Orbán cabinet: Thuringia, Saxony election results ‘may be start of a new era in Germany’
The results of provincial elections in the German states of Thuringia and Saxony may be ushering in a new era, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said in an interview with Hungarian website Mandiner on Monday.
“Hungary is not going to directly inferfere with the interior affairs of any other country but it is monitoring closely the political developments in the strongest European state and has a vested interest in a stable German government. In that regard, we see the start of a new era as support for the ruling parties has plummeted in the two eastern states, with the three [ruling] parties below 14 percent [in Saxony] and barely 10 percent in Thuringia,” Gergely Gulyás said.
Parties branded far-right or far-left in Germany had gained a majority in state legislatures, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said. The Christian Democratic Alliance (CDU), the largest party in the federal government, “now has to choose between the AfD or the far left,” he said, referring to the Alternative fuer Deutschland party.
The campaign had been marked by a focus on migration and “plummeting public safety due to migration”, Gulyás said. That makes attacks by the European Commission and the European Court of Justice on the “exemplary” Hungarian border protection on its southern border, “threatening for Germany too”, he said.
Berlin and German federal states would also face the threat of further waves of migration should Brussels persist in strong-arming Hungary to eliminate its protection of the external border of the Schengen Area, he said.
“We trust that the election results will move German political forces… to help Hungary’s fight against Brussels for an effective Schengen border protection,” he said.
The German election results also have a relevance in regards of the war in Ukraine, as the forces that came out ahead also opposed weapons deliveries to Ukraine and were calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace, he said.
The two soaring parties, AfD and the Buendnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) have the same stance on the matters of “no war, no gender, no migration”, Gulyás said.
Exit polls have predicted that AfD had won 30.5-33.5 percent of the vote in Thuringia and 30-31.5 percent in Saxony, German public television has said. Should final results verify those data, AfD is set to become the governing party in Thuringia.
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Pan-European Picnic: SZE Students Honoured at Hungarian-German Youth Association Essay Competition
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In addition to three German young people, two students from Széchenyi István University won prizes in the essay competition organised by the Hungarian-German Association for Youth on the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic. The prestige of the competition is reflected in the fact that the awards were presented by the President of the Association in the presence of the Presidents of the two countries.
The Pan-European Picnic is one of the emblematic events of the regime changes in Central and Eastern Europe. On 19 August 1989, a large number of people gathered near Sopron in the spirit of the idea of a Europe without borders, and then, taking advantage of the programme, hundreds of East German citizens broke through the border gate and fled to the West. This became a symbol of the fall of the Iron Curtain and indirectly contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall a few months later.
The 35th anniversary of this historic moment was recently commemorated in Sopron, organised by the Hungarian-German Youth Association and the Hungarian office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The event gave seventy young people from six countries the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of history. As part of the programme, the results of an essay competition organised by the association were formally announced. There were 21 entries presented, assessing the historical significance and impact of the Pan-European Picnic. The themes of cultural understanding and civic participation dominated, with eight essays on each, while four essays on the Picnic itself and one on EU membership were submitted.
At the ceremony, the prizes were presented by the Presidents of the two countries, Dr Tamás Sulyok and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, together with Dr Erzsébet Knáb, President of the Hungarian-German Youth Association. “We believe that every meeting, every joint activity that we enable between German and Hungarian young people contributes to building a bridge that we Germans and Hungarians will cross together, hand in hand, in the spirit of partnership”, stressed Dr Erzsébet Knáb, who is also the founding president and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Széchenyi István University Foundation. The awards were presented at the Summer Academy, where participants also discussed the impact of historical events such as the Pan-European Picnic on today’s generation.
A jury of renowned, highly respected German and Hungarian personalities awarded prizes to three German and two Hungarian young people. The latter two are both students of Széchenyi István University, although there were entries from a number of Hungarian higher education institutions: Máté Kónya, from the International Studies degree programme, was awarded second prize, while Borbála Illés, studying Law, won a special prize.
“I am grateful to the Hungarian-German Association for Youth for its long-standing commitment and success in fostering relations between the two countries through youth involvement and high-quality events. I am very happy to have been part of this effort at the Summer Academy organised in the context of the anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic. I would like to thank Széchenyi István University for the student-centred, high-quality education that contributed to my current achievement. And as a Sopron citizen, I particularly appreciate the fact that the cultural richness and historical significance of our city is brought to the fore through such prestigious events,” said Máté Kónya.
