Society

Uzbekistan introduced annual ratings of government agencies based on the openness index 

hungarian companies strong in uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is undertaking deep reforms to democratize its public administration in an open manner with broad public participation. This policy stems from the state’s obligation to ensure the constitutional rights of Uzbek citizens to participate in the management of society and state and to access information. This policy plays a key role in the successful transformation of the state apparatus and strengthening trust between the state and society.  

It is important to note that informational transparency serves not only as a foundation for civil service reforms but also as their ultimate goal. It aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the state apparatus. A significant step in this direction was the adoption of the Law “On Openness of Activities of State Authorities and Management”. This Law defined the methods and procedures for disclosing information about the activities of state bodies, including information about civil service reforms.

According to the Law “On Openness of Activities of State Authorities and Management”, all drafts of normative-legal acts and other acts of state bodies aimed at civil service reform shall be posted on the websites of the respective state bodies. Moreover, information about these drafts shall be made public and disseminated through other means, including by allowing information users to attend open meetings of state bodies where these drafts are discussed. 

The introduction of information technologies into public administration in Uzbekistan has enabled the integration of methods for ensuring the openness of draft regulatory acts and for ensuring public participation in their development. As an example, one can cite the Portal for Discussion of Draft Regulatory Acts. On this portal, citizens have the opportunity not only to familiarize themselves with draft regulatory acts but also to express their opinions on their norms, make suggestions, and express their attitude towards the proposals of other participants in the discussion.

Citizens of Uzbekistan are actively using the opportunities provided to them. This can be seen in the discussion of a key document on civil service reform – the draft law “On Civil Service”, posted on the Portal on May 22, 2020. This draft was viewed by 23,880 users, and 219 proposals were made. Other regulatory legal acts on civil service reform have also been posted on the Portal.

The openness of the ongoing civil service reforms is ensured by the bodies authorized in this area. One of these is the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Agency coordinates the activities of state bodies in implementing strategic reforms, including providing them with expert assistance. For example, on the Agency’s website you can read the draft decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on improving the state civil service system.  

Read also: Cultural evening dedicated to the culture and art of Uzbekistan held at the Hungarian State Opera – PHOTOS

The Agency for the Development of Civil Service under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan plays an important role in this area. The Agency studies the state of civil service and develops draft regulations for its improvement. All information about this activity is posted on the Agency’s website and disclosed in other ways, and citizens have the opportunity to participate in the Agency’s activities within the framework of social partnership and public control.

According to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Social Partnership”, the Agency for the Development of Civil Service under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan ensures the participation of non-governmental non-profit organizations and other civil society institutions in the development and implementation of civil service development programs, regulatory legal acts, and involves their representatives in the activities of the working groups, commissions and public council created by it. 

The Public Council under the Agency for Civil Service Development under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan carries out not only social partnership, but also public control over the activities of the Agency. The initiative to create such public councils was put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan in his address to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017. According to paragraph 8 of the Model Regulations approved by the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated July 4, 2018 No. PP-3837, the public council is tasked with monitoring the activities carried out to ensure the openness of the state body.

In order to participate in the reform of the civil service, citizens can use the right to appeal, which is one of the forms of public control. The creation of the Virtual and People’s Reception Offices of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan significantly increased the efficiency of working with citizens’ appeals. Based on the accumulated experience, a Unified Online Platform for registering, reviewing and monitoring appeals was launched, through which it is easy and quick to send an appeal to all government agencies.

In Uzbekistan, conditions have been created for sending a collective appeal through the web portal “Mening fikrim”, which was launched in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 22, 2018 No. UP-5308. Through this Portal, citizens have the opportunity to appeal to the chambers of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regional, district and city Kengashes of people’s deputies. Appeals will be considered by the chambers of the Oliy Majlis, regional, district and city Kengashes of people’s deputies if they receive the support of 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000 citizens, respectively.

In Uzbekistan, special attention is paid to state control over the openness of the activities of state bodies. The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved the methodology for assessing the openness of state bodies, i.e. the openness index. According to this Decree, the Commission for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the work carried out in the field of ensuring openness was formed under the Anti-Corruption Agency.  

Since 2022, annual ratings of government agencies based on the openness index have been announced in Uzbekistan. Based on the assessment results, the commission develops tasks and goals for analyzing and eliminating systemic deficiencies in ensuring openness, as well as further improving activities in this area, including disseminating positive experience. The commission also makes proposals on the application of disciplinary sanctions to responsible persons whose organizations have deficiencies in ensuring openness.

In conclusion, it can be said that Uzbekistan is consistently building a state in which citizens are full participants in political life. Active participation of citizens in the decision-making process and control over the activities of state bodies is becoming an integral part of the reforms being carried out. Improvement of the organizational and legal framework for ensuring openness is reflected in the reform of the civil service, which contributes to increasing their effectiveness and strengthening citizens’ trust in the state. 

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Like Miami: Hungarian town builds spectacular laser cannon sending beams to space every day – PHOTOS

Hungarian town built spectacular laser cannon sending beams to the space every day

Ózd, a Northern Hungarian town close to the Slovakian border and well-known for its former industrial production units, would like to earn a prominent place on Hungary’s tourism maps. Therefore, they built a laser cannon sending beams to the sky from a chimney. One of the chimney’s purposes is to commemorate the town’s industrial past. Another is to draw public attention and tourists to Ózd. However, not everybody is happy. The Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the national park’s directorate do not support its operation, but the mayor is not convinced.

Spectacular laser cannon built in Ózd

Dávid Janiczak won Ózd, a town in North Hungary, first in 2014 as the mayoral candidate of Jobbik. In 2019 and 2024, he won again. In June, his team overcame Fidesz 8 to 7 in the local council. That means his majority in the council is small.

In October, Janiczak presented something totally new to the locals of Ózd. The town was known for its forge and lignite mines. Thanks to its industry, the town’s population grew to almost 50 thousand by the 1980s. When socialism collapsed, unemployment grew significantly, and a quick depopulation began.

