Latest political news in Hungary

10 Dec 2024

- József Szájer Returns to Public Life: Former Hungarian politician József Szájer, who resigned in November 2020 after attending an illegal party during lockdown, has re-entered the public arena, discussing his political career in a recent interview. He criticizes public scrutiny of his private life, asserting that discussions surrounding his personal affairs are unjust.

Szájer claims to have been falsely accused of homophobia and emphasizes the importance of privacy rights amidst the controversy of his past actions, which included drug possession at the party. He argues that public officials should be held accountable for their conduct while in office, blurring the lines between public duties and private affairs. Read more here

4 Dec 2024

- Viktor Orbán meets the pope: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with Pope Francis on December 4, 2024, at the Vatican to discuss the urgent need for peace amid ongoing conflicts. Orbán emphasized the imperative for an immediate ceasefire and collaboration among world leaders, warning of the dangers of escalating violence in Europe.

Following the audience, discussions with Vatican officials focused on humanitarian issues arising from the Ukraine war and Hungary's commitment to social welfare and family protection during its EU presidency. Read more here

19 Nov 2024

- Plans to reduce Budapest voting districts from 18 to 16 causes tension: Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has expressed concerns about proposed changes to Hungary's electoral laws by the ruling Fidesz party, which seeks to reduce the number of electoral districts in Budapest from 18 to 16. This move could diminish the capital's parliamentary representation.

Karácsony labels the proposed changes as a "last-minute committee decision" lacking proper debate, suggesting they are retaliatory measures following recent electoral successes for opposition parties. Politicians from across the spectrum, including Ferenc Gyurcsány of the Democratic Coalition, have criticized the changes, dubbing them an “electoral atomic bomb.” Read more here

18 Nov 2024

- European Commission demands €93 million from Hungary: The European Commission has sent a new payment demand to Hungary's government for €93 million, following a previous notice that had a deadline of November 4. This comes after Hungary failed to pay a €200 million fine imposed by the European Court of Justice for non-compliance with EU asylum laws.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has criticized the EU's stance, calling it "outrageous and unacceptable." If Hungary doesn't meet the latest deadline by November 19, the total owed could reach €293 million plus interest. Continued defaults may lead to deductions from Hungary's EU funds. Read more here