Willi Orbán vows to help RB Leipzig achieve ‘full potential’ after below-par start to the season
RB Leipzig have, slowly but surely, become one of the most consistent teams in the German Bundesliga and the Champions League.
But the Red Bull franchise hasn’t quite been at the races in 2024/25 so far… leaving their Hungarian ace and club captain, Willi Orbán, at a loss to explain their low-key start to the campaign.
However, the 32-year-old has vowed to do all he can to help the club unlock its ‘full potential’, and his performances so far this term confirm he’s leading from the front heading into a crucial chapter of the season.
Crisis on the Continental Front
One of the main casualties of RB Leipzig’s sluggish start has been their results in the revamped Champions League.
They lost all of their opening five games in the competition, leaving them trailing in the Champions League betting market to the likes of Liverpool (+450), Manchester City (+550), and Arsenal (+550).
Indeed, Champions League winner odds of +25000 suggest that Leipzig’s hopes of advancing in the continental showpiece are all but over.
And so attention will turn to domestic matters, where Die Rotten Bullen have their eyes fixed on another top-four finish… or better.
Bundesliga table after matchday 13 pic.twitter.com/YD0lVYcOWU
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 8, 2024
After 13 rounds of action, Leipzig find themselves in fourth place, albeit nine points behind the leaders Bayern Munich. However, a win – and other results going their way – could see Orbán and co leap as high as second in the table, which is more in-line with their ambitions.
However, the Expected Points table – which subtracts Expected Goals (xG) yielded from xG created – shows Leipzig’s ‘true’ position, based upon their performances, as a lowly ninth in the Bundesliga.
At least in Orbán they have a captain leading from the front…
Captain Fantastic
Increasingly these days in modern football, central defenders are athletic ball-players with an eye for a pass.
But that genre of player can sometimes struggle with the physicality of defending, which is why centre backs like the Hungarian are still worth their weight in gold.
Orbán prides himself on doing the ‘dirty work’ of defending, from making last-ditch tackles and blocks, to putting his head in where it hurts. No wonder his Leipzig teammates consider him to be such an inspirational leader.
After 13 rounds of Bundesliga games, Orbán ranks third amongst the division’s players for aerial duels won, third for successful blocks, and fifth for clearances made. He is, statistically speaking, the best defender in German football right now.
The powerhouse is also a handful in the opposition’s penalty area at set pieces, scoring four times in the Bundesliga so far this term.
But the Leipzig captain appreciates that there’s more work to be done, and while he was feeling bullish after his side’s 2-0 victory over Holstein Kiel early in December, Orbán confirmed that he and his teammates still had higher levels to strive for.
“We didn’t manage to play to our full potential in November, both as a team and as individual players,” he said.
But the belief is still there… and why wouldn’t it be, with Orbán leading from the front.
Hungarian national economy minister sees rebound in 2025 – UPDATED
National Economy Minister Márton Nagy said 2025 would be a “rebound” year of “economic recovery”, supported by a “peacetime budget”, testifying before parliament’s economy committee on Tuesday.
National Economy Minister expects economic recovery in 2025
Nagy said the government had responded successfully to the crises of the past five years: the pandemic, the energy crisis caused by the war and the economic downturn in Germany.
In light of the changed economic circumstances, the government has launched an economic policy action plan, founded on a policy of economic neutrality, that aims to aid the domestic recovery and lift GDP growth over 3pc from 2025, he added.
Nagy said that action plan would pump HUF 1,400bn into the business sector and leave households with more than HUF 2,800bn.
Nagy said tourism and retail data indicated a recovery of domestic consumption in 2024 that would continue in 2025. He added that real wages could grow 9pc this year, while the employment rate stood at 84pc, close to full employment.
Nagy said the construction sector would bounce back, with an order stock up 40pc and government measures set to lift the housing market. He added that home builds could double to 25,000 next year, still under the 40,000-unit potential of the local construction sector.
Nagy blamed Berlin’s overly disciplined fiscal policy and spending on ideologically important goals, rather than economic development, for the downturn in Germany. He added that the German government’s decision to roll back EV subsidies was also damaging.
