Latest news in Hungary - 4 Sep 2025

Bribery Charges at Győr Hospital: Four doctors and two healthcare workers at Győr hospital face charges for accepting bribes ranging from 1,000 to 50,000 forints from patients. Since the 2021 law criminalizing bribery, over 400 healthcare workers have been implicated, with reports against 130 physicians and 141 other workers by the end of last month. Read more here

Flórián Square Overpass Renovation Progress: The first support of the Flórián Square overpass has been successfully raised as part of ongoing renovations to replace the over 40-year-old bearings with modern spherical ones. Originally expected to open in September, the overpass will now remain closed until at least November due to worse-than-anticipated conditions. Read more here

New Referral Requirement for Specialist Follow-ups: Beginning October 1, patients in Hungary will need to request a new referral from their family doctor for any follow-up examinations with a specialist, a change from the current system. The new regulation aims to tighten controls and promote electronic referrals, with penalties for healthcare providers failing to comply. Read more here

Retail Sales Decline in Hungary: July retail sales showed a 1.7% increase compared to last year, but fell 0.5% from June, with grocery stores accounting for half of sales at 1739 billion forints. The government has revised its GDP growth forecast for 2025 down to 1%, citing weak industrial performance and agricultural downturns as major factors. Read more here

ELTE Develops ADHD Diagnostic System for Dogs: Researchers at ELTE have created the first diagnostic tool for identifying family dogs with ADHD-like symptoms, revealing that 4.2% of the 1,872 dogs analyzed exhibited functional impairments. This groundbreaking study aims to enhance veterinary practices and improve the lives of affected dogs and their owners. Read more here

Larger Budget Deficit Expected in Hungary: Hungarian Finance Minister Márton Nagy has revised the budget deficit projection for this year to between 4% and 4.5%, up from the previous 4.1%, citing slower European growth and increased government spending ahead of elections. The government has also lowered its growth forecast to 1%, though Nagy reassured that stable consumption and tax revenues should protect the budget from jeopardy and aims to keep the deficit below 3% by 2026. Read more here

Orbán to Host Live Broadcast from Kötcse Picnic: Viktor Orbán will hold a public, all-day live broadcast on Facebook from the Kötcse picnic this Sunday, marking a potential shift away from closed events. Meanwhile, Péter Magyar will host an event at Heroes' Square to introduce new faces from the Tisza Party, just a short distance from Orbán's gathering. Read more here

BKV Bus Safety Concerns: A recent inspection by Budapest's government office revealed that 76% of BKV buses have defects, with 12% deemed unfit for operation. Following multiple fire incidents involving buses, officials are ensuring all vehicles are inspected to enhance passenger safety. Read more here

Budapest Faces Financial Strain: In a significant hit to the city’s finances, 4.5 billion forints were withdrawn from Budapest's account, raising its debt to nearly 70 billion forints. The withdrawal, due to a legal decision regarding last year's solidarity contribution, impacts the city’s operational funds and raises interest obligations, while further legal actions may be pursued depending on negotiations with the government. Read more here

New Registrable Names in Hungary: A new decree has added 13 names to Hungary's list of registrable given names, including the male names Mohamed, Ahmed, and Mustafa, and female names Sugárka and Jetti, among others. The updated list now features a total of 2,691 female and 2,012 male names, reflecting Hungary's diverse cultural identity. Read more here

-