Latest news in Hungary - 31 Mar 2025

Tisza Activists Face Violence Amid Referendum Initiative: Péter Magyar, leader of the opposition party, has called on President Tamás Sulyok to condemn recent violent attacks against Tisza activists in Budapest, who are gathering public opinions for a referendum initiative. Following multiple aggressive incidents, including threats and disruptions by provocateurs, the Tisza party maintains a strong lead in recent polls over Fidesz. Read more here

Gellért Hill Fire Contained: A fire broke out on Gellért Hill near the Rudas Bath, affecting over 20 square meters of underbrush and debris. Firefighters swiftly extinguished the flames, and the cause is currently under investigation. Read more here

Train Services Suspended Due to Bomb Threat: Train services between Érd and Pusztaszabolcs have been suspended following a bomb threat, with MÁV providing 15-20 replacement buses for affected passengers. Scheduled travel times for various InterCity services will also be significantly longer, and specific detours have been implemented for trains on affected routes. Read more here

Police Actions Against Cannabis Use Intensify: A government crackdown on drug use in Hungary is underway, with an increase in police interventions targeting cannabis consumers, particularly among younger individuals. Those caught with small amounts of weed may avoid harsher penalties by entering diversion programs, which often involve preventive-educational services, as seen in a recent case where a young man faced police while smoking in Budapest. Read more here

Free Train Tickets for Hungarian Youth: Starting April 2, nearly 800 Hungarian youths can apply for free European train passes through the DiscoverEU program, with a application deadline of April 16. Open to those born between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2007, selected participants will enjoy travel benefits and discounts on cultural activities and transport from July 1 to September 30 next year. Read more here

Significant Rainfall Across Hungary: This week, Hungary experienced nearly a month's worth of rainfall, especially along the Nagykanizsa-Debrecen axis, due to a series of weather systems moving in from Western Europe and the Mediterranean. Following warmer weather, localized heavy rain, including thunderstorms, peaked midweek before widespread rain returned at the end of the week. Read more here

Illegal Nursing Home Operation Uncovered: A couple in Bács-Kiskun County has been charged for running an illegal nursing home since 2017, exploiting elderly patients for their assets under the guise of care. They were supported by a social worker, a lawyer, and a forensic expert, leading to serious accusations including negligent manslaughter following the neglect of a patient who died. Read more here

Hungarian Exports See Significant Decline: In February, Hungarian exports dropped by 13% year-on-year, totaling €12.3 billion, while imports saw a much smaller decrease of just 0.5%, amounting to €11.2 billion. The decline in exports was primarily driven by a reduction in machinery and transport equipment. Read more here

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