Hungarian town built spectacular laser cannon sending beams to the space every day
Photo: FB/Janiczak Dávid

That is what Janiczak and his allies would like to stop and create a modern, liveable city. For example, they would like to attract as many tourists to Ózd as possible. That is why they built a commemorative chimney and put a laser cannon inside it to send laser beams to the sky each day. The laser was designed by Tamás Kovács, and they already sent the message of a local school and several poems to space with it.

Model for the laser cannon was Miami’s The Guitar Hotel

Mr Janiczak said the new “laser chimney” will become a symbol of Ózd since it is the first of its kind not only in Hungary but also in Europe. Janiczak added that they won the money for it (EUR 50,000) through an EU application. He added that after Miami and Tenessee, Ózd is the third place in the world where a laser cannon operates. On 23 October, on Hungary’s national day commemorating the 1956 anti-Soviet revolution and freedom fight, the colour of the laser beam continuously changed from red to white and then green, the national colours of Hungary.

According to Blikk, Mr Kovács regarded ‘The Guitar Hotel’ in Miami as an example. Here is a photo of it:

The Guitar Hotel in Miami with the laser cannons
The Guitar Hotel in Miami with the laser cannons. Photo: depositphotos.com

The five laser cannons operating in Ózd can be seen even from 10 kilometres away. The Hungarian tabloid added that the chimney, hosting the laser cannons, was built using the bricks of the nine original chimneys of the forge. The laser beam’s diameter is 36 centimetres. Janiczak said the entire system was automatic, and equipped with surveillance cameras and alarms. Moreover, only authorised personnel can access it.

There are opposers

The laser cannon has been operating since 20 October for 15 minutes every hour between 7 PM and 11 PM.

Hungarian town built spectacular laser cannon sending beams to the space every day
Photo: FB/Janiczak Dávid

Most locals are happy about the development, but some complained because of the lack of doctors, buses, and workplaces and would rather have spent the money on those issues.

Local Fidesz and the directorate of the Bükk National Park opposed the project. Another opponent is the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. They believe the laser beam causes irreparable damage to the sky. But the mayor is not convinced. He wrote that the lighting of some stadiums is stronger than this laser beam. Furthermore, they would like to be on Hungary’s tourism map and attract tourists to Ózd.

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Baths in Budapest: A journey through lesser-known histories

The famous thermal baths in Budapest hold fascinating stories beyond their soothing waters. From Turkish-era relics to Art Nouveau elegance, each historic bath offers a glimpse into the city’s rich and varied past. Discover some of the lesser-known facts that make the baths in Budapest true cultural landmarks.

Császár Baths

Termálfürdő writes that the Császár Bath, one of the oldest thermal baths in Budapest, boasts a fascinating history dating back to the Turkish occupation when it was famed for its powerful hot springs that fuelled a mill year-round. Rebuilt in the elegant neoclassical style by architect József Hild, it became a leading spa in 19th-century Pest and Buda, offering visitors a lively social experience with music in its courtyard. The setting by the Danube, surrounded by vineyards and lush greenery, made it an enchanting destination. In 1853, Császár introduced Hungary’s first modern steam baths, followed by separate swimming pools for men and women, setting new standards for thermal baths in Budapest.

Lukács Baths

The Lukács Baths in Budapest, once a modest facility frequented by the city’s working class, later evolved into a popular meeting spot for artists and intellectuals. Established in 1884 under private ownership, the baths continued to innovate, launching Budapest’s first complex spa care unit—a day hospital—in 1979.

Lukács Bath
Photo: Facebook / Lukács Gyógyfürdő

Rudas Baths

The historic Rudas Thermal Bath in Budapest, fed by springs at the foot of Gellért Hill, has long been popular due to its central location along the Danube. Known as the “Green Column Baths” during Turkish rule, they feature green stones marking this legacy within their walls. Once a modest spot in the 19th century, the baths welcomed a diverse clientele, benefiting from nearby harbour traffic. Despite flooding in 1838, they remained structurally sound, later adding a steam bath in 1881 and a swimming pool in 1898. In the 20th century, following WWII damage, the Rudas Baths were expanded with new facilities, further cementing their role in the vibrant landscape of baths in Budapest.

Rudas Thermal Bath Budapest
Photo: facebook.com/rudas.gyogyfurdo

The most iconic baths in Budapest

The Gellért and Széchenyi Baths in Budapest each boast unique legacies in spa history. Originally a haven for the working class, Gellért Spa emerged as Europe’s most modern bath in the 19th century, later transforming into the iconic Art Nouveau complex loved worldwide. Opened in 1918, it attracted notable visitors like Richard Nixon and Yehudi Menuhin and even hosted Queen Juliana of the Netherlands on her honeymoon. Széchenyi Spa, opened in 1913, quickly became one of the world’s largest spa complexes, drawing nearly a million guests by 1919. Expanded in the 1920s with outdoor pools, it has welcomed celebrities like Madonna.

Király Thermal Bath

The historic Király Thermal Bath, one of the oldest baths in Budapest, was built by the Turks between 1565 and the late 16th century to ensure a bathing facility within the Buda Castle walls during sieges. Interestingly, a Turkish poet who admired Buda once resided in the bath’s annexe, writing verses that reflect the Turks’ fondness for these baths. Despite its rich history, the Király Thermal Bath suffered severe damage during the siege of Budapest. It remains in need of restoration, preserving a lesser-known chapter in the story of baths in Budapest.

király thermal bath building
Photo: Király Fürdő / kiralyfurdo.hu

Dandár Thermal Bath

Opened in 1930, the Dandár Thermal Bath in Budapest offered affordable and hygienic bathing facilities, becoming the most budget-friendly option for both therapeutic patients and casual bathers. It catered to a wide audience with services like a barber for men, a hairdresser and manicurist for women, and even dedicated children’s baths with lockers. Though relatively undamaged in WWII, the baths underwent a major renovation and reopened as a spa in 1978.

