Several of Budapest’s best-known landmarks will temporarily go dark as Hungary introduces further energy-saving measures in response to the country’s critical electricity situation.
Officials announced on Friday that the decorative lighting of the Hungarian Parliament will be switched off, while the illumination of buildings in the Buda Castle District will be gradually turned off by Monday.
The measures come as the government prepares for the expected shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which has been forced to reduce output because of historically low water levels in the Danube.
Parliament joins nationwide energy-saving effort
In a Facebook post, Deputy Speaker Anikó Hallerné Nagy, who is currently performing the duties of Speaker of Parliament, said the National Assembly would also contribute to national energy-saving efforts.
She said Parliament would place even greater emphasis on conscious and efficient energy use, with switching off the building’s decorative lighting forming part of those efforts.
Buda Castle, Carmelite Monastery and Citadella also affected
Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy announced that the decorative lighting of buildings managed by the Castle Administration would also be switched off gradually by Monday. According to the minister, the lights will remain off until operating them no longer places an unnecessary burden on Hungary’s electricity grid.
The measure will affect several prominent landmarks, including:
- the Buda Castle complex,
- the Carmelite Monastery,
- the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family building,
- and the Citadella.
Vitézy said reducing all non-essential electricity consumption is justified while the country’s power system faces exceptional pressure.
Subscribe to receive every edition of our Hungary Insider newsletter directly in your inbox!
Part of wider emergency measures
The lighting shutdown is one of a series of steps announced as Hungary braces for a challenging period in its electricity supply. Government officials have urged businesses, public institutions and households to reduce electricity consumption, particularly during the daily peak period between 5 PM and 10 PM, as the country prepares for the potential temporary shutdown of the Paks nuclear plant.
Read more of our articles about the current situation:
- Thousands lose water supply in Hungary as Paks output is cut and red warnings are issued
- Critical situation: PM Magyar and MOL CEO on Hungary’s fuel supplies, Russian oil, power station and tourist boats
- Hungary convenes emergency task force as heatwave puts water and energy systems under pressure
- PM Magyar says Hungary enters ‘one of the worst energy crises in decades’, shares new Paks shutdown date
- Budapest smashes 105-year heat record as brutal heatwave tightens grip on Hungary