Fielding questions, Nagy said dormitories with capacity for 13,000-20,000 students could be built in a student quarter in a brownfield area in the south of the capital. The government aims to keep the number of beds reserved for foreign students under 30pc, he added.
Nagy said the state would recoup the price it paid for a controlling stake in Liszt Ferenc operator Budapest Airport in 15 years.
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Cheap living or political refuge? Discover why German pensioners are moving to Hungary!
In recent years, an increasing number of German pensioners have decided to leave their home country and move to Hungary. This is due to economic and political dissatisfaction in German society, as well as the attraction of Hungary’s lower cost of living and political stability.
Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for German retirees, especially those seeking a lower cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle. In 2022, there were more than 22,000 German citizens living in the country, a significant proportion of them belonging to the older generation. They are attracted not only by the cheap real estate and the pleasant climate but also by Hungary’s political climate, which appeals to them in particular with its anti-immigration rhetoric.
Personal stories
According to Reuters, Andre Iwan’s relationship with Hungary dates back to the 1990s, when he bought land on the shores of Lake Balaton. The original plan was to spend their retirement here, but changes in Germany accelerated the move. The Iwan family’s decision is not unique; many feel that frustration with high taxes and immigration policies in Germany makes a comfortable retirement impossible.
Jürgen Wichert, another German retiree, also found a new home on the shores of Lake Balaton. He also emphasised the ideological aspects: he supports conservative policies and sympathises with leaders such as Viktor Orbán and Donald Trump. Wichert believes that Germany’s middle class needs to suffer an economic downturn for political change to take place. These personal experiences show that migration decisions are motivated not only by economic factors but also by political and ideological considerations.
Although more and more German retirees are moving to Hungary, the country’s younger generations are often moving in the opposite direction, to Western Europe in search of better opportunities. This dichotomy highlights the complexity of migration processes and the different economic situations in European countries.
The political and media fallout
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s hardline anti-immigration policy is a major attraction for those in Germany who are unhappy with liberal politics there. The far-right media portray Hungary as a model of conservatism and order, which further increases interest in the country. However, experts point out that this idealised image does not always reflect reality, as Hungary has a crime rate similar to Germany’s and one of the lowest life satisfaction rates in Europe. In addition, the pandemic, economic turmoil and war have heightened fears and led people to seek stability in countries such as Hungary. Sociologists argue that this is less about objective security and more about the perception of finding order amid chaos.
For retirees like Andre Iwan and Jürgen Wichert, Hungary offers the prospect of a new start, where economic advantages, a favourable climate and political stability combine to create an attractive package. At the same time, these decisions raise deeper questions about identity, European values and immigration. For Hungary’s new residents, this country is not only a home, but also a symbol of the order and stability they seek, and a place where they hope to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.
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BMW’s Hungarian plant in Debrecen just lost a high-volume model in a strategic change!
The German car manufacturer BMW has decided that one of the three models originally planned to be produced in Debrecen, the new 3 Series based on the Neue Klasse platform, will be built at the main plant in Munich instead of in Hungary. This decision may have an impact not only on production capacity but also on the plant’s economic contribution, particularly in terms of Hungary’s GDP.
The Debrecen BMW plant was originally designed to produce three different electric models from the Neue Klasse platform: the iX3, iX4 and 3 Series. However, as part of the restructuring decision, BMW management decided to build the new 3 Series in Munich instead. According to 24.hu, the reason for this change is the uncertainty in the industrial environment, which is affecting the European car industry in particular.
The decision allows the Debrecen plant to focus on the two remaining models, the iX3 and iX4. However, this means that the plant will be optimised to produce only two models instead of the three originally planned.
Reduction in capacity
When the construction of the plant was announced in 2018, BMW set out ambitious plans to produce 150,000 cars a year in Debrecen. However, it now appears that this figure could be significantly reduced. According to industry sources, the maximum capacity of the plant could be limited to 80-90 thousand cars per year based on current plans.