Source: László Kósa -Fürdőélet a Monarchiában

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VIDEO: Murdered Hungarian sex worker’s life-size hologram could solve a 15-year-old mystery case

Life size hologram Betty Szabó Netherlands murder

Police in Amsterdam seem to be quite creative in trying to solve a 15-year-old murder case involving a 19-year-old Hungarian sex worker, Bernadett Szabó (Betty). They created the life-size hologram of the girl reaching out for help. The police hope the new solution will help people feel connected to her and come forward with information.

Life-size hologram may help police

The brutal murder of Ms Szabó went cold 15 years ago since the detectives could not solve it. The girl was stabbed multiple times at her workplace, but police were unable to catch the perpetrators. Now, they hope they will find somebody who has important information by creating a life-size hologram of the Hungarian woman asking for help. They said it was their ultimate attempt to solve the cold case.

According to the Dutch police, the week-long campaign started yesterday in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. They said, “various methods will be deployed to draw the public’s attention to this young woman’s tragic death”. Probably the most creative and eye-catching solution is the girl’s life-sized hologram asking passer-bies for their help.

Betty left Hungary to work in Amsterdam’s Red Light District as a prostitute when she turned 18. She became pregnant but continued to work even during her pregnancy and started again after she gave birth to her baby. Three months later, she was brutally murdered in her workroom.

Her baby was placed in a foster family

Her body was discovered by two fellow sex workers. They realised they did not see her on 19 February 2009, and at 1 A.M. they decided to check on her. What they found was horrific. Betty was stabbed at least 12 times by the unknown murderer and left in her room in a pool of blood.

Despite the police’s extensive investigation, checking all the camera footages in the area, a meticulous inspection of the crime scene, etc., the perpetrator could not be found.

Life size hologram Betty Szabó Netherlands murder
The hologram of her reaching out for help from a window. Photo: FB/Politie Eenheid Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Cold Case Team quickly agreed to have a final look in that sad case. “Although, of course, every murder case is terrible, Betty’s story is particularly poignant in a number of ways. A young girl, just turned nineteen, who was robbed of her life in a horrible way, and who didn’t have an easy life before she died. She worked long hours as a sex worker and kept working until just before she gave birth to her son. This son was placed with a foster family shortly afterwards and never had the chance to get to know his mother”, explains Anne Dreijer-Heemskerk, member of the Cold Case Team.

It is impossible that nobody knows anything

The police believe that since Betty was murdered in one of the busiest areas of the Netherlands, it is almost impossible that nobody knows anything about it. They also raised the reward to 30,000 euros.

Apart from the hologram, they will use other methods to raise people’s attention on the murder case. “For example, a house at the corner of Korte Stormsteeg and Oudezijds Achterburgwal will be devoted entirely to the murder case. There will be large stickers on the windows with information about the case, and television screens showing, among other things, the crime scene, the last film images made of Betty while still alive, and a documentary”, the Dutch police wrote.

The hologram technique is new for even the police

The 3D visualisation technique was not used before by the metropolitan police. “This is the first time we do something like this and, to be honest, we’re a bit nervous. We want to do justice to Betty, to her family and friends, and to the case. Therefore, before deciding to use a hologram for the campaign, we brainstormed with different parties both within and outside the police on whether we should go ahead with this and how we should set it up. Of course, there has also been contact with her relatives about this. We are committed to doing this with dignity and with the clear purpose of achieving some form of justice for Betty by finding her murderer or murderers”, Benjamin van Gogh, coordinator of the Amsterdam Wanted and Missing Persons Team and responsible for the campaign said.

“It is difficult to determine what it takes to get possible witnesses in this case to share their information with us”, explains Van Gogh. “So, the reward has been raised, but we also believe that Betty’s hologram may create a certain connection with her and thus convince a person to come forward. In this type of case, we always try to put a face on a victim, so that informants know who they’re doing it for, and the hologram is a way of taking this a step further”, he concluded. Moreover, they will use traditional ways, too. They will put posters in the area, and flyers will be handed out.

Read also:

  • Disturbing new details, VIDEO, PHOTOS: Irish man killed American woman while getting intimate – read more HERE
  • Murder in Budapest: Suspect caught just 9 hours later, identity of victim revealed

More Hungarian citizens evacuated from Lebanon, says Hungarian FM Szijjártó

Lebanon evacuation

Hungary has carried out another successful evacuation operation during which eight Hungarian and four foreign citizens left Lebanon on an aircraft of the Hungarian armed forces, the minister of foreign affairs and trade said on Saturday in Budapest.

One hundred Hungarian citizens are currently registered for consular protection in Lebanon, while the Beirut foreign mission has 210 people in its sights, most of whom live permanently in the country, Péter Szijjártó said.

“We have already offered the possibility of a full evacuation to Hungarians living and staying in Lebanon four times. I continue to ask Hungarians not to go to the Middle East unless they have a very compelling reason, because apparently the security situation is changing minute by minute, and unfortunately these changes are not for the better, but for the worse,” he said.

Szijjártó noted that in addition to the evacuation operation, the government also carried out a successful humanitarian operation in Beirut, delivering critical donations to their Lebanese partners to support displaced people, including members of the Lebanese Christian community.

Lebanon evacuation
Destruction in Dahieh region of Beirut following Israeli attacks. Photo: Anadolu news agency

“Everything that happens in the Middle East fundamentally affects global security. That is why we are concerned about everything that is happening in Lebanon, and we sincerely hope that the armed operations that have spread into Lebanon will not mean the spread of the crisis to the entire region,” the minister said.

Szijjártó said that it must also be clearly seen that hundreds of thousands and millions of people in Lebanon are not to be blamed about the attack that terrorist organizations committed against Israel, so the suffering of the innocent must be stopped.

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Disturbing new details, VIDEO, PHOTOS: Irish man killed American woman while getting intimate

Kenzie murderer Irish man

“The 31-year-old American [Mackenzie Michalski – DNH] had arrived in Hungary as a tourist. She met an Irish man, a couple years her senior, in a nightclub and together they visited another nightclub, where they danced and became closer. After she had decided to go to his rented apartment in the 7th district, they had gotten intimate, and he killed her in the process”, the Hungarian police wrote in a statement clarifying what happened to the American woman.