“For me, the Summer Academy and its highlight, the Memorial Day, were both a challenge and a life-changing experience. It was a tremendous opportunity to meet so many people thinking together, working for a common goal and to relive this historic event in such a great community. I am grateful to all those who participated in making it happen, without whom I would not have realized how important it is for me to build bridges not only between nations, but also between the goals that shape our future”, said Borbála Illés.
The Hungarian-German Youth Association awarded valuable prizes to the participants of the essay competition. The first prize winner received €150, the second €100 and the third €50. In addition, the top three winners each won a five-day Interrail ticket to travel around Europe.
Read also:
- Sulyok: Hungary-Germany relations key – Pan-European picnic’s 35th anniversary, read more HERE
Orban and Gulácsi hoping to re-establish RB Leipzig as German football’s best of the rest
There was a time when RB Leipzig were not only considered to be the best German Bundesliga team after Bayern Munich, but they were also tipped to surpass the perennial champions.
Sadly for them, that ascendance never came to pass: in the meantime, Borussia Dortmund have steadied their ship and Bayer Leverkusen have become Bundesliga champions.
So RB Leipzig have fallen down the pecking order somewhat in German football, but they have a clear philosophy and a talented squad – with Hungarian internationals Willi Orban and Péter Gulácsi at the heart of it.
Red Bull Need Wings
You might think that Leverkusen’s title win during the 2023/24 season would have altered the landscape of the German Bundesliga, but according to the sports betting odds that’s not the case – they’re only +225 second favourites behind Bayern Munich (-450), with Leipzig back at +1100.
The sports betting tips columns will focus on the battle between upstarts Leverkusen and the wounded animal that is Bayern Munich; they won the Bundesliga title for eleven seasons in a row prior to 2023/24, so you suspect they won’t have taken their humbling too kindly.
Leipzig and Dortmund will be desperate not to become a mere afterthought in discussions of the destination of the Bundesliga title this term, and a case can be made for both.
Dortmund, of course, reached the final of the Champions League last season – they could be more of a danger on the domestic front this time around, assuming they don’t have a similar distraction in 2024/25.
Dani Olmo speaks exclusively to @BarcaOneFCB pic.twitter.com/NYmgoxlTxB
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 15, 2024
As for Leipzig, Marco Rose has once again overseen a quiet evolution during the off-season, bringing in a host of promising talents. The loss of star man Dani Olmo to Barcelona hurts, but that’s the Leipzig way: buy low, sell high… $55 million in the Spaniard’s case.
Besides, they still have plenty of top players waiting in the wings…
Seeing Red
A captain has a responsibility on their shoulders to lead by example.
And Willi Orban has shown tremendous leadership qualities throughout his time at Leipzig, helping to get the best out of the teammates around him.
That selfless streak was in evidence once again on the opening day of the Bundesliga campaign, when he effectively sacrificed himself for the good of the team.
A Bochum attacker was threatening to break clear into a dangerous position, so Orban came across and brought him down with a professional foul.
Slow motion replays hinted that the Hungarian had got a little touch on the ball, which would have saved him, however the match officials didn’t agree and so instead Orban was shown the red card.
❗️Red card for our captain Willi #Orban .
84th minute | 1:0 #RBLBOC #Bundesliga
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) August 24, 2024
Leipzig hung on to win the game 1-0, with Rose praising Orban for ‘sacrificing himself’ for the good of the team.
The 31-year-old will now miss Leipzig’s next two Bundesliga fixtures, but he will be back soon enough and ready to resume his position as the side’s defensive catalyst.
Behind him, Gulacsi is celebrating his tenth anniversary as a Leipzig player, with the goalkeeper kicking off his milestone season with a clean sheet against Bochum.
Fans of the Red Bull powered club know that with their Hungarian duo marshalling the defence, they remain very much in safe hands.
Sulyok: Hungary-Germany relations key – Pan-European picnic’s 35th anniversary
Relations between Germany and Hungary are of prime importance both in terms of their alliance and from a strategic point of view, President Tamás Sulyok said after talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European picnic in Sopron, in western Hungary, on Monday.
Sulyok: Hungary-Germany relations key
Sulyok said that though there were differences of opinion between the two countries on certain matters, “we presidents have a duty to overcome these.”
He said he was certain that honest dialogue and an approach based on mutual respect allowed Hungary and Germany to not only preserve but could also strengthen their relations.