The capacity reduction is due to the relocation of the new 3 Series to Munich. This model is expected to be a high-volume product and will be produced at the company’s flagship plant in Munich. Full capacity utilisation of the Debrecen plant will therefore remain uncertain towards the end of the decade.
The production start date has also been changed. The original target date of 2025 has been postponed by one year, and production is now expected to start in 2026. This shift is also due to the general uncertainty in the automotive industry.
The uptake of electric cars in Europe has been slower than manufacturers had previously expected. This slowdown has created spare capacity for several multinational carmakers, providing an opportunity to restructure and optimise production plans.
The strategic role of the Munich Plant
Munich continues to play a key role in BMW’s global manufacturing strategy. The company chose to build the new 3 Series at this central plant because of its ability to manage the product portfolio accurately and efficiently. This decision is in line with the company’s priority of strategically positioning its highest-volume models.
Munich is also a good location because in the current economic climate, competition between production sites is fiercer than ever. It is becoming increasingly difficult for automotive companies to make long-term plans, especially for new models and plants.
BMW’s possible impact on the Hungarian economy
The planned reduction in production at the Debrecen plant could have a direct impact on Hungary’s economic growth. The plant was originally expected to make a significant contribution to Hungary’s GDP but reduced capacity and delays in the start of production may reduce this expectation.
However, the plant could still be an important player in the Hungarian car industry, particularly with the production of two new electric models. The key question for the long-term outlook, however, is whether the plant will be able to reach full capacity and what new models are planned for the future.
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Budapest court orders extradition in Antifa case to Germany
The Budapest Municipal Court has ordered the extradition of a man sentenced in the so-called “Antifa case” to Germany, where he will be prosecuted for assault committed by a criminal organisation, the court told MTI on Wednesday.
According to the European arrest warrant issued by Germany, the man had been a member of a group aiming “to commit violent crimes with a far-left motivation”, and had participated in an attack with the group, the court said. According to the binding decision, the man will be extradited by expedited procedure, the court said.
The man is currently serving a prison sentence in Hungary, the statement said.
Read also:
Hungarian government believes car industry and EV factories are key priorities
Hungary’s economic recovery is underway this year, in spite of extraordinary difficulties and turbulence, laying the foundation for significant growth in 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said giving testimony before parliament’s economy committee on Tuesday. As he said, Orbán cabinet believes car industry and EV factories are key priorities.
Szijjarto said the weight of the global economy had shifted to the East in recent years, while the competition to attract multinationals’ investments had intensified. He warned of the danger of efforts to divide the world into blocs again and said the government was focused on strengthening connectivity.
He said the government had adopted a policy of economic neutrality, paving the way for the country to become a “meeting point” for the economies of the East and the West.
Hungary has become the “number one” location in Europe for cooperation between Western and Eastern companies, he added.
Szijjártó said the government had supported 255 investments with HUF 869bn in subsidies in 2023 and the first half of 2024. Those projects were worth more than HUF 6,000bn and created around 25,000 jobs, he added.
He noted that
62pc of that investment volume had come from China. South Korean companies were runner-up, followed by ones from Germany, he added.
Hungary accounted for 44pc of all Chinese investments in Europe during the period, he said. This year, Chinese investments in Hungary created 11,500 jobs, while investments by German companies created 3,000, he added.
read also: Chinese CATL to begin production next year in Hungary
Government support for investments went to projects in 19 branches of industry, although the most support went to electromobility investments, he said.
Szijjártó highlighted big investments in the pipeline, including Chinese EV manufacturer BYD’s plant in Szeged, German car maker BMW’s factory in Debrecen and the expansion of the Mercedes base in Kecskemét.
When those projects are finished, annual vehicle production in Hungary will climb over 1 million, he added.
Szijjártó also noted big battery manufacturing investments necessary for EV production.