Irish man killed the American woman while getting intimate

Here’s the unchanged statement of the Hungarian police:

“Budapest Metropolitan Police were looking for a 31-year-old American woman who disappeared from a Budapest nightclub on 5 November 2024.

The 6th District Police Department was conducting the missing person procedure, so the investigators and the Fugitive Search Division obtained footage from all available CCTV cameras in the neighbourhood, and noticed a man with whom the missing girl was seen together in several nightclubs. Suspicious circumstances in connection with her disappearance led the investigators believe that the possibility that the American girl became the victim of a crime could not be ruled out.

The unidentified man was arrested at his rented apartment in District VI. in the evening of 7 November.

Given the fact that after the arrest further evidence was found which gave rise to the suspicion of murder, the Homicide Division launched an investigation, and in the course of 24 hours the following was established:

The 31-year-old American girl had arrived in Hungary as a tourist. She met an Irish man, a couple years her senior, in a nightclub and together they visited another nightclub, where they danced and became closer. After she had decided to go to his rented apartment in the 7th district, they had gotten intimate, and he killed her in the process.

The perpetrator then tried to cover up the murder; so he cleaned his apartment and hid the girl’s body in the wardrobe cabinet while he went out to buy a suitcase.

Irish man killed American woman while getting intimate (Copy)
Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

Rented car, trunk and Google search

He then put the victim’s body in the suitcase, rented a car and drove to Lake Balaton with the suitcase in the trunk.

He hid his victim in the woods, in an area outside Szigliget and then drove back to Budapest, where he was captured and arrested.

Investigators from the Homicide Division questioned the 37-year-old Irish citizen with the initials L.T. M. as a suspect for murder. He confessed to killing the woman, but claimed it was an accident. After his interrogation, the suspect also showed the detectives where he had hidden the body. He was taken into custody and his arrest was initiated.

The investigation also revealed that after the murder, the 37-year-old man had searched the Internet for the phrases “Do pigs really eat dead bodies?”, “Texas woman killed by a wild boar. “, “Wild boar sighting in Lake Balaton coastal towns”, “What does a corpse smell like after it decomposes”, “Getting rid of the smell of rotting meat “, Budapest webcams”, “What happens after a person is reported missing”, “How do the police handle missing person cases?”, “How reliable is the police in Budapest?”

In Budapest, people organised a candlelight vigil for Ms Michalski, here is a photo:

Irish man killed the American woman while getting intimate
The candlelight vigil. Photo: FB/Orsolya Prohászka

UPDATE

Irish man’s lawyer: The death of the American woman was an accident

Read also:

  • Hungarian media: Irish killed American woman in his apartment then bought a huge bag – disturbing details HERE

New cyclone forming: snow may surprise Hungary next week

Snow may surprise Hungary next week

September and October were outstandingly warm this year in Hungary, November is cooler and drier, but next week everything may change thanks to a possible new cyclone sweeping through Hungary on Thursday and Friday, and bringing snow from the Alps.

First snow may arrive in Hungary next week

In the last few days, the weather of the Carpathian Basin was characterised by an enormous anticyclone covering not only Hungary or the Carpathian Basin but half of the continent. Thanks to that anticyclone, the weather was dry and cold in Hungary in the next few days. According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, cold air is to arrive in our region starting next Wednesday. Moreover, another one is to arrive from the North next Friday.

The two cold air masses will merge west of Hungary and form a cyclone over the Alps. That will fundamentally modify the weather of the Carpathian Basin. Since the cold air mass is relatively small, meteorologists do not know where its centre will be. If it is formed over the line of Austria and Northern Italy, we can expect rain in Hungary from Thursday and Friday. Above 4-500 metres, at the feet of the Alps in Hungary, the precipitation may be snow.

Snow may surprise Hungary next week
Photo: depositphotos.com

In the West, the maximum temperature is expected to be 2-4 degrees, while in the East, it will be 10-12 degrees.

Cyclone centre in the West means no snow in Hungary

However, provided the cyclone centre is above France and Switzerland, the temperature will be higher and we cannot expect snow. It will not be warm, but the maximums will be around 5-8 degrees in Western Hungary and 12-17 degrees in the Eastern regions of the country. Furthermore, in that case, a serious amount of precipitation is not likely.

Because of the anticyclone over Hungary, the breeze is moderate, and the air has become polluted. The air is stuck in the Carpathian Basin, so the air quality deteriorated in the region: it has become unhealthy or even dangerous in several Hungarian towns and cities, including Miskolc, Pécs, Kecskemét, Nyíregyháza, Szeged, Székesfehérvár, and Dunaújváros.

Here is a video of the polluted air stuck over Budapest:

Experts recommend that people with cardiovascular problems should spend only limited time breathing the polluted air.

Geomagnetic storm caused Aurora over Hungary again

A solar flare on 6 November caused Aurora over Hungary on Thursday and Friday. It was weak and coloured the evening sky to pink. HERE you may check out some videos of the spectacular phenomenon.

Currently, Hungary’s weather is two-faced. In the Southwest, fog rules the air, so the temperature is much lower. In Keszthely and Fonyód, close to Lake Balaton, thermometers show only 2-3 degrees. Meanwhile, in all other regions of the country, the skies are cloudless and the temperature is above 12 degrees.

Read also:

  • Make the most of the mild weather! Temperatures to drop as low as -5°C by Sunday morning in Hungary – read more HERE
  • Aurora was visible in Hungary – impressive PHOTOS and VIDEO HERE

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Hungarian media: Irish killed American woman in his apartment then bought a huge bag – disturbing details

irish murdered American woman

New information about the tragic murder of 31-year-old Portland nurse Mackenzie Michalski keeps emerging, even though the Hungarian police promised to share new details today. Hungarian media wrote that the American woman was killed during sexual intercourse but did not support that allegation with proof. They also wrote what the Irish perpetrator told them, how he explained the brutal murder and what he did after the terrible deed.

Irish murderer killed the American woman in his apartment

According to Hungary’s Tények, Ms Michalski and the Irish M. L. T. met in Szimpla Kert, a Budapest ruin pub. They danced there and then visited several other downtown pubs. Finally, they went to the Irish man’s apartment where, during sexual intercourse, he killed the American woman. Tények did not support that allegation with proof.

