: Lahmacun community radio will curate a stage at the first European edition of the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in London on June 7, featuring six Hungarian acts including Hakumba and Polldarier. This multidisciplinary festival showcases talent alongside big names like Abbey Road Studio and the BBC. Read more here

Ukraine Boycotts Judo World Championship: Ukraine has decided to boycott the upcoming judo world championship in Budapest due to the International Judo Federation's decision to allow Belarusian competitors to display their national symbols. The championship is scheduled for June 13 to 20, and Ukraine condemns the IJF's move as unfair and contrary to global sports principles. Read more here

Dobrev Klára Takes Helm of Democratic Coalition: Following Ferenc Gyurcsány's resignation, Dobrev Klára has become the new leader of the Democratic Coalition, emphasizing the need for a left-wing alternative to address the concerns of voters who feel unrepresented. As the party prepares for the 2026 elections, Dobrev advocates for a broad coalition to challenge Fidesz and is committed to defending human rights, including support for the LGBTQ+ community. Read more here

Visit Hungary CEO Paid in Euros: Olivér Csendes, the CEO of Visit Hungary Nonprofit Ltd, receives a gross monthly salary of €7,500, which has increased in value due to the forint's depreciation. This unique payment method for a state company leader raises questions, as while the Labor Code generally mandates payments in forints, exceptions exist for managerial positions. Read more here\

-