Latest news in Hungary - 30 May 2025

Brave Rescue in Kakasd: A police officer saved two brothers, aged 29 and 18, who fell into a two-meter-deep compost pit in Kakasd, rendering them unconscious due to oxygen deprivation. Quick-thinking Corporal Attila Noé provided oxygen to the younger brother before both were hoisted to safety and taken for medical treatment. Read more here

HÉV Trains and Car Collision in Csillaghegy: A HÉV train collided with a passenger car early Friday morning in Budapest's III district, but fortunately, there were no reports of injuries. Firefighters were dispatched for technical rescue operations following the incident. Read more here

Tisza Party Pulls Ahead in Polls: A recent survey by the IDEA Institute shows that if parliamentary elections were held now, the Tisza Party would lead with 34% of the vote, compared to Fidesz-KDNP's 25%. The poll indicates a 7-point lead for Tisza among decided voters, suggesting significant shifts in Hungarian political preferences. Read more here

Szijjártó Ends Private Jet Rentals: Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has ceased renting private jets for official trips following a court ruling that mandates the disclosure of travel costs. Since March 21, he has utilized military aircraft for his 36 flights, despite previously attempting to keep trip costs secret. Read more here

National Theatre Sets Audience Record: Attila Vidnyánszky, the director of the National Theatre, announced a remarkable increase in audience numbers for the 2024/25 season, reaching 151,000 attendees, surpassing last year's record of 129,000. The theatre is also undergoing rejuvenation with plans to hire nine new actors and is preparing for four new productions, including a musical adaptation of "Csongor és Tünde." Additionally, Vidnyánszky is filming his first feature, "Úri muri, megazisten!," supported by the National Film Institute. Read more here

Hungarian Gymnast Wins Bronze After 33 Years: Krisztofer Mészáros claimed a bronze medal in the individual all-around at the European Championships in Leipzig, marking Hungary's first medal in this category since 1992. He scored a total of 81.164 points, outperforming competitors with strong performances in various events, while compatriot Benedek Tomcsányi finished in 15th place. Read more here

Mass Layoffs at the Hungarian National Bank: The Hungarian National Bank (MNB) executed a significant workforce reduction on May 22, laying off 15% of its employees in a single day, impacting around 260 staff. The process, while emotionally charged, was noted for its transparency and the provision of better severance options than required by law, with many impacted employees expected to find new roles easily. Read more here

CATL Debrecen Factory Delayed until 2026?: The CATL factory in Debrecen may face a delay in its trial production start, pushing from autumn 2025 to autumn 2026 due to slow permitting for essential wastewater management developments. The factory's projected water consumption will require significant infrastructure, including a €7.5 million wastewater treatment plant that is yet to be built. Read more here

Support for Budapest Pride Grows Among MEPs: Seventy Members of the European Parliament from various groups plan to join this year's Budapest Pride, expressing solidarity with the local LGBTQ community amidst increasing anti-LGBTQI measures in Hungary. A joint statement from twenty EU member states highlights concerns over potential restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly related to Pride events. Read more here

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