We wrote HERE that Ms Michalski’s boyfriend travelled to Budapest the moment he learned about the woman’s disappearance. He told RTL Klub that they had been a couple for six years.

Irish national murdered American woman in Budapest
Photo: FB/Tamara Thorpe

Of course, one could ask why the woman would go to the apartment of an unknown man, which the Hungarian media has not answered yet. We do not know in what state she reached the apartment, whether she was drugged or whether there was an attempt of rape, due to which she had to die.

Horrific searches on Google after the terrible murder

Tények writes that the murderer confessed his terrible deed to the police but said it was an accident.

He tried to cover his tracks. He cleaned the apartment and hid the body in the wardrobe. Then M. L. T. bought a bag, put the body inside and drove to Szigliget, near Lake Balaton to get rid of the corpse. He left it in a wooded and marshy place after dragging the body 60-70 metres from his car he left near a byway.

Tények wrote that all the evidence points to murder, not an accident, as the Irish man claimed.

Moreover, the Irish googled whether boars eat corpses, whether there are boars at Lake Balaton, whether corpses emit a smell, how many surveillance cameras are there in Budapest, and how trustworthy is the Hungarian police.

The Irish man arrived in Budapest as a tourist one week ago.

Read also:

  • American woman murdered in Budapest: here’s what the Irish perpetrator did

American woman murdered in Budapest: here’s what the Irish perpetrator did

Irish national murdered American woman Kenzie Michalski in Budapest

It was not the first time 31-year-old Mackenzie Michalski from Portland was in Budapest. The nurse practician was here with a friend, stayed in a Terézváros Airbnb, ate dinner in a restaurant, and then visited some downtown ruin pubs downtown. That is where she met her murderer, an Irish national. Chilling details emerged about what he did to her.

Kenzie loved Budapest, the restaurants, the capital’s culture

Kenzie’s boyfriend told RTL Klub news that she had visited Budapest multiple times. She travelled to the Hungarian capital with one of her friends to conclude their European journey. They rented an Airbnb apartment and discovered the city. According to Szeretlek Magyarország, they even visited the Széchenyi bath.

On Monday afternoon, Kenzie accompanied her friend to Budapest Airport and then returned to the downtown. She ate her dinner alone in a restaurant, where she spent two hours. She sent photos from there, just like from Szimpla Kert, a ruin pub in Budapest downtown. After she left that place, her phone was turned off, and nobody could reach her again.

Missing American woman murdered in Budapest hungary news Irish murder
Photo: FB/Nicholas Michalski

His boyfriend said she loved Budapest, the restaurants, and the culture, and was excited to be here. They have been a couple for six years, and Mr Reichen immediately came to Budapest after he learned Kenzie disappeared.

37-year-old Irish identified as perpetrator

RTL News said she met the 37-year-old Irish man in Szimpla Kert and accompanied him to several other pubs in Budapest. The Irish murdered her during that night and took her body out of Budapest to hide.

On Friday, the police said they identified the perpetrator and caught him in 24 hours. The Irish suspect confessed to the crime and showed authorities where he hid the woman’s body. However, nobody knows why he did the terrible deed. The Hungarian police promised to share more information on the brutal tragedy today.

New information and photos emerged of American woman who went missing in Budapest (Copy)
An Irish national murdered the lovely Ms Michalski. Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

Candlelight vigil to be held today

People organised a candlelight vigil for the murdered American woman in Budapest’s Szabadság Square (Liberty Square) this evening. The organisers wrote on Facebook that “the location will be Liberty Square, Budapest, near the US Embassy. Time is 7 PM CET, which is 1 PM Eastern. The plan is to walk to the “eternal flame” on the other end of this Aulich street”. The “eternal flame” they refer to is Batthyány’s sanctuary lamp at the corner of Báthory Street and Hold Street. The lamp sits on the former location of the courtyard of the New Building, where Count Lajos Batthyány (1807–1849), the first Prime Minister of Hungary, was executed on 6 October 1849.

Kenzie’s friends said farewell to her in a touching Facebook post

“We would like to express our profound and heartfelt gratitude to the U.S. and Hungarian authorities and local police for their prompt attention, diligence, care, and consideration”, the family and friends wrote.

“Kenzie will forever be remembered as a beautiful and compassionate young woman who dedicated herself to caring for others and making the world a better place. As a nurse practitioner, Kenzie used her humour, positivity, and limitless empathy to help heal her patients and encourage family and friends alike. (…) Her wish for the world: fully embrace the present moment, be your authentic self, practice kindness, and always walk in the light”, they wrote about her.

They also asked everybody to respect the privacy of the mourning family and friends.

Read also:

  • Missing American woman murdered in Budapest – details HERE
  • Crime statistics: The most dangerous places in Hungary – check out the details in THIS article

Lake Balaton’s hidden depths: Local legends speak of secrets and treasures below

lake balaton

Lake Balaton, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, is also shrouded in local legends of hidden treasures lurking beneath its serene waters. According to residents, there is a myriad of secrets hiding in Hungary’s iconic lake. Dive into these captivating stories and discover the treasures that have enchanted locals for generations.

The secrets of Lake Balaton

Promotions writes that Lake Balaton may now be a popular destination for swimming, water sports, and relaxation. However, its calm surface hides a wealth of secrets below. The “Hungarian Sea” has played a central role in Hungary’s history for centuries, from fishing and trade. Beneath its waters lie relics of this rich past, including old wooden ships and boats dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These vessels, sunk by sudden storms and accidents, rest on the lakebed along with rumours of buried treasures—perhaps even gold or silver.

From war relics to personal belongings

Since the late 19th century, steamboats have navigated the waters of Lake Balaton, and today, remnants of these early vessels rest on the lakebed, often due to technical failures or accidents. The lake’s history grew even more complex during the Second World War, when fierce battles between German, Hungarian, and Soviet forces took place around Balaton. Tanks, military boats, and other combat vehicles were submerged, with some reports even suggesting aircraft remains.