The president said the Pan-European picnic was a transformative event in European history, “effectively the Trojan horse of German reunification”.
He expressed his gratitude to the picnic’s organisers and participants, saying that Hungary and Germany ought to follow their example and focus on what unites them.
Sulyok said he and Steinmeier were in agreement that the two countries considered each other important political and economic partners and were allies on most European issues.
“Preserving and strengthening our friendly relationship is our shared goal,” he added.
Sulyok said German businesses were the most active investor group in Hungary and were continuously expanding their activities in the country. He praised the cooperation among their institutions in education, research and innovation, adding that both Hungary and Germany viewed each other’s national minority communities as a strong link between their two countries.
Budapest is home to the only German-language university outside German-speaking countries, he said.
Sulyok also said that the different opinions about Europe “unite, rather than divide us”.
Steinmeier welcomed that the anniversary of the Pan-European picnic was being commemorated in Sopron.
He said the event was not only something that led to Germany’s reunification, but was also the end of Europe’s division, noting its contribution to a Europe without borders.
Meanwhile, Steinmeier highlighted Hungary’s responsibility as the holder of the presidency of the Council of the European Union, especially in light of the Russia-Ukraine war.
He underscored Hungary’s role in strengthening the unity of the EU, saying it was the key to Europe’s strength.
Steinmeier said he and Sulyok will next discuss bilateral ties in Krakow in October, and that he has also invited his Hungarian counterpart to Berlin.
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BREAKING: EU countries consider reinstating border controls with Hungary over security concerns
European leaders are proposing border controls in response to Hungary’s new visa policy concerning Russian and Belarusian citizens. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) group, criticised Hungary for creating “serious loopholes for espionage” by simplifying entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens. Several German politicians share his concerns.
German politicians demand EU response
After Hungary eased visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens in July, German politicians called for an EU-wide response, Index reports. Weber, a German MEP, stated that Hungary’s decision must have “consequences,” as it endangers European security. He highlighted to Bild the existing damage caused by Putin’s spies and agents within the EU, emphasising the need to prevent further harm.
Potential reinstatement of border controls
Michael Stübgen, Brandenburg’s Interior Minister, suggested to Bild that
EU countries might reinstate border controls with Hungary.
He noted that EU treaties allow for such measures in exceptional circumstances. Countries like Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, and Romania could follow suit, mirroring current border controls with Poland and the Czech Republic.
Heightened espionage risks
Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Federal Interior Minister, did not comment directly, but a spokesperson noted the increased risk of Russian espionage and sabotage since the invasion of Ukraine. They emphasised the importance of EU partners bolstering efforts against these threats and avoiding the creation of potential loopholes.
Background of the controversy
The issue traces back to the International Investment Bank (IIB), dubbed the “spy bank,” which was dissolved last year following US sanctions. Despite its apparent role in supporting Russian intelligence, Hungary granted it diplomatic immunity and tax exemptions in 2019, allowing its staff and guests free entry into the country.
Challenges in screening applicants
Russian expert András Rácz highlighted the difficulty in screening the large number of National Card applications for security risks, noting that the challenge lies not in the intent to target Hungary specifically, but rather in the operational freedom of Russian agents across multiple EU countries.
The Hungarian government’s response
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó dismissed the concerns as a “campaign of lies” by the Baltic states, insisting that the National Card program does not weaken security checks for Russian and Belarusian citizens. He emphasised that Hungary’s measures do not compromise the security of the Schengen area.
EU Commissioner demands explanation
Ylva Johansson, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, demanded an explanation from the Hungarian government regarding its visa system, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance against Russian threats. She warned that unilateral measures by Hungary could jeopardise the Schengen area and requested a response by 19 August, threatening appropriate consequences if EU law is breached.
Possible EU actions
While Johansson did not specify potential actions, she indicated that the European Commission could take legal steps against Hungary if it violates EU regulations, underscoring the ongoing tension within the Union over Hungary’s recent visa policy changes.
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Did the Orbán cabinet want to bug German MEP with Israeli spy software?
At least that is what the German green MEP, Daniel Freund, told Politico about a spyware attack targeting his phone. “I’m not saying it was Hungary, but out of the possibilities, this is what seems most likely,” Freund said. The software attacking his phone was an Israeli spy software.
Freund and the Israeli spy software: what happened exactly?
