Hungarian embassy in Paris receives threat, says Foreign Minister Szijjártó

Staff at Hungary’s embassy in Paris have received a life threat in an email, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó said on Facebook on Saturday, adding that French police were searching the premises at the time of his post.

The sender of the email had attached the image of a home-made bomb, but such a device has not yet been discovered, Szijjártó said.

Szijjártó said the email “is believed to have arrived from a neighbouring country,” adding that the Hungarian secret services were also investigating the case.

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  • Hungarian opposition politician teams up with French national TV to film the Orbán mansion – VIDEO and more HERE

Government-close pollster says Péter Magyar is losing popular support

The governing parties have a comfortable lead, while more and more potential voters have been put off by Peter Magyar’s opposition Tisza Party over the past month, according to a Századvég December poll.

Among those who are certain or likely to vote, the Fidesz-Christian Democrat alliance had 40 percent support, followed by Tisza with 31 percent, the think-tank said on Friday.

The Two-Tailed Dog Party was in third place with 7 percent, while Our Homeland Movement was on 6 percent.

The Democratic Coalition, Momentum and Socialists were below the 5 percent threshold for entering parliament, while 7 percent were undecided.

Among decided voters, the Fidesz-led alliance had 42 percent support, while Tisza had 34 percent. The two parties definitely in contention for seats in parliament were on 7 percent, while 5 percent would vote for the Democratic Coalition (Momentum and Socialists have 3 and 1 percent support, respectively).

Szazadvég said that Magyar’s standing had worsened due to incidents involving the politician and the ensuring negative press coverage in recent weeks, and he personally had a negative approval rating of minus 12 percent in November, while this fell to minus 18 percent the following month.

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  • Orbán’s challenger Péter Magyar denounces his ex-girlfriend, expels her from his party
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Top Hungary news: Wizz Air new flight, Budapest Airport bus, German tourist’s shocking fee, ceasefire – 13 December, 2024

We’ve rounded up today’s best Hungary news; check them out below!

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  • From orphanage to Notre Dame: A Hungarian carpenter’s incredible role in the restoration of the cathedral – read more HERE
  • Wizz Air connects a charming town near Barcelona with Budapest! – click HERE for more
  • Historical Budapest palace close to Chain Bridge can be sold in no time – details HERE
  • Sensational: Medieval church discovered beneath Visegrád tennis court reveals architectural masterpieces
The Hungarian coronation jewels made of gingerbread hungary news
The Hungarian coronation jewels made of gingerbread in Vácrátót. Photo: MTI

Budapest tourism

War in Ukraine affecting Hungarians

  • Russian missiles over Hungarian towns and villages: is the war in Ukraine escalating? – read more HERE
  • PM Orbán about the Hungarian ceasefire proposal and Trump’s flying start in January – details in THIS article

Historical Budapest palace close to Chain Bridge can be sold in no time

Hungary’s Ministry of Interior is prepared to move to the Buda Castle and leave an astonishing Budapest palace behind at the Pest bridgehead of the Chain Bridge. According to Telex, the government would end the building’s protected status and sell it.

The Budapest palace building, in the heart of the city, is the neighbour of the well-known Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, a favourite place of Hollywood stars to stay in the Hungarian capital.

According to Telex, the Hungarian Parliament’s Committee on Legislation revoked the building’s protected status on their Thursday session. According to the explanation of the bill, the state no longer requires the building to carry out public services. Therefore, its purchase is justifiable.

Historical Budapest palace close to Chain Bridge can be sold in no time (Copy)
On the left, there is the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace. How will the new owner use the building? Photo: Google Street View

Hungarian media: buyer on the horizon

The Interior Ministry has been using the building for decades. According to 24.hu, there is already a buyer for the beautiful building often referred to as the building of Mihály Pollack. Gergely Gulyás, the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, said in a press conference that they did not urge the ministry’s migration to the Buda Castle due to business reasons.

A former finance ministry building will host the interior ministry in the Buda Castle. The January staff meeting is already organised there, so they have no time to waste. The finance ministry currently operates in Pest but will move to the Buda Castle soon.

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  • In January, you can buy around 40 astonishing Hungarian castles! – details in THIS article

Hungarian banks received good news from Fitch Ratings – UPDATED: new K+H Bank CEO

Fitch Ratings on Thursday affirmed the BBB long-term issuer default ratings of state-owned Magyar Eximbank and Hungarian Development Bank (MFB) and revised the outlooks on the ratings to stable from negative.

The ratings agency also revised Erste Bank Hungary’s and Kereskedelmi es Hitelbank’s (K+H Bank) outlook to stable from negative, while affirming their long term-issuer default rating at BBB+ and shareholder support rating (SSR) at bbb+.

In addition Fitch revised the outlook on MVM’s long-term issuer default ratings (IDR) to stable from negative and affirmed the IDR at BBB.

The rating actions followed the revision of the outlook on Hungary’s BBB sovereign rating to stable from negative on December 6.