Following the war, leftover military equipment, including weapons and explosives, was also discarded into the lake, adding to the collection of submerged relics. In more recent decades, even cars have ended up in the lake’s waters due to accidents or vandalism, while abandoned water sports equipment like surfboards and kayaks lie scattered on the lakebed. In addition, you must know someone who has lost a watch or a ring in Lake Balaton…

Lake Balaton, Holiday, camping
Photo: depositphotos.com

Legends about hidden treasures

Lake Balaton is steeped in legends of hidden treasures, with tales that captivate locals and visitors alike. One of the most famous stories centres around Saint Ladislaus of Hungary, who is said to have hidden his treasures in or near the lake to keep them out of enemy hands as an army approached. Though there’s no solid evidence to confirm this, the legend remains alive in local lore. Another popular tale dates back to the Turkish occupation of the 16th and 17th centuries, when Turkish soldiers, forced to retreat, supposedly concealed their stolen goods around Balaton, many never returning to reclaim them.

Another enduring legend is that of the “Golden Boat,” a merchant vessel said to have sunk in Lake Balaton, loaded with gold bars, silver, and gemstones. To this day, locals say the ship’s precious cargo remains undiscovered beneath the lake’s surface. While divers have retrieved some artefacts from Balaton’s depths, the thick lakebed mud and strict conservation laws make excavation challenging. Today, any archaeological exploration in Lake Balaton requires special permits, to preserve both the lake’s natural beauty and its hidden history.

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BREAKING: Missing American woman murdered in Budapest – UPDATED

Missing American woman murdered in Budapest hungary news

31-year-old Mackenzie Michalski came for a holiday to Budapest but she went missing on 5 November. She did not return to her Airbnb apartment, so her friends and the Hungarian police started searching for her. Even the congressman of her electoral district in the USA wrote to secretary Blinken to conduct a more effective search with the help of the U.S. and Hungarian authorities. Tragic news about her emerged this afternoon.

According to police.hu, the police officers of Budapest’s 6th district measured multiple suspicious information about Ms Michalski’s disappearence. Therefore, they did not exclude that the American woman fell victim to a murderer.

They identified a man who was seen together with the young woman in several places in Budapest’s downtown before her disappearance. They arrested the suspect in front of his 7th district apartment.

M. L. T. is 37 years old and an Irish national.

He confessed his crime to the police and showed the place where he hid Ms Michalski’s body. The Irish national will remain in custody.

UPDATE (7.09 P.M.): the Budapest police headquarters announced in a Facebook post that they would hold a press conference sharing further details about the tragic murder on Saturday.

We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends. May Kenzie rest in peace.

New information and photos emerged of American woman who went missing in Budapest (Copy)
Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

VIDEO: Hungarian Balkans drug lord brought to Hungary

Hungarian Balkans drug lord brought to Hungary (Copy)

The leader of a drug cartel active in the Balkans, a Hungarian national, has been brought back to Hungary after his arrest in Tenerife in August, the National Bureau of Investigation of Hungary’s Rapid Response Police said.

The 32-year-old spent three years in hiding, and was taken straight to prison when his plane landed at Ferihegy International Airport on Wednesday night, police.hu said. He will spend 8 years in prison for drug trafficking, it said.

Investigations are under way in another two cases, where he is suspected to have been part of drug deals as a member of a gang led by Nikolic Andrija between 2019 and 2021, the statement said. That operation was uncovered in March 2021 when EUROPOL and EUROJUST successfully hacked the Sky ECC surface containing information of the Hungarian suspect’s activities including buying and selling at least 13kg of cocaine, 40 litres of amphetamine, 10,000 ecstasy pills and 82kg of marijuana.

Here is a video how he was brought to Hungary:

Read also:

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Hungarian coronation regalia in peril, immediate replacement required

The Holy Crown of Hungary coronation regalia

The cooling system of the glass inert gas vault of Hungary’s coronation regalia in the Hungarian Parliament went off. As a result, the device is no longer capable of keeping the compulsory humidity and temperature, so the coronation regalia can be damaged. Therefore, immediate replacement is needed. However, it will not be cheap.

Hungarian coronation regalia in peril

There are five Hungarian coronation regalia kept separately in Budapest. If you want to get a glimpse of the Holy Crown, the sceptre, the coronation sword or the orb, you have to visit the Hungarian Parliament. They are all kept under the iconic dome, in the Dome Hall, under 24/7 protection by special guards. If you want to see how the coronation mantle looks, you should go to the National Museum of Hungary. We covered in THIS article that the only authentic image of Saint Stephen is on that mantle.

The main staircase of the Hungarian Parliament leading to the Dome Hall where the Holy Crown, the sceptre, the orb and the coronation sword can are kept:

Hungary does not want to protect these regalia only from bad guys or lunatics but also from time, humidity, extreme temperatures, etc. Therefore, the Hungarian government ordered a special glass inert gas (nitrogen) vault in 2000 from Germany and placed the coronation regalia under it in the Parliament. Árpád Habony told RTL Klub that the protection system was unique, similar systems were only in use in the United Kingdom.

According to hvg.hu, the cooling system of the bulletproof, earthquake-resistant device went wrong. As a result, it cannot provide the compulsory 20 +/- 2 °C temperature and 40% humidity, because both the primary and the replacement systems broke down. Without those systems, the coronation regalia cannot be saved from oxidation and other types of deterioration.

Holy Crown and the crowning regalia
The Holy Crown and crowning jewels in the Parliament. Photo: Facebook, Országház

New glass inert atmosphere vault ordered from Germany

The German producer, Glasbau Hahn GmbH, said the restoration of the glass would take 8-10 weeks, but they could only place the coronation regalia in a temporary store device in which temperature and humidity cannot be set.

The Szent Korona Testület (Holy Crown College) in which, among others, the president, the prime minister, the heads of the Supreme Court and the Hungarian Academy of Science are members, decided to order a new glass inert gas vault.

Hvg.hu asked how much the project will cost and whether tourists will be able to see the crown regalia even in the interim period but has not received an answer yet.