UEFA Nations League: Hungary levels the score against Germany in 99th minute, Szalai receives thoughtful gift – PHOTOS
In a gripping UEFA Nations League clash, Hungary staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against Germany. After Felix Nmecha put the visitors ahead in the second half, Dominik Szoboszlai converted a last-minute penalty to level the score. The game was marked by a heartfelt gesture from German captain Julian Nagelsmann towards Hungary’s assistant coach, Ádám Szalai, who is recovering from a recent health scare.
Thrilling UEFA Nations League clash
In a tense encounter during the UEFA Nations League, Germany dominated the early stages against Hungary, showcasing a series of dangerous attacks, summarises M4 sport. Despite their control, the Hungarian defence held firm, limiting Germany’s chances. However, Hungary broke the deadlock after 15 minutes, with Nübel making crucial saves to deny Schäfer and Nagy. As the first half progressed, Germany regained control but struggled to convert their opportunities, while Hungary’s counter-attacks proved more effective, culminating in a thrilling match where both teams displayed resilience.
The second half saw an increase in intensity as both sides penetrated the midfield with dangerous plays. Germany made significant substitutions, introducing top talents like Musiala and Havertz, who nearly scored immediately. Yet, Hungary continued to push, with Szoboszlai’s corner kick almost ending up in the net. Just when it seemed that Germany would secure victory with Nmecha’s goal, Hungary fought back valiantly. In a dramatic finish, Szoboszlai converted a penalty for handball in the dying moments, ensuring a hard-fought draw for Hungary as they look ahead to their next UEFA Nations League match in March against a Division B opponent.
You can watch the last thrilling minutes of the match and the goal scored by Szoboszlai HERE.
Thoughtful gift for Szalai
Telex writes that moments before the UEFA Nations League clash between Hungary and Germany, German national team captain Julian Nagelsmann presented Marco Rossi with a jersey bearing the words “Jobbulást, Ádám!” in Hungarian (meaning “Get well soon, Ádám!”). Ádám Szalai, who served as an assistant coach for Hungary, collapsed during Saturday’s match against the Netherlands and was subsequently hospitalised. Thankfully, he is now in stable condition and recovering at home with his family. Due to medical advice, Szalai was unable to attend the match against Germany at the Puskás Aréna.
PHOTOS:
MTI/Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Benko Vivien Cher
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German drugstore chain Müller to open gigantic shop in Budapest
German retailer Müller is closing its Váci Street store in Budapest, but shoppers can look forward to the launch of Hungary’s largest Müller store, a three-storey flagship set to open nearby with a grand celebration.
Müller announces Budapest shop closure
24.hu writes that German retailer Müller has revealed plans to close its store at 19-21 Váci Street, Budapest, with a clearance sale offering 20% off all products from 12 November. The closure marks a strategic move as the German company gears up for an ambitious new chapter in Hungary. The announcement was made via the company’s Facebook page, where the German drugstore chain also teased an upcoming venture that promises to elevate its presence in the region.
Gigantic new shop
The German drugstore chain is set to open Hungary’s largest store, a three-storey, 2,800-square-metre flagship, just steps away from the old location at the corner of Váci Street and Régi Posta Street, where the historic Fontana House once stood. The site will also feature 40 upscale apartments as part of Müller Drogéria Magyarország Lp’s real estate development. With construction progressing rapidly, the chain has promised a grand opening celebration, though the exact date remains under wraps.
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Retail chain Lidl plans considerable expansion in Hungary
German-owned supermarket chain Lidl Magyarország plans to raise its number of stores from 210 to 250 in the coming years, chairman Zita Szlavikovics said on Friday, marking 20 years in Hungary.
With a nationwide reach, Lidl had 20.8pc market share in September, according to data from GfK, Szlavikovics said. The chain employs 9,500 people and exported EUR 338m of local products to its other Lidl stores last year, she added.
Lidl Magyarország has 487 domestic suppliers accounting for 61pc of inventory, managing director for purchasing Zoltán Nepp said.
Lidl Magyarország had net sales revenue of HUF 1,159bn in its business year ended February 29, public records show.
Read also:
- Historic Lidl announcement concerning Hungary – read more HERE
German companies in Hungary worried about growing costs, decreasing consumption
The latest survey conducted by the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK) shows worsening sentiment among companies.