According to politico.eu, the German MEP received an email from a Kyiv student inviting him to a university seminar about Ukraine’s EU accession. She invited Freund to write a short message and shared a link containing the spyware. Following a warning from the European Parliament, the MEP did not click on the link, so his phone remained clean.
Candiru, an Israeli company, made the software, which the US government blacklisted in 2021.
Nobody knows who was behind the attack, but Freund suspects Hungary and its government. He has been a harsh critic of PM Orbán for years and pushed to suspend Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the EU. Politico highlighted that there was no evidence of Hungary’s involvement, and a government spokesperson declined to comment.
We wrote about the Hungarian government’s use of Israeli spy software Pegasus against politicians and journalists in THESE articles.
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- Bloomberg: Hungary bought from spyware monitoring politicians and journalists
- Could all of Budapest be bugged by Russians?
EU presidency to ‘represent demand for change’, says minister in Tusványos
The results of the recent European parliamentary elections reflect a “demand for change” and the Hungarian EU presidency is to “promote and represent that demand”, EU Affairs Minister János Bóka said at the Balvanyos Summer University in Baile Tusnad (Tusnadfurdo), in Romania, on Wednesday.
Speaking in a panel discussion, Bóka said the EU had given “ill-advised responses” in areas such as competitiveness, cohesion and agricultural policy, or demographic challenges.
“Changes involve political conflicts; we will act responsibly if we act as an honest mediator but do not refrain from those conflicts,” the minister said. He called for a fundamental change in the EU’s approach, which he said should focus on the “value added in integration”. “The success of the EU should be evaluated on that basis … in the past five years the EU failed because acting together did not yield the value added that members could have achieved separately, on their own,” he insisted.
Wizz Air adds 4 new destinations from Budapest! – UPDATED
The Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air added four new destinations from the Hungarian capital to their winter schedule.
According to airportal.hu, Wizz Air will launch new flights to Girona in Spain, Genoa in Italy, Marrakesh in Morocco and Memmingen in Germany this October and December.
4 new Wizz Air flights
The first Girona flight will take off on 28 October and will carry passengers thrice a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). The planes will commute to Genoa on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 29 October. The first plane to Marrakesh will leave Budapest on 29 October, and Wizz will operate two flights a week (Tuesdays, and Saturdays) to the Moroccan city.
Memmingem is close to Munich, and the first flight to the city will depart on 17 December to carry passengers four times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday).
All four flights are bookable until the end of the winter schedule, so it is a question whether they would remain or not in the long run.
UPDATE: Wizz Air increases number of flights to other directions
Meanwhile, Wizz Air will also increase the number of flights between Budapest and Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Milan, Berlin, Madrid, Athens and Glasgow, the company said.
The expansion will increase Wizz Air’s market share to 41 percent in Hungary, and increase its Budapest-based fleet to 17 aircraft, the statement said.
Read also:
- Wizz may conquer subcontinent with new Airbus jet – Read more HERE
- New Wizz Air flight announced to an exotic destination
Hungary: the new dream country for Germans?
Germans are reportedly finding their country increasingly unlivable, prompting many to choose Hungary as their temporary home, with some even planning to live there permanently.
More and more Germans are feeling uncomfortable in their home country due to the radically changing political situation in recent years. According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), the number of Germans settling in Hungary has increased by almost 35 percent in the last four years, with local groups already organised in 20 settlements around Lake Balaton. In some regions of Transdanubia, one can now encounter real German-speaking craftsmen and service providers, reports Index.
An article in Nius.de claims that Hungary is the new country Germans are longing for. Their data indicates that the cost of living in Hungary is 46 percent lower than in the German capital Berlin, with fewer taxes to pay. Moreover, Germans are warmly welcomed in Hungary. According to the publication’s figures, around 20,000 Germans migrate to Hungary every year.
Newfound public safety attracts Germans to Hungary
Recently, a letter from a German-speaking woman named Irina appeared in the newspaper. As an emigrant from Berlin, she cited good public safety as one of her reasons for choosing Hungary. She wrote about her personal experiences and the differences between her old and new home:
“Here in Hungary, we were able to go to the swimming pool without fear for the first time in years. You drive 1,400 kilometres and you’re in another world. A world where women don’t have to be afraid when they travel alone. A world where children respect their elders and don’t fight all the time. You only realise what you’ve lost when you suddenly get it back,” Irina wrote, adding that those who can are fleeing “the best Germany ever.”