UPDATE: K+H Bank to get new CEO

Belgian-owned K+H Bank announced a new CEO on Friday. Peter Roebben, the current CEO of the KBC Group’s Bulgarian unit, will take over from Guy Libot as of January 1. Peter Roebben has filled various positions at KBC since 1991. Guy Libot will fill a new senior management position within the group from February 1. 2025.

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Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

Top Hungary news: SHEIN, tax benefits, HUF 15,000 coin, unhappy Hungarians, 101-year-old grandma, Schengen, passports ranked – 12 December, 2024

We’ve rounded up today’s best Hungary news; check them out below!

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Society

Travel

Police

Featured image: depositphotos.com

FDA accepts submission for Hungarian pharmaceutical company Richter denosumab biosimilar

Hungarian pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter and UK-based peer Hikma on Thursday announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted an application for Richter’s denosumab biosimilar candidate.

Richter application accepted by FDA

The candidate, RGB-14, comprises two biosimilar products referencing Prolia and Xgeva. Richter‘s denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody for the treatment of osteoporosis and fractures due to bone metastasis.

In December 2021, Hikma entered into an exclusive license agreement to commercialise denosumab in the US.

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Fabulous 101-year-old Hungarian grandma has 3.8 million views on TikTok, even Paris Hilton likes her – VIDEO

In a heartwarming blend of generations, a 101-year-old Hungarian grandma is capturing hearts on TikTok alongside her grandson, Ryan. With her delightful accent and fabulous flair, she showcases her skincare routine and embraces the latest Gen Z trends, proving that age is just a number.

Hungarian grandma slays on TikTok

At 101 years old, this fabulous Hungarian grandma has become a TikTok sensation alongside her grandson, Ryan. Together, they create engaging videos where she shares her skincare routine and indulges in the latest Gen Z trends, showcasing her vibrant personality and charming Hungarian accent. Ryan takes her shopping, capturing their delightful adventures on camera, and she happily embraces the youthful spirit of TikTok culture. Her charisma and style have even caught the attention of celebrities like Paris Hilton, who frequently leaves supportive comments on her videos, celebrating this remarkable grandma’s enduring charm and influence in the digital age.

@ryanthomasroth the hungarian accent is popping #grandmasoftiktok #grandma #hungary ♬ Funny – Gold-Tiger

@ryanthomasroth Replying to @ParisHilton @ParisHilton shes sliving at 101 #grandmasoftiktok #grandma #parishilton ♬ original sound – Ryan Roth

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Hungarian government raises age threshold for prenatal baby credit to 35

The government has decided to raise the age threshold for taking out subsidised prenatal baby loans from 30 to 35 years, Gergely Gulyás, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office, said at a weekly press briefing on Thursday.

Raised age threshold for prenatal baby credit

Gulyás said the modification of the age threshold — which applies to the wife of the couple applying for the credit — was made on the recommendation of the Young Families Club (Ficsak) and other family organisations. Borrowers availing of the new threshold have five years to have their first child to maintain eligibility, he added.

Hungarian Govt. launches new support program to help couples conceive - Hungary
Illustration: Pixabay / Bgmfotografia

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

One of Hungary’s most wanted criminals captured

Hungarian authorities have successfully apprehended a man from Fejér County, one of the country’s top 50 most wanted criminals, in Romania. The 29-year-old suspect, from Zichyújfalú, was arrested in the town of Odorheiu Secuiesc (Székelyudvarhely), where he had moved to start a new life.

The arrest took place in cooperation with Romanian law enforcement agencies, Index reports. The man had been on the run since spring and was wanted for 29 criminal offences, including robbery, bodily harm, violation of personal freedom, road endangerment, harassment, misuse of unique identifiers, crimes against traffic safety, driving under disqualification, vandalism, and theft.

According to the police, the suspect had been living in Székelyudvarhely, where he had taken up manual labour. Romanian police arrested him on 5 December while he was at his workplace.

The man is now in custody, and Romanian authorities will decide on his extradition to Hungary at a later date, according to a report by Fejér County police.

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SHEIN opens its first Hungarian store in Budapest shopping centre – UPDATED with SHEIN deny

On 10 December 2024, SHEIN made a stylish splash in Budapest by unveiling its first-ever Hungarian pop-up store at Sugár Shopping Centre. This exciting venture invites fashion enthusiasts to experience the brand’s trendy offerings in person, as eager shoppers lined up to explore a chic space brimming with affordable options.

SHEIN in Budapest

As Pénzcentrum writes, on 10 December 2024, global fashion giant SHEIN launched its first Hungarian store in Budapest’s Sugár Shopping Centre, located on Örs Vezér Square. Known for its strong online presence, the brand’s entry into the Hungarian retail market takes the form of a pop-up store, offering customers a chance to engage with the brand in person. The opening drew significant attention, with eager shoppers queuing ahead of the event to explore the modern, minimalist space showcasing a wide range of trendy clothing, shoes, accessories, and home décor products. Prices remained consistent with the online store, complemented by special promotions and exclusive gifts to mark the occasion.