Presenting the results of the biannual survey on Thursday, DUIHK communications director Dirk Wolfer said one in two companies indicated an unfavourable outlook for the Hungarian economy, and only one in ten augured improvement. The results show a “significant deterioration” compared to the survey in spring, he added.
One-third of the companies delivered a positive assessment of their own situations, although the rate reached 50pc among businesses in services, while the assessments of 19pc were negative.
More companies planned to cut, rather than raise, investment spending.
One-quarter plan to make new hires in the coming twelve months and 19pc plan to reduce headcount.
Around 73pc of companies said demand for the their products and services posed the biggest risk. Higher labour costs were a lesser challenge.
DUIHK chairman András Sávos noted that the survey of 262 companies had been conducted in October, before the US elections and the collapse of the German government.
According to hvg.hu, German companies in Hungary are especially worried because of the rule of law in Hungary, the rising costs and the low consumption of the Hungarians. Wages in Hungary grew by 66% between 2019 and 2024, which is a challenge for every company because their effectiveness did not increase by 66% in the past four years. Of course, the Hungarian workforce is still cheap. The hourly wage is EUR 13 compared to EUR 41-42 in Germany.
MOL petrochemicals business builds 48 MW solar park
Mol Petrolkémia, the petrochemicals business of Hungarian oil and gas company MOL, will build a 48 MW solar park, the managing director of MOL’s local business said at the unit’s base in Tiszaujvaros on Thursday. György Bacsa said the solar park, to be completed in Q2 2026, would meet 5pc of Mol Petrolkémia’s electricity needs. He put the investment cost at EUR 40m, to be paid for by the company.
Read also:
- New Mercedes models built in Hungary may feature Chinese engine
- Hungarian man brutally murdered during brawl in Germany
Featured image: illustration
Record number of Hungarian students flee the country for higher education abroad
More and more Hungarian students are deciding to continue their studies abroad. While the five most popular destinations have not changed in recent years, certain trends can be seen in the latest data.
Hungarian students abroad
As Portfolio writes, the 2023/2024 academic year is setting a new record for the number of Hungarian students studying abroad, now exceeding 17,500, according to Engame Academy. While Germany and the Netherlands remain popular destinations, the Netherlands is close to overtaking Germany due to recent shifts in students’ preferences. Brexit’s effects continue to impact applications to the UK, while the appeal of the Netherlands is rising. Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the UK continue to rank as the top five destinations for Hungarian students, although their order has shifted in recent years. Engame Academy’s Rita Nádas advises students planning to study abroad to monitor these changing trends and start preparing during secondary school. Nádas says:
Many Hungarian students only decide on their higher education options in the final year of secondary school, often just before applying for admission. But abroad, successful university admission requires a strong application profile, with sound career guidance and skills development.
The top three
Austria and Germany remain top choices for Hungarian students studying abroad, with Austria attracting 3,862 students and Germany 2,986. Austria’s appeal lies in its free tuition and proximity, while Germany has seen a rise in Hungarian enrolment, nearing 3,000 students. The Netherlands, now in third place with 2,926 students, has become especially popular since Brexit due to its extensive English-language programmes, affordable fees of about EUR 2,500 per year, and an international environment that eases adaptation for non-Dutch speakers.
Denmark and the UK are popular options too
Denmark has secured fourth place for Hungarian students studying abroad, attracting 1,263 students in the 2023/2024 academic year. Known for its high-quality, tuition-free education for EU students, Denmark’s appeal has grown with more English-language courses, driving a 5% rise in Hungarian enrolments. Despite the high cost of living, Denmark’s educational offerings remain attractive to Hungarian students, surpassing the United Kingdom, which has dropped to fifth place. In contrast, only 1,154 Hungarian students currently study in the UK, which has declined significantly post-Brexit due to increased tuition fees and the removal of student loans for EU students.
