Latest news in Hungary - 8 Apr 2025

Protests Set to Block Budapest Bridges: The Budapest Police have issued warnings about traffic disruptions due to planned protests on the Erzsébet Bridge from 5 PM on April 8 to 10 PM the following day. Drivers should expect significant congestion as multiple bridges may be affected, with police urging peaceful assembly amid ongoing demonstrations against amendments to the assembly law. Read more here

Traffic Jam at Hegyeshalom Border Crossing: A nearly 6-kilometer traffic jam has formed on the M1 near the Hegyeshalom exit due to disinfection efforts against foot-and-mouth disease by Austrian authorities. The Hungarian police are working to alleviate the congestion, which has also affected the minor Road 1 crossing with a 2-kilometer queue. Read more here

Major Raids in Budapest and at Romanian Border: A coordinated inspection operation by NAV, police, and Europol took place on March 28-29, targeting mixed retail shops in Budapest and the Romanian border to combat cross-border crime. Authorities seized 211 counterfeit cosmetic products, fined more than one million forints for various violations, and identified unknown-origin alcohol and risky shipments, among other findings. Read more here

Man Sentenced for Fatal Stabbing: A 25-year-old man was sentenced to 11 years and 6 months in prison for fatally stabbing his father in the heart with a military knife in Magyarbánhegyes in December 2022. The young man justified his actions by citing a hostile relationship with his father, but the court upheld the sentence, emphasizing that he could not claim self-defense after committing the unlawful attack. Read more here

Tisza Party Calls for Immediate Pension Adjustment: In light of rising inflation data, the Tisza Party is demanding an urgent pension adjustment, citing that one million retirees live below the subsistence level while the government only raised pensions by 3.2%. March's inflation rate was reported at 4.7%, with notable increases in food prices, leading to concerns for those struggling to afford basic necessities. Read more here

Momentum Party Fined for Blocking Orbán: Members of the Momentum party received fines totaling 84,500 forints for attempting to block Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s entry to Kossuth Radio, with police issuing penalties to 21 individuals at the scene, citing traffic violations and assembly rights. Momentum's spokesperson declared that the fines wouldn’t stop their protests, as they continue to demand better public services and accountability from the government. Read more here

ELTE Faculty Opposes Pride Ban: Faculty and researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have issued a solidarity statement condemning a recent law amendment that bans Pride events, deeming it a violation of fundamental freedoms. The controversial amendment, passed by the Fidesz-led Parliament, imposes fines for gatherings promoting homosexuality, prompting ongoing protests in Budapest. Read more here

Food Inflation Remains at 7% in March: Hungary saw a 4.7% overall inflation rate in March, with food prices stable compared to February; however, they still reflect a 7% increase over the past year, according to the Central Statistical Office (KSH). Read more here

Beware of NAV Scams: The National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) is alerting the public about scams using their name, often featuring altered email addresses with a copyright symbol (©) instead of the "@" symbol. NAV will never notify clients via SMS about account issues and advises deleting such messages while directing users to visit their official website for accurate updates. Read more here

Jennifer Lopez to Perform in Budapest: Jennifer Lopez will take the stage at the MVM Dome in Budapest on July 20 as part of her "Up All Night – Live in 2025" tour, offering fans a night filled with her greatest hits. Tickets go on sale April 9, and Lopez expresses excitement about reconnecting with her fans after a significant break. Read more here

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