Interestingly, László L. Simon, a former Fidesz MP, secretary of state and director of the Hungarian National Museum, proposed transferring the crown to Buda Castle.

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PHOTOS: Chinese mini library inaugurated, China very proud on Szeged BYD plant

Chinese mini library BYD project Chinese ambassador

EV maker BYD’s plant under construction in Szeged (SE Hungary) is a model for cultivating ties between China and Hungary, Gong Tao, China’s ambassador to Hungary, said on Friday.

After inaugurating a Chinese mini library at the Déri Miksa Technicum in Szeged, Gong Tao said ties between Hungary and China had never been better, adding that a visit to Budapest by Chinese President Xi Jinping in May had given new impetus to bilateral relations.

The ambassador met with László Botka, the mayor of Szeged, Andras Magori, the head of the Csongrad-Csanad County council, and leaders of the University of Szeged during his visit to the city on Thursday and Friday.

He said construction of the BYD plant in Szeged was going smoothly and production was expected to start in the second half of 2025. He added that Chinese companies could help Hungary in the green transition, support high-quality development and contribute to putting the country at the forefront of Europe’s electric vehicle industry.

Here are some photos of the plant under construction. It will be the world’s largest EV maunfacturing plant:

China-Hungary cooperation praised

He acknowledged that all Chinese companies must abide by local rules and accept obligations with regard to environmental protection and sustainability. He also pointed to the importance of working to forge ties with local communities for those companies.

China and Hungary’s cooperation shows well the benefits of connection between the East and West, which promotes world peace and development, he said.

He added that bilateral ties were strengthening in the areas of science, technology, higher education and vocational education.

Students at the Déri Miksa Technicum are being exposed to the Chinese language with the support of the Confucius Institute in Szeged and most have said they would like to join a language course.

Chinese SAIC Motor takes over local importing of MG brand

China’s SAIC Motor is taking over the local importing of its MG car brand from Duna Motors Disztribúció, the parties announced on Thursday. SAIC Motor CEE will take over the importing activities from the start of 2025. Duna Motors Disztribúció started importing MG cars in September 2022. MG’s market share in Hungary stands at 1.9pc at present. This year, sales of the models are expected to exceed 1,500.

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New information and photos emerged of the American woman who went missing in Budapest

New information and photos emerged of American woman who went missing in Budapest (Copy)

31-year-old Mackenzie Michalski (going by Kenzie for her friends) was on holiday in Budapest and stayed in an Airbnb apartment in Budapest’s 6th district, Terézváros. However, she never returned after visiting the capital’s famous ruin pub, the Szimpla Kert on Kazinczy Street. Here are the last snaps her friends received shortly after midnight. UPDATE: Tragic news arrived about her today afternoon, HERE is our article.

Mackenzie Michalski is 31 years old, 165 cm tall, weighs 45 kilos, and her hair is brown. She has been missing for three days. Police keep searching after her and her friends are also very committed to finding her: they even created a Facebook group which has more than 3,3 thousand members. Furthermore, they shared her last snaps from Szimpla Kert, a famous Hungarian ruin pub in the 7th district of Budapest:

Police keep searching for the missing American woman in Budapest

The activity level is quite high in the group, there are lots of people who try to find Kenzie. Some are suspicious of Szimpla Kert, quoting reviews saying that girls were drugged there by having powder mixed into their drinks.

Others try to remain cool and do what they can. According to an update posted 15 hours ago, the Hungarian police extended the investigation from a local level to the capital. A part-time employee of the publisher of the update said police collected “several footages from both Szimpla and the streets near the bar.” Finally, the investigation is one of the top priorities of the authorities, “with over a dozen ground-level policemen who actively collect every data available.”

New information and photos emerged of American woman who went missing in Budapest (Copy)
Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

U.S. Congress representative wrote a letter for Secretary Blinken

Timothy M. Kennedy, the congressional representative of the 26th district in New York, wrote a letter to Secretary Anthony Blinken yesterday. He explained the situation to him and said the Department of State should work directly with the U.S. Embassy in Hungary and the Budapest civil law enforcement agency “Rendőrség”.

“Her family and friends are pleading for help to find her – as am I, as one of the Members of the Congress who represent our region. As you know, time is essential in these cases, and a coordinated search between the United States and Hungary is necessary to expeditiously bring Ms. Michalski home”, Representative Kennedy concluded in his letter.

Family on their way to Budapest

According to a news report uploaded on YouTube 6 hours ago, Ms Michalski is a nurse practician in Providence St. Vincent and a seasoned traveller. She travelled to Budapest with a friend but they split on 4 November. She would have flown to Amsterdam on 5 November, but she never checked out from her Airbnb or showed up at the airport.

Her friends do not think she made it back to her room. According to the video, her family is on their way to Hungary and her fellow nurses have already checked Budapest hospitals.

Funds already have been raised for her and her family to hire a private investigator.

Distinguishing features

If you have any information about her whereabouts, please contact the local Hungarian police: at +36-1 461-8100 or +36-1-443-5000 and the United States Embassy: at +36-1-475-4400.

She wore a black hoodie zip-up, black sneakers or brown ankle sorrel boots and possibly a black or green hat. Distinguishing features are her gauged ear lobes, and tattoos (L arm, L foot – Omega Ω, Right foot – Buddha).

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Budapest just made public transport a whole lot friendlier for dog owners and cyclists

Budapest public transport BKK ticket validation easter timetable changes

The Budapest General Assembly has recently approved a forward-thinking proposal from Dávid Vitézy that will allow free transport of both dogs and bicycles on BKK (Budapest’s Public Transport) services for passengers holding a valid season pass, starting January 2025. This exciting new policy means that any passenger with a monthly, quarterly, or annual Budapest pass—or even a Pest county or national pass—will soon be able to bring their dog or bike along without needing an extra ticket.