While the UK previously saw growing interest from Hungarian students, with a record 2,650 enrolments in 2020/2021, Brexit has created substantial obstacles. Ireland is emerging as an alternative, although it still hosts only 161 students from Hungary due to stringent admission requirements.
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Leader of a violent extreme left group carrying out attacks in Budapest caught
The German authorities have detained a man believed to have been the leader of a violent extreme left group, which had assaulted people they considered far-right, in Germany and in Budapest.
Members of the group attacked participants in a neo-Nazi march in February 2023 in Budapest.
The suspect, referred to as Johann G, is believed to have committed violence causing serious injuries, damage to property and forgery of official documents, Germany’s federal prosecutor’s office said.
Read also:
- VIDEO: Murdered Hungarian sex worker’s life-size hologram could solve a 15-year-old mystery case
Featured image: illustration
Nations League: two new faces in Hungarian men’s squad for November double-header
Head coach Marco Rossi has called up two potential debutants for Hungary’s final Nations League group-stage matches against the Netherlands and Germany later this month.
Nations League – Hungary: two debutants
Ferencváros’s Zsombor Gruber and German Bundesliga II club Braunschweig’s Levente Szabó can make their international bows in Hungary’s next two fixtures after being selected by Rossi to join his latest 24-man squad in November, while two other notable names on the list are Milos Kerkez and Loic Nego, both of whom have recovered from injuries which kept them out of October’s two Nations League fixtures. Furthermore, Dániel Gera, a late call-up to last month’s squad, retains his place.
Hungary Men’s freshest squad (surnames first):
Goalkeepers:
Dibusz Dénes (Ferencvárosi TC)
Szappanos Péter (Al Fateh SC)
Tóth Balázs (Blackburn Rovers)
Defenders:
Balogh Botond (Parma)
Botka Endre (Ferencvárosi TC)
Dárdai Márton (Hertha BSC)
Fiola Attila (Újpest FC)
Orbán Willi (RB Leipzig)
Szűcs Kornél (Plymouth Argyle)
Midfielders:
Bolla Bendegúz (Rapid Wien)
Gera Dániel (DVTK)
Kata Mihály (MTK)
Kerkez Milos (Bournemouth)
Nagy Ádám (Spezia Calcio)
Nagy Zsolt (Puskás Akadémia)
Nego Loic (Le Havre AC)
Nikitscher Tamás (Kecskeméti TE)
Schäfer András (Union Berlin)
Forwards:
Csoboth Kevin (St. Gallen)
Gruber Zsombor (Ferencvárosi TC)
Sallai Roland (Galatasaray)
Szabó Levente (Braunschweig)
Szoboszlai Dominik (Liverpool)
Varga Barnabás (Ferencvárosi TC)
“Apart from among the forwards, there’s no change to the squad in terms of those players who earned spots last time, because Kerkez and Nego had originally been in that squad too”, Rossi explained to mlsz.hu.
“Everyone has been playing regularly, with the exception of (Endre) Botka, whom we’ve called up because he is a useful member of the squad in terms of his capabilities and, moreover, he has always performed well for the national team.”
“In place of Dániel Gazdag and Ádám Martin we’ve called up Zsombor Gruber and Levente Szabó, because in Gazdag’s case his league championship season, for which he was injured, has finished now. Martin is unfortunately not in the best form, but they could easily become squad members again in March.”
“Their absences give us an exceptional opportunity to assess Gruber and Szabó at close quarters. We’ve known and followed both for a long time, because they earlier caught our attention when at Puskás Akadémia and MOL Fehérvár respectively. Szabó has performed well and scored goals for Braunschweig, while Gruber doesn’t always play for Fradi, but performs well whenever called upon, as we could see against Debrecen at the weekend.”
Nation League: next two matches
The Hungarian men’s national squad will meet in Telki on 11th November, before taking to the pitch in Amsterdam on 16th November to face hosts the Netherlands. They’ll then return to Hungary to entertain Germany in the Puskás Aréna three days later.
“We know very well that we’ll face two teams which are among the world’s elite national teams”, Rossi continued.