SHEIN in Hungary
Photo: depositphotos.com

Fake store?

SHEIN told us that their products are only available online through their official website and app. Any stores in Hungary that claim to be SHEIN stores are not authorised by SHEIN or affiliated with them in any way, and they cannot guarantee the authenticity or quality of the products they offer. From time to time, they may host temporary offline retail “pop-up” experiences, but customers will always hear about these directly from SHEIN via their social media channels. They are taking the appropriate measures to deal with this unauthorized store and to protect their customers in Hungary. Here’s a video of the fake store:

@lauraaa_l1 Shein Store Budapesten! Megéri ellátogatni?? #fy #foryoupage #fyp #sheinstore #budapest #foryou ♬ sonido original – SONIDOS LARGOS

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

Top Hungary news: Slovenia-Hungary border controls, new Wizz flight to Italy, Austrian ambulances in Hungary, murder case — 11 December, 2024

We’ve rounded up today’s best Hungary news; check them out below!

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Dubai chocolate:

Healthcare system failures:

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Crime, murder:

Politics:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

After Putin, Orbán is to meet Erdoğan for talks

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is scheduled to have talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on Thursday before attending the closing event of the Hungarian-Turkish cultural season, the PM’s press chief said.

Erdoğan and Orbán will discuss current international affairs, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, chances of peace, and bilateral matters, Bertalan Havasi said in a statement.

EPC summit
Photo: FB/Orbán Viktor

Hungary and Turkiye elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in late 2023, he noted, adding that cooperation had quickly developed since.

Havasi added that more than 150 events have been organised in the two countries as part of the Hungarian-Turkish cultural season.

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Amazing news: Wizz Air launches new route between Budapest and Italian paradise!

Wizz Air has announced the launch of a new route connecting Venice and Budapest, with flights set to begin on 8 March. Initially, the airline will operate two flights per week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with an additional Thursday service starting in April.

venice italy wizz air budapest
Venice, Italy. Photo: depositphotos.com

According to AIRportal.hu’s report, the flights will be available until 25 October 2025, and will be operated by Wizz’s Maltese subsidiary from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Passengers can now book tickets for the new route through the airline’s booking system.

This new connection offers more travel options for passengers looking to explore the beautiful city of Venice or visit Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

Orbán and Putin phone call: Bilateral cooperation, Ukraine, and Middle East tensions

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Wednesday, the PM’s press chief said in a statement.

The two leaders discussed topical issues concerning the development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, with a focus on further support for mutually beneficial energy projects, Bertalan Havasi said.

viktor orbán in moscow putin
Viktor Orbán and Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia on 5 July 2024. Photo: MTI/Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Benko Vivien Cher

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the prime minister told Putin that he had an interest in seeking a political and diplomatic solution to the crisis, given his relations with Western leaders. Putin assessed the current status of the situation regarding Ukraine.

Orbán and the Russian President also discussed ongoing tensions in the Middle East in connection with the recent developments in Syria.

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Top Hungary news: Guns N’ Roses, Nobel laureate villa, influential Hungarian politicians, Jürgen Klopp, Orbán’s downfall – 10 December, 2024

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Hungarian PM Orbán: ‘I trust after Donald Trump takes office, we will experience its beneficial effect’

“I trust that on January 20, after Donald Trump takes office, we will experience its beneficial effect,” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Tuesday in response to a question by the press.

Orbán meets Trump

Orbán said in a video posted on Facebook that he had held a meeting with Trump where he congratulated the president-elect. Talks will be held after Trump takes office, Orbán added.

He said that “these days when two people, two men, sit down to talk either in Europe or America, they can certainly not avoid having a word about peace and about war”.

Orbán said that because of very strict US legal regulations, “the US president is currently not in a position to have talks about a ceasefire”. However, he added that he trusted that on January 20, once Trump takes office, “we will experience its beneficial effect”.

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Brutal accident: Bus crashes into tram in Budapest, many injured – PHOTOS

A tram and bus collision in Budapest’s XIV district early Tuesday morning left seven people injured, including one in critical condition, and caused significant disruption to public transport.

Brutal accident in District 14

As Szeretlek Magyarország reports, a serious accident occurred at dawn on Tuesday in Zugló, at the intersection of Nagy Lajos király Road and Telepes Street in Budapest’s District 14. A tram and bus collided shortly after 6 am, leaving seven people hospitalised, one in a life-threatening condition, according to the National Ambulance Service. The incident disrupted public transport, with tram services on routes 3 and 62 replaced by buses between Bosnyák Square and Mexikói Road, and several bus routes, including 124, 125, 125B, and 277, were rerouted. On-site recovery was completed by mid-morning, and traffic resumed, BKK Info reported.

Bus crashes into tram in Budapest
MTI/Mihádák Zoltán
Bus crashes into tram in Budapest
MTI/Mihádák Zoltán

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