Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has nominated incumbent Finance Minister Mihály Varga to assume the role of Governor of the Central Bank of Hungary in March. The position will become vacant as the current governor, György Matolcsy, steps down after completing two terms. The central bank is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Hungary’s new economic strategy.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed pressing issues in his latest radio interview, including the precarious state of the Russia–Ukraine war, the potential of a peace-focused budget, and the government’s unwavering commitment to wage increases and economic stability. He praised exiting National Bank Governor György Matolcsy, and announced that he is nominating Finance Minister Mihály Varga for the post.
Hungary’s employment remains at a stable 4.7 million in October 2024, reflecting a year of consistent growth. According to State Secretary Sándor Czomba, the government’s proactive policies, including a historic wage agreement, continue to bolster the labour market.
Balázs Orbán’s Hussar Cut was launched in Chinese on Thursday at an event organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing. ‘Hungary’s independent and sovereign policies are increasingly recognized internationally, offering a unique and independent voice within various frameworks,’ the political director of the Hungarian prime minister underlined in his remarks at the event.
With the lowest level of support in the EU’s history, the European Parliament has approved Ursula von der Leyen’s second Commission, set to begin work in December. The largest conservative EP group, Patriots for Europe unanimously voted against the new Commission, stating that it goes against the will of the electorate.
‘The challenges generated by the demographic change are increasingly urgent. Ageing populations and declining birth rates are putting enhanced pressure on public financing systems and threatening long-term economic sustainability, therefore, the conference aims to explore the economic and social consequences of demographic change and discuss possible solutions.’
Hungary’s EU presidency, despite facing unjust criticism, stands as a testament to courage and determination, said Maurizio Gasparri, leader of Italy’s Forza Italia Senate faction, during a concert in Rome held in honour of the Hungarian presidency, dedicated to fostering peace and harmony among the nations.
The night sky will host a stunning celestial event starting December, as the red-hued Mars aligns with the shimmering blue stars of the Beehive Cluster. This rare conjunction, visible even with a small telescope, promises a dazzling display for astronomy enthusiasts.
President-elect Donald Trump picked former Chief of Staff of the National Security Council Keith Kellogg as special envoy for the war in Ukraine. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó welcomed the decision, highlighting its significance in strengthening the global peace camp.
From early December, updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available for free at general practitioners’ offices across Hungary. Recommended for vulnerable groups, the Spikevax JN.1 vaccine offers protection against current virus variants for individuals aged six months and older.
An agreement reached on Tuesday between Hungarian Cardnet and Chinese Macau Pass will pave the way for the establishment of a payment platform linking Chinese and European payment and settlement systems. ‘Sino–European cooperation could reach an entirely new dimension through this agreement,’ Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó remarked.
‘The ceasefire is a development that aligns with the Trump administration’s anticipated foreign policy approach, which is expected to support Israel’s military objectives while facilitating diplomatic resolutions to regional conflicts. The ceasefire may also pave the way for expanding the Abraham Accords, with potential new agreements involving countries like Saudi Arabia.’
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect early Wednesday morning after 14 months of intense conflict. Under the agreement, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days as Lebanese troops move in to secure the region.
On 20 November 2024 Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, was officially welcomed at the Lion Courtyard of the Royal Buda Castle Castle by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This event marked the start of Tokayev’s three-day official visit to Hungary. The Kazakh leader was accompanied by government ministers and representatives of Kazakh businesses, highlighting the significance of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The Hungarian government and the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK) have reinforced their commitment to collaborate on addressing economic challenges and enhancing business performance, focusing on reducing administrative burdens, supporting innovation, and boosting market access.
At the request of Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team on Monday, the election subversion case against Donald Trump was dismissed. Prosecutors also moved to dismiss the case concerning the alleged mishandling of classified documents. Additionally, Trump’s hush money case could be deferred until the end of his four-year term, marking significant legal victories for the president-elect.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced a historic wage agreement on Monday. Under this deal, Hungary’s minimum wage will see a cumulative increase of approximately 40 per cent over the next three years.
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Hungarian-born Sebastian Gorka as director general for counter-terrorism in his new administration. Gorka, who previously served in Trump’s first administration, is a staunch supporter of Israel and takes a hardline stance against radical Islamic terrorist groups.
Hungary’s largest energy storage facility is being built in Szolnok, marking a significant step towards energy independence and sustainability. The project is part of broader efforts to expand energy storage capacity, crucial for balancing solar power’s weather-dependent output.
President of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) Hunor Kelemen expressed gratitude for increased voter support in the first round of Romania’s presidential elections, highlighting the importance of mobilization ahead of the parliamentary elections on 1 December.
At the World Science Forum in Budapest former President of the Republic János Áder highlighted a groundbreaking Hungarian methodology designed to replace GDP as the primary measure of economic performance. The new approach accounts for the environmental and social costs of economic activity, thus offers a transformative vision for evaluating progress.
With Austria’s veto lifted, Romania and Bulgaria are set to become full members of the Schengen area by 2025. The agreement was reached in Budapest under the auspices of the Hungarian EU Presidency, marking yet another success for the often-criticized presidency in recent weeks.
It’s official! As expected, US Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman has announced his departure following Donald Trump’s victory. Pressman’s tenure will be remembered for his persistent criticism of the Hungarian government, and his exit may signal the start of a new chapter in Hungarian–American relations.
In a wide-ranging interview with Kossuth Radio, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed critical global and domestic challenges, from the Ukraine war and impending changes in US leadership to the ICC warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, Hungary’s stance on peace, migration, and a realigned economic strategy.
Budapest faces a worsening drug crisis, with drugs cheaper and more accessible than ever, warns Alexandra Szentkirályi, leader of the Fidesz–KDNP faction in the capital city’s municipal assembly warned in a video posted on social media. She expressed harsh criticism of the city’s drug strategy, describing it as ‘pro-drug’ and covert drug liberalization, urging an immediate overhaul.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri on charges of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán condemned the decision, stating that Netanyahu will not be arrested if he visits Hungary.
‘Europe must break out of this echo chamber, find its place in its relationship with Asia, and recognize that it is part of the Eurasian region. It must leverage all the advantages this position offers, because without doing so, we cannot compete with other global power centres,’ Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned at the Eurasia Forum in Budapest.
The National Media and Infocommunications Authority’s Internet Hotline has made combating online abuse a priority with its autumn campaign, focusing on intimate image exploitation, grooming, and cyberbullying. This year’s campaign, supported by influencers like Pamkutya and the Mélylevegő Project, effectively reached younger audiences via social media and video-sharing platforms.
As Christmas approaches, experts warn of heightened cybercriminal activity and increasing online fraud. Representatives from financial, law enforcement, and victim support organizations highlighted the growing risks and prevention strategies at a conference in Budapest.
The Court of Justice of the European Union began its hearing on Hungary’s child protection law this week. Hungary faces opposition from 16 EU member states and the European Commission, which have labelled the law as ‘anti-LGBTQ’. A ruling against Budapest could carry significant and unforeseen implications for the future of the European Union.