“We know exactly how strong they are and we’re familiar with their strengths, but we’ll try to produce our best performance possible against them and we’d be glad if these would go alongside good results too. One can pay a heavy price for even the tiniest mistake against teams as strong as these, but despite this, we’d like to play with bravery against the Netherlands and Germany too”, Rossi concluded.
read also – UEFA Nations League: Can Hungary beat Netherlands and Germany to Reach the Quarterfinals?
New Mercedes models built in Hungary may feature Chinese engine
Until now, many people believed that although China would overtake Europe in electric drive, the classic car manufacturers were unbeatable in conventional engines. Well, this seems to be becoming less and less the case, and it can be disproved with a Mercedes made in Hungary, for example.
According to CarNewsChina, the third generation of the soon-to-be-renewed Mercedes-Benz CLA model will bring significant changes to its engine bay. A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit jointly developed by one of Mercedes’ major investors, Geely of China, and Horse Powertrain Limited will be fitted.
The engine, which was the result of a 2024 Geely-Renault collaboration, will offer 250bhp of power and 360Nm of maximum torque and looks set to be used in Mercedes cars.
Other Chinese technologies have also been used in the development of the CLA. Mercedes is working with local company Momenta to integrate intelligent driving solutions into the model, including urban driving functions. The Momenta startup was founded in 2016, and Mercedes-Benz was an early investor.
read also: Mercedes-Benz celebrates 2 millionth car produced at Kecskemét plant in Hungary
The CLA will be available with a conventional powertrain and a fully electric version. The electric CLA version will feature a 175 kW rear electric motor and an 89.6 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 750 km according to the Chinese WLTC standard. Built on an all-new platform, the Mercedes model has an 800 V architecture that allows for high-speed charging: it can generate enough power for up to 400 km in just 15 minutes.
The new model, which will also be produced at the Kecskemét plant, will premiere in Hungary in 2025. The mild hybrid version is likely to go on sale in 2026, further expanding the Mercedes-Benz range.
New Gidran combat vehicles and Leopard tanks arrive in Hungary – video, photo gallery
Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced last week that the Tata armored brigade’s equipment fleet had been expanded with new high-tech combat vehicles, further enhancing Hungary’s security.
As part of the Defence and Force Development Programme, the soldiers of the 1st Armoured Brigade of the MH Klapka György received 15 new Gidran combat vehicles and two Leopard 2A7HU tanks.
Gidrans arrived
According to the ministry press release, the new multi-purpose modular armored fighting vehicles can be used as mobile fire control points, observation points, and battery and platoon command points, increasing the sub-unit’s maneuverability in executing the Hungarian Defence Forces’ domestic and international operational tasks. Based on the Turkish Ejder Yalçin combat vehicle, 48 of the 48 military vehicles, which we have renamed Gidrán after the Hungarian horse, are now available to the Hungarian Defence Forces.
New Leopard tanks have arrived
The equipment for the 11th Battalion of the Tarczay Ervin Charge Battalion is also being developed according to the plan. With the two new Leopard 2A7HU tanks, which arrived on Wednesday, the Hungarian Defence Forces already have 26 units.
The Minister said that, by 2028, forty-four pieces of high-tech military equipment would be delivered to Hungary to strengthen the armored combat vehicle corps.
According to the Defence Minister, the Hungarian Government remains committed to modernising the armed forces. This means that the 2025 defense budget will guarantee the security of the Hungarian people and the continuation of the Defence and Military Development Programme.
As we wrote earlier, Hungary and Sweden have a historic agreement concerning Gripen fighter jets; details are HERE.
Read also – The Telegraph: Washington will store nuclear-capable jets in Hungary – will nuclear warheads come?
Struggling German carmaking industry may ruin PM Orbán’s economic dreams and election chances – UPDATED
The German carmaking industry is struggling, and that has a devastating effect on Hungary’s economy because, despite all of Orbán’s “freedom fights” against the EU and his developing ties with China and other Eastern powers, the Hungarian economy’s key partners are Western states, especially Germany and the German car manufacturing industry.
