‘Perhaps we will feel the Holy Spirit working in the Sistine Chapel,’ Cardinal Péter Erdő said in a video message posted on Facebook. The Archbishop of Esztergom and Budapest addressed believers as the College of Cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to elect the new pope.
In a reversal of last year’s U.S. campaign outreach to Polish Americans, Polish presidential hopeful Karol Nawrocki is now courting Washington. His meeting with President Trump signals a rare, quasi-endorsement of a foreign candidate—one that’s ignited controversy back home amid claims of lawfare and foreign interference.
Hungary is safeguarding families and businesses from surging energy prices caused by the EU–Russia disconnect by expanding renewable energy capacity and supporting industrial investment, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said at a Nestlé solar plant opening.
At a press conference with State Secretary for Families Zsófia Koncz and Mária Kopp Institute for Demography and Families (KINCS) President Tünde Fűrész, Minister of Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó of Hungary stated that, unlike Brussels, the Hungarian government is spending its resources on peace, family, and children, not war.
The Bundestag has elected CDU leader Friedrich Merz as Chancellor of Germany in a second round of voting, following a historic failure to secure an absolute majority in the first round. Falling just six votes short, Merz became the first chancellor-designate in the country’s post-war history to require a second vote.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that an overwhelming majority of Hungarians—around 70 per cent—support Kyiv’s EU bid, citing an ‘open survey’ conducted by the Hungarian opposition. While this claim is factually incorrect, Zelenskyy also issued a veiled threat to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, warning him not to block Ukraine’s accession or face consequences.
Hungarians are increasingly confident in their current job stability, yet often underestimate the time and effort needed to find new employment if laid off, a new survey by BNP Paribas Cardif and Medián assessing labour market sentiment reveals.
‘Our Omri is strong and will not break, but his heart is broken. A year and a half and 58 hostages are waiting to be brought back…We will continue to fight until Omri returns to us, and especially to his two daughters who are waiting with all their hearts to hold him again.’
Hungary and Switzerland reaffirmed their commitment to a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that peace can only be achieved through negotiations involving all parties, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Bern.
A new international study led by researchers from Constance University and Max Planck Institute, with support from Hungary’s Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) and MIT, has used virtual reality to decode how fish swim in schools—revealing simple natural rules that may revolutionize robotics.
After the Canadian Conservatives faltered in last week’s federal election—amid a campaign dominated in its final months by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs—, Australia witnessed similar electoral dynamics, as the Liberal–National Coalition led by Peter Dutton lost to incumbent Anthony Albanese’s Labour Party in what had long seemed a certain win for the opposition.
After the terror attack in the disputed Kashmir region last month, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó of Hungary wrote in a Facebook post that he had spoken with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar over the phone; and that Hungary wants to see a de-escalation of tensions in the region.
George Simion, candidate of AUR, won the first round of Romania’s presidential election, finishing ahead of Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan. The two will face off in the second round on 18 May, as the country grapples with the most serious democratic crisis in its modern history following the constitutional court’s annulment of the previous presidential results last December on questionable grounds.
Viktor Orbán, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio were among those who criticized the decision by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency to officially designate Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) as a ‘proven right-wing extremist’ party. The ruling grants the BfV expanded surveillance powers against what is currently the largest party in Germany.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned that Ukraine’s accelerated EU accession would devastate Hungary’s economy. Speaking on Kossuth Radio, he emphasized protecting domestic jobs and economic goals while accusing EU leaders of prioritizing war over peace.
Scope Ratings has reaffirmed Hungary’s ‘BBB’ credit rating with a stable outlook, maintaining the country’s position in the investment-grade category thanks to solid growth prospects, improving fiscal metrics, and resilient economic fundamentals.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that National Security Adviser Michael Waltz will step down from his post to serve as the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. This marks the first major reshuffle of the administration, with Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff seen as a possible successor to Waltz.
Players, coaches, agents, sporting directors, scouts, and many more from the world of football gathered to share their respective expertise and exchange ideas about the game at the third annual Football Forum Hungary, held at the Gruopama Arena, home of reigning Hungarian champions Ferencváros, in Budapest. The Hungarian capital will also be hosting the UEFA Champions League Final next year.
Hungarian teens under 18 will no longer be able to buy energy drinks starting this summer, as Parliament has unanimously passed a law aimed at curbing excessive consumption and protecting youth health, with the ban taking effect 30 days after publication.
Leading the polls for more than a year until just one month before the election, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party ultimately lost Monday’s snap election in Canada. The Liberals, led by Mark Carney, will form a government for the fourth consecutive time after an election largely shaped by US President Donald Trump.
A recently passed law now requires Members of the European Parliament to submit asset declarations in Hungary, in addition to those already required in Brussels. The legislation aims to promote transparency—a mechanism that, as recent corruption scandals have shown, is in poor condition within the European Union.
Hungary and Slovakia enjoy their strongest relations ever, PM Orbán said after talks with Slovak PM Fico in Bratislava. The leaders discussed trade, energy, and sovereignty, and pledged infrastructure projects and closer cooperation within the EU.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced another temporary ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, this time to mark Victory Day—the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. The truce will last for three days, from 8 May until midnight on 11 May.
Hungary’s Parliament Speaker fined opposition MPs a record 82 million forints after they disrupted a vote on banning Pride events with smoke bombs and protest banners. Those lighting the devices were also banned from the parliament for 12 days.
‘Polish conservatives are fighting to maintain the status quo, as President Duda serves as a defiant check on the whims of the Tusk government. Outcomes on legislation related to abortion, “hate speech”, faith, and migration are at stake. A Trzaskowski victory would offer carte blanche to a government that has already disregarded legal and institutional barriers to its exercise of power.’
Speaking at the Trump Business 2025 Forum, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization Donald Trump Jr praised Hungary and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for defending Western civilization and serving the country’s national interests. The eldest son of US President Donald Trump also hinted at possible future US investments and cooperation in key sectors.
Following Pope Francis’ funeral, Viktor Orbán called the event a moving and hopeful farewell, highlighting the Pope’s legacy of peace and unity. He urged reflection and emphasized the need for strong Christian solidarity in today’s troubled world.
With their 5–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool FC are now officially the champions of the 2024–2025 English Premier League season. Dominik Szoboszlai contributed two assists to the victory, and he is now the first Hungarian player to win the Premier League.
The Sarajevo court could bring new charges against Republika Srpska officials following a failed arrest attempt by a federal agency on Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik on Wednesday. Federal authorities attempted to detain the president in the eastern part of the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina; however, Bosnian Serb police prevented the operation.
Director General of the Center for Fundamental Rights Miklós Szánthó announced the establishment of the Hungarian–Polish Institute of Freedom on Friday. The institute, led by politically persecuted former Polish Deputy Minister of Justice Marcin Romanowski, will focus on drawing attention to and providing transparency on how Donald Tusk’s government is dismantling the rule of law and democracy in Poland.