The letter also reveals Irina’s fear that Germany will never be worth living in again, at least not for Germans. As she puts it: “Those we have fed for years with our taxes, those we have sheltered from war and persecution, hate us and destroy us wherever they can.”
She also notes that “85 percent of children in German schools are now migrants. Those who can afford it take their children out of school and send them to private schools instead.”
In her letter, Irina expressed her view that “a whole new society of exiles across Europe is emerging in Hungary”, where they live together peacefully, without knife attacks, and seek their own livelihoods. “This is multiculturalism in practice, not what these political fools in Germany are trying to make people believe.”
Only now, many Jews have come from all over Europe to Budapest, as Hungary is their last bastion, as I feel. And this makes me really happy,” Irina added.
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VIDEO: German authorities extradite a suspect in antifa case to Hungary
German authorities have extradited to Hungary a suspect allegedly involved in the so-called “antifa case” in which a group carried out violent attacks in February last year in Budapest, Budapest police (BRFK) said on its website police.hu.
Another antifa attacker in Hungary
Wanted on a European and international warrant, the 23-year-old German national was apprehended in Berlin in December 2023, according to the website.
The man was transferred to BRFK’s officers at the Hungarian-Austrian border and taken to Budapest where he was heard on charges of life-threatening violent acts. The defendant refused to testify and his arrest was initiated.
Last year, members of the organisation travelled to Budapest to take part in coordinated attacks in connection with the anniversary of the Nazi breakout of the Castle District during the siege of the capital in February 1945. Coinciding with the anniversary, members of the group used telescopic stun batons and pepper spray to attack several people whom they picked because they were wearing clothing indicating far-right views.
The police later said that five coordinated attacks had been carried out on Feb. 9-11 in 2023 in Budapest, leaving four victims with serious and another five with light injuries. Three suspects were arrested on Feb 11, including a 38-year-old Italian woman, a 29-year-old German man and a 26-year-old German woman.
BRFK said on its website that the German man extradited on Friday was one of the three suspects apprehended abroad. A search is on for another eleven suspects wanted on international warrants.
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Hungarians’ exodus number at historic high, jobless rate at negative peak!
Hungary’s jobless rate was 4.3 percent in May, edging down from 4.4 percent in April, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) said on Friday. Meanwhile, the number of Hungarians leaving the country reached a historic high with more than 35 thousand, the entire population of settlements like Vác or Budapest’s 6th district.
The number of Hungarians leaving the country hit a historic record, with 35,736 people leaving Hungary in 2023. That is 24% more than in 2022. Compared to the previous peak, 32,852 in 2015, the current number is 8.8% higher. The three top target countries are Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom.
The number of Hungarians moving to Austria was 16,505 in 2023, while in the case of Germany, that number is 8,595. The number of Hungarians starting a new life in the United Kingdom did not reach 1,000 due to Brexit, 444.hu wrote.
Jobless rate also at peak
The rate covers unemployment among people between the ages of 15 and 74. In absolute terms, there were 212,000 unemployed in May. The number of jobholders was 4,749,000 in May, 36,000 more than twelve months earlier. In the March-May period, the average number of employed in the age group was 4,745,000, 41,000 more than in the same period a year ago.
Commenting on the data, Sándor Czomba, the state secretary for employment policy, said employment and the number of economically active people had both increased compared with the same period last year, while the number of registered jobseekers is at an all-time low.
The state secretary said economic activity continued to expand, which helped boost employment and economic output. He attributed the drop in unemployment to the fact that those entering the labour market were able to find work almost immediately.
He noted the government’s aim of increasing the labour activity rate in the 20-64 age group from the current 81 percent to 85 percent
by mobilising the domestic labour market reserves of around 300,000 people.
Guest nights up
Guest nights at commercial and private accommodations in Hungary rose by an annual 13 percent to 3.7 million in May from the same period a year earlier, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) said on Friday. The number of guest nights spent by domestic travellers rose by 5.1 percent to 1.7 million, while guest nights spent by foreign visitors rose by 21 percent to 2.0 million.
Revenue of commercial accommodations climbed 20 percent to 88 billion forints (EUR 221.8m). In January-May, guest nights spent by domestic travellers rose by an annual 4.9 percent, while foreigners’ guest nights rose by 13 percent, KSH said.
