Hungary Today

Domestic Politics

Prosecutor’s Office Dismisses Complaints against Fidesz Politician Who Admitted Purchase of Pegasus Spyware

According to the prosecutor's office, Lajos Kósa did not commit a crime when he acknowledged that the Interior Ministry had purchased the Pegasus spyware, because he did not share factually accurate information to the public.

Fidesz ‘Fully Committed’ to Child Protection, Group Leader Says

"LGBTQ propaganda and gender ideology are going to great lengths to weaken the institution of the family, to tear down the cohesive fabric of society and to question things that are self-evident," Máté Kocsis said.

Karácsony Calls on Govt to Transfer Transport Subsidy

The government is a "free rider" on public transport, while residents have "paid their contribution", Mayor Gergely Karácsony said.

Opposition Turns to Constitutional Court, Election Office, in Fear of Election Fraud due to Amendment

PMO Head Gulyás, however, pointed out that opposition MPs also voted in the amendment, and he believes George Soros is behind their criticism.

Foreign politics

Hungary Begins Talks on Use of Russia’s Single-Dose Sputnik Light Jab

"In our view, the further west a country is in Europe, the stronger and better its cooperation is with Russia," Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said.

Hungary Restricts Air Travel from Southern Africa Over New Covid Variant

The Council of the European Union recommended pulling an "emergency brake" and imposing temporary restrictions on non-essential travel from southern Africa.

Egypt and Maldives to Honor Hungarian Immunity Certificates

Hungary has now reached agreements on mutual recognition of Covid immunity certificates with 22 countries, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said.

PM Orbán Congratulates New Romanian Counterpart Nicolae Ciucă

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said he was pleased to learn that the ethnic Hungarian RMDSZ party was a coalition partner in the new Romanian government.

EC Allocates 250 Million Euros for Vaccines and Healthcare in Hungary

The vaccine funding may be used to acquire jabs authorized by the European Medicines Agency.

Hungary Back in Pfizer Contract

"I confirm that Hungary has entered into the third EU vaccine supply contract with BioNTech/Pfizer," spokesperson of the European Commission, Stefan De Keersmaecker, announced.

Fidesz MEP Trócsányi: EU Power Held by “Narrow Circle”

Trócsányi László said European Union "decisions are made centrally and central Europe is seen as a periphery that has the duty to simply implement them."

Society

New Large-Scale Hungarian Study Shows Effectiveveness of Vaccines Used in Hungary

According to the findings, all the vaccines used in Hungary are effective, and each type provided high or very high protection against the virus during the examined period.

Coronavirus: 162 Deaths, 11,871 New Infections Registered in Hungary

The number of active infections has surpassed 170,000.

Hungary Prepared to Vaccinate Under-12s after EMA Approval of Pfizer Jab

Parental consent is required for the vaccination of those under the age of 18.

Only Parents with Immunity Certificate Allowed to Enter Schools from December

Those parents without a valid immunity certificate will not be allowed to accompany their child beyond a certain point inside the school building.

25 People Froze to Death Between Early October and Mid-November

The Hungarian Social Forum once again reminded the public that by listening and helping, lives can be saved.

Deaths Outstrip Births in October

In October, 8,289 children were born, 248 more than in the same month in the previous year, while 11,252 people died, 1,252 fewer than during the same month in 2020.

Child Psychiatry Clinic Full Due to Effects of Pandemic

"The pandemic has acted as a catalyst for the problems faced by adolescents and families, and the already existing problems are compounded by the uncertainty and crisis," said Zsanett Tárnok, director of the Vadaskert Foundation.

Economy

DM Drugstore More Expensive in Hungary than in Germany and Austria

The news portal compiled a shopping cart of shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste, tampons, and panty liners that were purchased online in all three countries.

Hungary Investment Volume up 12.4% in Q3

In absolute terms, Q3 investments came to 3,065 billion forints. Construction investments accounted for about 60 percent of the total.

Foreign Minister: Hungary Economy Back at Pre-pandemic Levels

The record employment, investment and quarterly growth rates seen in Hungary over the past two years are a reflection of the strength of the economy, Szijjártó said.

Hungary Aims for 2050 Carbon Neutrality with Nuclear and Solar Energy

The Hungarian economy grew by more than 60 percent in the last 30 years, but our emissions were reduced by 32 percent, state secretary Kaderják said at the Hungary at First "Site" Conference.