- you can read this article in German here: Die schwächelnde deutsche Autoindustrie könnte Orbáns wirtschaftliche Träume und Wahlchancen zunichtemachen
German carmaking industry struggling
According to G7, Hungary’s GDP contracted by 0.7% in Q3 of 2024, meaning our country is in a technical recession. The Hungarian economy-focused media outlet found the reason in Hungary’s agriculture, industry and construction sectors. Their contribution to the GDP fall reached 2% this year.
According to Péter Virovácz, a senior analyst of ING Bank, the Hungarian agriculture sector’s 2023 base was very high, and the weather was catastrophic this year. The Hungarian industry and carmaking sector struggle because of Germany.
0.5% GDP growth for 2024 could be already a miracle
Mr Virovácz augurs a 1% GDP growth for 2024 in Hungary. Bence Stubnya, a journalist for G7, said the GDP increase will not reach 0.5% this year. The government said this year’s GDP growth would be 4%. Now, their prognosis is about 1.5%.
ING Bank‘s 2025 prognosis concerning Hungary’s GDP growth fell below 3%, while the Orbán cabinet talks about 3-6%. On 18 October, PM Orbán said everybody would be surprised when they see the Q1 GDP increase next year.
Without significant economic improvement, PM Orbán will be in trouble in the 2026 elections because Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party outpaced Fidesz in recent polls. Orbán’s Fidesz has been leading the polls since 2006 and has been governing the country since 2010.
UPDATE: Eurozone develops, Hungary falls behind
The euro area economy expanded by 0.4% quarter-on-quarter in July-September, Eurostat revealed Wednesday. Third-quarter growth was at 0.9% on a yearly basis, slightly above market expectations of 0.8%, the statistical authority announced. Economic growth projections for the eurozone also underestimated quarterly growth, which was 0.2%. On the EU side, the GDP growth rate was 0.3% for the third quarter on a quarterly basis and 0.9% for a yearly basis, the Turkish Anadolu news agency wrote.
Among member states, Ireland recorded the highest increase with 2% compared to the previous quarter, followed by Lithuania’s 1.1% and Spain’s 0.8%. Declines were recorded in
Hungary (minus 0.7%), Latvia (minus 0.4%) and Sweden (minus 0.1%).
Number of jobseekers continues to fall
The number of jobseekers in Hungary stood at 226,219 in October, 2,000 fewer than in the previous month, the state secretary for employment policy said on Thursday, citing data from the National Employment Service (NFSZ).
The October figure was the lowest for the month in more than three decades, Sándor Czomba said.
The number of people seeking work for longer than a year has fallen 4pc over a year, while around 20,000 Hungarians have found work with the support of programmes for under- and over-30s, he added.
The government aims to boost the employment rate to 85pc and tap the 300,000-strong labour market reserve, he said.
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Featured image: despositphotos.com
National economy minister: Hungary’s growth hindered by external factors, especially automotive decline
External economic factors, mainly the downturn in Germany’s automotive industry, are weighing on Hungary’s economic performance, National Economy Minister Márton Nagy said at an event organised by economy portal Világgazdaság in Budapest on Thursday.
Nagy noted that domestic consumption was recovering after the impact of last year’s high inflation, and sectors dependent on local demand were performing well. He said GDP growth could climb to around 3pc with a pickup in consumption, but an increase in investments would also be needed in the long term. He added that investments were down in export-oriented sectors.
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Hungarian family charged with trafficking Hungarian women to Germany in large-scale prostitution scheme
The public prosecutor’s office of Bács-Kiskun County has pressed charges against 6 men and 5 women, all residents of Kecskemét, in south-eastern Hungary, for prostituting Hungarian women living in poverty to Germany and denying them their earnings, the office said on Tuesday.
The traffickers, all from the same family, lured women, mostly from eastern Hungary, to Germany with promises of a better life between 2020-2022, the statement said, adding that one of the victims was a minor.
The investigation was conducted in cooperation with the German authorities.
The defendants face imprisonment, while the prosecutor’s office has also proposed seizing properties and cars from the family.
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