Industrial PPI down 0.2 pc in May
Factory gate prices in Hungary fell by an annual 0.2 percent in May, falling for the tenth month in a row after rising for years, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) said on Friday. Prices for domestic sale fell by 3.9 percent but export prices were up 1.7 percent. In a month-on-month comparison, factory gate prices inched up 0.2 percent as prices for domestic sale slipped by 0.9 percent while export prices rose 0.7 percent.
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- Hungarian authorities launch investigations against Wizz Air, Ryanair, SunExpress, Eurowings! – Read more HERE
- Surprising: China has become the largest foreign investor in Hungary
Breaking: Hungary eliminated from European Football Championship 2024
The European Football Championship ended for the Hungarian national team last night. As Georgia defeated Portugal 2-0 in Group F on Wednesday night, Hungary will not qualify for the last eight at the EURO 2024 in Germany.
Although football fans had been hoping for days that Hungary might make it to the last 16, it turned out to be a long shot as four third-placed teams beat Hungary to the final, Telex reports.
Hungary’s match against Scotland
On Sunday night, the Hungarian team scored their first win of this year’s European Championship against Scotland. After a horror injury suffered by Barnabás Varga, the game was stopped for a long time and ten minutes of additional time were played. After a nice interplay, Kevin Csoboth scored in the 100th minute. With the three points, Hungary overtook Scotland to finish third in the group.
European Football Championship ends for Hungary
In addition to the top two finishers from each of the six groups, the four best third-placed groups will also progress to the last 16. As the Hungarian team was overtaken by four third-placed teams, last night meant the end for Hungary at this year’s European Football Championship.
The Hungarian national team will next face Germany in Düsseldorf on 7 September in the fourth season of the Nations League.
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BREAKING: Hungarian authorities launch investigations against Wizz Air, Ryanair, SunExpress, Eurowings!
The Government Office of Budapest has launched investigations against budget airlines Wizz Air, Ryanair, SunExpress and Eurowings due to their considerable delays in recent days.
According to Telex, the government office’s statement did not specify which delays were under investigation.
On Sunday, we reported that dozens of fans could not travel to the Scotland-Hungary EURO 2024 group stage match with the German airline Eurowings because its plane departed significantly late. On 15 June, Wizz Air’s aircraft to Dortmund also experienced a delay, causing many fans to miss the Hungarian national team’s first match against Switzerland.
Hungarian authorities may fine budget airlines
The government office will assess whether the airlines complied with the EU’s regulations regarding providing information and assistance to their passengers. If they find any infringements during the investigation, they will initiate criminal proceedings against the budget airlines concerned.
Most delays affected Hungarian fans travelling to see the national team’s matches at EURO 2024. Our team has a chance to advance from the group stage. Based on Eurosport, the prerequisite is a Czech and Georgian defeat or draw against Türkiye and Portugal today.
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Fatal accident in PM Orbán’s convoy! – PHOTOS
One of the police officers escorting PM Orbán and his delegation back to the international airport of Stuttgart died in a road accident caused by a 69-year-old local woman. Here is the prime minister’s reaction.
According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, the brutal accident happened yesterday at 11.15 AM in Stuttgart’s Degerloch district. PM Orbán watched the Scotland-Hungary EURO 2024 match live (HERE is our report) and flew back to Hungary the next day.
Photo: Viktor Orbán / Facebook
However, his convoy heading to the airport suffered a deadly road accident. A 69-year-old woman did not pay attention to the road closure established because of the convoy and ran over a police officer who then threw his motorcycle at another 27-year-old officer’s motorbike. The younger officer suffered severe injuries, but his older colleague died after being taken to a local hospital.
Bertalan Havasi, Orbán’s press chief, said the Hungarian prime minister sent a letter of condolence to the German chancellor and the police head of Stuttgart expressing his shock and condolence.
Here are some photos shared by a local media outlet about the tragic accident:
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Euro 2024 Horror: Hungarian player Varga suffers multiple cheekbone fractures, world stars offer support
Varga was injured when he swung into the Scottish box after a free kick and Gunn jumped over him. The Hungarian star appeared to hit Gunn’s arm and was left lying on the ground.
The referee immediately stopped play, and medical staff rushed onto the pitch. A screen was placed around Varga while he received treatment. Medical care was sometimes hindered, and the Hungarian players rushed to get their fellow player on a stretcher as soon as possible.