Forint Continues Downfall, Weakening to Yet Another Historic Low

Besides several domestic factors, such as the high level of government expenditures in the run-up to the elections, international factors are also working against the forint exchange rate.

Finance Minister on High Inflation: Fiscal Policy’s Effect “Only Mild”

Varga said the jump in energy prices, raw materials and transport costs, as well as the re-pricing amid the post-pandemic economy -- services in particular -- were largely behind the 6.5 percent headline inflation.

Over 70,000 Families Apply for Hungary’s Home Renovation Subsidies

Families who have applied have already been awarded subsidies worth almost a combined 100 billion forints (EUR 272m), Minister for Family Affairs Katalin Novák said.

Culture

Gellért Hill Funicular Receives Environmental Protection Permit, Construction Can Begin

According to the impact assessment, the funicular will be visible from several angles of the capital, such as "historic downtown, the Danube, and the Pest quay" and "will significantly change the landscape of Gellért hill."

Inside the House of Hungarian Music – PHOTOS!

The House of Hungarian Music will be built by world-famous Japanese architect, Sou Fujimoto.

Meticulous Restoration of Iconic Chain Bridge Lions – PHOTOS!

Not all traces of time are removed from the surface of the sculptures, for example, by retaining small dimples that have naturally formed on the limestone surface.

mRNA Vaccine Inventor Karikó Honored With Germany’s ‘Future’ Prize

"What BioNTech has achieved in the pandemic is groundbreaking and inspiring," said Anja Karliczek (CDU), the German acting federal research minister.

Budapest to Celebrate 150th Anniversary in 2023

On 17 November 1873, Pest, Buda, and Óbuda were united to form the capital city Budapest.

Hungarian WWI Ship Turned Into Museum in Belgrade

Renovation of the monitor, a relatively small warship, started six years ago after it was awarded historical heritage status in 2015, thus saving it from ending up in a scrapyard.

Renovation of Esztergom Cathedral Progressing – PHOTOS!

After the completion of the main entrance in 2020, it is now time for the dome, the altarpiece, and the organ. The work is expected to last until 2025.

Sport

Hungarian Tennis Miracle: National Team Plays Davis Cup Final This Weekend

Hungary plays their first round in Group D on Saturday, facing two very strong teams, Australia and Croatia, for advancement. If Hungary wants to get ahead, they will probably have to beat either the USA or Italy in the next round.

Sport Shooter Sidi Acquires Romanian Citizenship after Suspension in Hungary

It is not yet certain if he will be able to join the Romanian national team, as he needs the approval of the Romanian Olympic Committee, as well as that of the Romanian, international, and Hungarian federations.

Hungarian Athletes Must Have Three Vaccinations to Travel to Winter Olympics

It was already required for the Summer Olympics that only vaccinated Olympians were allowed to travel. There were some who missed out because of this.

UEFA Reduces Punishment Over Rowdy Hungarian Fans

The Hungarian national team was to play three European matches behind closed doors to two matches, with the restriction concerning the second match suspended for two years.

Ferenc Puskás, One of the Greatest Footballers of All Time, Died 15 Years Ago

Ferenc Puskás, also called the "Galloping Major" or "Pancho," scored 83 goals in 84 games with the Hungarian national team (the “Golden Team“).

Swim Coach Turi in Hot Water for Training Methods, Use of Physical Punishment

The professional, nicknamed "the Tsar," never denied his strictness and even admitted that he had hit some of his racers, pointing to the need for results in competitive swimming.

TAO Money for Sports Totals Nearly HUF 1 Trillion over Past Ten Years

Viktor Orbán’s Puskás Academy in Felcsút is still the biggest beneficiary of the ten-year-old program.

Lifestyle

Hungarian Sausage: Disznótoros – The Feast that Celebrates the Animal

For Hungarians, the tradition of pig slaughter has always been an enjoyable and community-shaping event leading to the production of excellent sausage.

Winners of the Award “Szaloncukor of the Year” Announced

First place went to the szaloncukor called "A Bite Cake" from the Sulyán confectionery, inspired by the official cake of the World Eucharistic Congress.

One in Ten Hungarians Dreams of Owning a Restaurant

"Many believe that good taste is enough to open a restaurant and do not think about the costs of opening and operating," Alexandra Rétfalvi-Kurucz, co-founder of Piqniq Budapest points out.

Ozzy Osbourne Postpones Budapest Concert

They cited uncertainty due to the epidemic situation in Europe. Already purchased tickets are automatically valid for the new date which Ozzy has already announced.

