Ágnes Forsthoffer, who is temporarily exercising the powers of Hungary’s President, has called an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Péter Magyar and the leaders of all parliamentary party groups to discuss the country’s worsening heatwave, water shortages and the impact of the shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.
According to a statement issued by Sándor Palace on Sunday, the meeting will take place on Monday morning.
Hungary’s government asked to explain crisis response
The statement said Forsthoffer had requested an urgent and extraordinary briefing from the Prime Minister on the current situation caused by the extreme heat and on the measures the government has already taken, as well as those planned for the coming days.
Sándor Palace described the combination of the prolonged heatwave, the critically low water level of the River Danube, the shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant and third-degree water restrictions affecting several municipalities as an exceptional situation requiring immediate and coordinated action.
Parliamentary party leaders invited
As the National Assembly is not scheduled to hold an extraordinary plenary session next week, Forsthoffer said it was important that the leaders of the parliamentary groups receive information directly from the Prime Minister and have an opportunity to ask questions.
The acting head of state also announced the initiative on her official Facebook page, expressing hope for the cooperation of all political parties. Prime Minister Péter Magyar responded publicly, thanking Forsthoffer for the invitation.
Prime Minister stresses importance of national unity
In a video message published on Sunday, Magyar confirmed that he would first brief Forsthoffer before meeting parliamentary group leaders at Sándor Palace. He said he would provide detailed information on both the challenges inherited by his government and the decisions and measures taken in response to the current situation.
The Prime Minister of Hungary argued that, in a crisis of this scale, national unity and open dialogue between the government, political parties and society are essential for an effective response.
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Opposition parties confirm attendance
Opposition party Fidesz confirmed that it would attend Monday’s briefing. János Bóka, the party’s parliamentary group leader, said Fidesz was expecting detailed information about the government’s planned measures to address the energy crisis.
The KDNP also announced that it would participate in the meeting, saying every necessary measure should be taken in the interests of the Hungarian people. The party also thanked emergency workers and the public for their efforts and perseverance during the ongoing crisis.
Monday’s meeting comes as Hungary continues to grapple with one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years, with extreme temperatures, water shortages and energy supply challenges placing increasing pressure on the country’s infrastructure and public services.
Read also: Péter Magyar says Paks Nuclear Power Plant will shut down completely very soon