At present, transporting dogs on BKK requires a separate ticket or pass, and bicycles are restricted to specific routes, mainly in hilly, mountainous areas. According to Pénzcentrum, these routes are popular among cyclists who may need occasional transport due to unexpected events—such as a flat tire, an electric bike’s battery running out, a sudden rainstorm, or plain exhaustion after a long day. The current system, however, can be inconvenient, requiring passengers to make a stop just to purchase an additional ticket, which complicates travel plans.

Budapest mayor withdraws public transport changes in the capital
Photo: FB/BKK

The new free transport policy

Budapest’s residents increasingly embrace a more active and eco-conscious lifestyle, relying on cycling and public transportation as part of their daily routines. For dog owners and cyclists alike, this change signifies a major step forward, removing a common financial and logistical barrier. For instance, dog owners commuting to the city’s parks or cyclists navigating hilly areas can now enjoy greater flexibility and savings. The policy not only supports urban mobility but also encourages greener travel choices, a crucial aspect of Budapest’s broader sustainability goals.

Pets Public Transport
Source: Pixabay

The new free transport rule aims to make life easier and travel more affordable for Budapest residents who regularly rely on public transportation. By eliminating the need for separate dog and bike tickets, the measure could encourage even more residents to opt for season passes, promoting public transport over individual car use. Additionally, Vitézy noted that the streamlined boarding process—since passengers will not need to scan codes twice on buses that require front-door boarding—could lead to faster, smoother operations, benefiting everyone on board.

Future plans

Dávid Vitézy has outlined plans to expand bicycle transport access on BKK’s network further, making more routes bike-friendly in the future. This would be especially useful in Budapest’s hilly districts, where many cyclists take advantage of the downhill ride but may struggle with the uphill return journey. Increasing bike transport options on BKK’s network will enhance accessibility and convenience for passengers in these areas, further cementing public transport as a viable option for cyclists.

The new regulation promises to make BKK services more accessible, accommodating the needs of pet owners and cyclists while promoting public transportation as a sustainable and affordable option. By making it simpler and more cost-effective to bring pets or bikes along for the ride, Budapest is taking a meaningful step towards creating a more livable and environmentally friendly city for everyone.

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Shocking: Over 10,000 speeding drivers caught in just 4 days in Budapest

Over 10,000 speeding drivers caught in just 4 days in Budapest

At the end of October, Budapest installed 26 new fixed traffic cameras across the city to reduce speeding and improve road safety. These advanced cameras caught around ten thousand speeding drivers in the first four days alone. The authorities prepared the public for these changes with announcements on TV, online and through press releases, not only to enforce compliance but also to encourage safer driving habits and reduce accident rates.

As we previously covered, the police have identified the main checkpoints where these new cameras will enforce speed limits, focusing on high-risk areas. These include major bridges such as the Árpád Bridge, both ends of the Rákóczi Bridge, the Buda exit of the Petőfi Bridge and busy roads such as Szentendrei Street, Üllői Street, Budaörsi Street and Váci Street. The authorities are hopeful of a significant improvement in road safety as a result of the focus on the busiest areas.

The effectiveness of these cameras varied depending on their location. According to 444.hu, over 2,000 offences were recorded at the Buda end of Petőfi Bridge, which is the busiest checkpoint. Other busy areas such as Üllői Street and Szentendrei Street also saw thousands of offences, while quieter areas such as Növény Street recorded only 48, indicating a lower rate of speeding.

speeding
Source: Pixabay

Recent speeding fine changes

Since mid-August, Hungary has raised traffic fines by around 50% to intensify the impact of penalties on offenders. For example, unauthorised overtaking now costs HUF 65,000 (EUR 158) (up from HUF 39,000 (EUR 95)), and parking in restricted zones incurs a fine of HUF 150,000 (EUR 365). Currently, fines range from HUF 50,000 (EUR 121) to HUF 468,000 (EUR 1,141), especially for extreme speeding violations. As Index reported, exceeding speed limits by a substantial margin, such as going 25 km/h over in a 50 km/h zone, can lead to a massive fine. Higher speed limits, like 100 km/h, also come with similarly severe penalties for violations.

Are Hungarians wealthier than expected? forint money
Photo: deposiphotos.com

Authorities and traffic experts anticipate that these higher fines will make drivers think twice before breaking traffic rules. This is especially true for speeding and illegal parking, both of which often lead to accidents. According to KSH statistics, in the first half of 2024 alone, Budapest recorded 1,422 road accidents; while not all were due to speeding, non-compliance remains a major factor.

The Hungarian national figure is 6,867, which makes the number of traffic accidents in Budapest strikingly high, equivalent to the combined total of three or four counties. A big part of this is Budapest’s fast pace: it is one of Hungary’s busiest cities, where people often drive quicker to beat the traffic. Moreover, the city’s dense population naturally means more pedestrians on the streets, which adds to the risk of accidents. These factors make the high accident count unsurprising, given the mix of speed, congestion, and heavy foot traffic.

With the new cameras and fines in place, officials aim to cut down on violations and make Budapest’s roads safer for everyone. For drivers, knowing where these cameras are could encourage more responsible driving, helping them avoid fines and contribute to a safer, smoother traffic flow across the city.

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Autumn break was heyday for Hungarian tourism

Hungary tourism

Tourism accommodations in Hungary hosted half a million guests over the autumn break, 16pc more than during last year’s holiday, the Hungarian Tourism Agency said on Thursday.

Those travellers spent close to 1.2 million guest nights at tourism accommodations between October 26 and November 3, 11pc more than a year earlier, bookings recorded by the National Tourism Data Service Centre (NTAK) show.

Over 250,000 foreign tourists visited Hungary during the period. Around 170,000 of those visitors spent over 400,000 guest nights in the capital. The rest spent about 280,000 guest nights at other destinations, such as the spa towns of Eger, Zalakaros, Gyula, Hévíz and Hajdúszoboszló.

eger hungary hungarian town
Eger, Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.com

The largest numbers of foreign visitors arrived from Czechia, Germany, Austria, Romania and the UK.

Revenue of tourism accommodations came to HUF 29bn during the break, up 24pc from last year’s school vacation. Revenue of accommodations in Budapest accounted for HUF 11.4bn of the total.

Featured image: depositphotos.com

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