An African Serval Sighted in Bükk Hills

The wild cat is found exclusively in Africa, especially in Tanzania, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. And now also in Borsodnádasd, where a man filmed it in his yard.

Sziget Festival to Return after 2-Year Covid Hiatus with Arctic Monkeys, Dua Lipa, and Others

"We are enthusiastically preparing for Sziget 2022 with a program worthy of the 'big return' after the long break," the chief organizer said.

Largest and Most Beautiful Rural Advent Markets in Hungary

The Christmas markets await visitors with diverse programs, such as theater for children and adults, fire jugglers, light murals, and a Ferris wheel.

Trending:

Why Does the Exchange Rate of Hungarian Forint Keep Slipping?

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Press Roundup: Registration Rules Revised for Permanent Residence

Prosecutor’s Office Dismisses Complaints against Fidesz Politician Who Admitted Purchase of Pegasus Spyware

Fidesz ‘Fully Committed’ to Child Protection, Group Leader Says

Karácsony Calls on Govt to Transfer Transport Subsidy

Opposition Turns to Constitutional Court, Election Office, in Fear of Election Fraud due to Amendment

Expired PCR Tests Destroyed, but Cheaper than First Reported

PM Orbán Calls for ‘Protection of Taxation System’

PM Orbán: Government to Prolong National Vaccination Campaign

Hungary Begins Talks on Use of Russia’s Single-Dose Sputnik Light Jab

Hungary Restricts Air Travel from Southern Africa Over New Covid Variant

Egypt and Maldives to Honor Hungarian Immunity Certificates

PM Orbán Congratulates New Romanian Counterpart Nicolae Ciucă

EC Allocates 250 Million Euros for Vaccines and Healthcare in Hungary

Hungary Back in Pfizer Contract

Fidesz MEP Trócsányi: EU Power Held by “Narrow Circle”

New Large-Scale Hungarian Study Shows Effectiveveness of Vaccines Used in Hungary

Coronavirus: 162 Deaths, 11,871 New Infections Registered in Hungary

Hungary Prepared to Vaccinate Under-12s after EMA Approval of Pfizer Jab

Only Parents with Immunity Certificate Allowed to Enter Schools from December

25 People Froze to Death Between Early October and Mid-November

Deaths Outstrip Births in October

Child Psychiatry Clinic Full Due to Effects of Pandemic

DM Drugstore More Expensive in Hungary than in Germany and Austria

Hungary Investment Volume up 12.4% in Q3

Foreign Minister: Hungary Economy Back at Pre-pandemic Levels

Hungary Aims for 2050 Carbon Neutrality with Nuclear and Solar Energy

Forint Continues Downfall, Weakening to Yet Another Historic Low

Finance Minister on High Inflation: Fiscal Policy’s Effect “Only Mild”

Over 70,000 Families Apply for Hungary’s Home Renovation Subsidies

Gellért Hill Funicular Receives Environmental Protection Permit, Construction Can Begin

Inside the House of Hungarian Music – PHOTOS!

Meticulous Restoration of Iconic Chain Bridge Lions – PHOTOS!

mRNA Vaccine Inventor Karikó Honored With Germany’s ‘Future’ Prize

Budapest to Celebrate 150th Anniversary in 2023

Hungarian WWI Ship Turned Into Museum in Belgrade

Renovation of Esztergom Cathedral Progressing – PHOTOS!

Hungarian Tennis Miracle: National Team Plays Davis Cup Final This Weekend

Sport Shooter Sidi Acquires Romanian Citizenship after Suspension in Hungary

Hungarian Athletes Must Have Three Vaccinations to Travel to Winter Olympics

UEFA Reduces Punishment Over Rowdy Hungarian Fans

Ferenc Puskás, One of the Greatest Footballers of All Time, Died 15 Years Ago

Swim Coach Turi in Hot Water for Training Methods, Use of Physical Punishment

TAO Money for Sports Totals Nearly HUF 1 Trillion over Past Ten Years

Hungarian Sausage: Disznótoros – The Feast that Celebrates the Animal

Winners of the Award “Szaloncukor of the Year” Announced

One in Ten Hungarians Dreams of Owning a Restaurant

Ozzy Osbourne Postpones Budapest Concert

An African Serval Sighted in Bükk Hills

Sziget Festival to Return after 2-Year Covid Hiatus with Arctic Monkeys, Dua Lipa, and Others

Largest and Most Beautiful Rural Advent Markets in Hungary