After a six-minute slide, Varga was carried off the pitch on a stretcher, and the Stuttgart Arena crowd rose as one to applaud him. The host broadcaster allowed a replay of the incident to be shown, and VAR also checked for a possible penalty against Gunn, but no penalty was awarded.
Horror injury at Euro 2024: Goalkeeper Glenn’s collision with Varga:
Angus Gunn’s interview was not considered the best reaction by many: Who is that?
It’s a shame the incident with Varga but Angus Gunn’s interview has me creased🤣
“Who’s that??”#EURo2024 #SCOHUN pic.twitter.com/km5SmCmySx
— L🤍 (@scdnancy) June 23, 2024
After Varga was hospitalized, Hungary pressed for the win and found it in the ninth minute of extra time. Roland Sallai was played in on the right wing and pulled the ball back to Kevin Csoboth. The Újpest player shot the ball into the bottom corner. Our report: Hungary defeated Scotland in the last minute, Hungarian footballer suffered horror injury – details, PHOTOS
With this result, Hungary still have a chance of progressing if they can secure one of the “best third places”.
According to the Hungarian Football Association, Varga’s condition is stable but will not play in the continental tournament again.
Following the shocking incident, prominent footballers such as France’s world champion striker Antonine Griezmann and England and Chelsea star Cole Palmer have also voiced their support for the Ferencváros striker. Palmer wrote that all his thoughts and sympathies are with Varga, while Griezmann expressed his support with a red heart on social media. The French international’s social media page also posted the Hungarian striker’s number 19 jersey.
In addition to footballers and sporting federations, the world’s best-known football portals have also wished the Hungarian striker a speedy recovery, with SportBible and BBC Sports also publishing a special post on the striker’s misfortune. The most famous journalist in the world of football, Fabrizio Romano, also expressed his support for Varga.
Varga started his career with Austrian Bundesliga side Lafnitz before signing for Hungarian side Gyirmót in 2019. There, he scored 29 goals in 60 games, earning him a transfer to Paks, where he continued his excellent goalscoring record, scoring 29 goals in 33 games. This record earned him a contract with Hungarian record champions Ferencváros. The 29-year-old scored 29 goals in 40 games to lift his side to the Hungarian league title and earn a place in his country’s national team for the European Championship.
Hungary defeated Scotland in the last minute, Hungarian footballer suffered horror injury – PHOTOS, UPDATE
Hungary defeated Scotland in the last minute of the Scotland-Hungary match with Kevin Csoboth’s goal. As a result, Hungary may advance from the group stage of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championships.
Hungary defeated Scotland in the last minute
After the final blow, the Hungarian footballers and fans could celebrate in Stuttgart, Germany, in the third match of the group stage of the European championships. Scotland tried everything they could and had several chances to score a goal, unsuccessfully.
Hungary had a goalpost in one of the last minutes of the match. Soon after that came the second, but probably most important Hungarian goal on the EURO 2024. Szoboszlai’s team scored the first against Switzerland but could not score a goal in their second match against Germany this week.
Hungary has a chance to advance from Group A
Germany played 1-1 with Switzerland. As a result, Group A’s final results are the following:
- Germany: 7 points
- Switzerland: 5 points
- Hungary: 3 points
- Scotland: 1 point
Hungary’s goal difference is not good. It is -3, but the team may advance to the knockout stage based on ranking.
Sadly, in the second half, a Hungarian forward, Barnabás Varga, was stretchered off after a serious-looking injury after colliding with opposing goalkeeper Angus Gunn. The referee halted the match for nearly 10 minutes. Therefore, the player could get proper treatment. He was transported to a local hospital.
He left the football pitch wearing a neck brace. Since the healthcare unit was a bit slow, Captain Dominik Szoboszlai helped them carry the stretcher. Varga did not lose consciousness and communicated.
Fans in the stadium and in Budapest:
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UPDATE
German Die Welt: Weakened Orbán met German Chancellor Scholz
The German newspaper wrote that PM Orbán suffered defeats in the last few months, so he had to make concessions and win the benevolence of Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Andreas Bock, a Hungary-expert of the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank, told Die Welt that PM Orbán weakened for the following reasons. The Hungarian prime minister could not gain the victory he wanted in the European parliamentary elections since he fell below 45%. Péter Magyar, the ex-husband of former Justice Minister Judit Varga, created the biggest opposition party in just months, and he knows all the schemes of Fidesz since he was an insider for years. He lost his regional allies and could not become a member of any European parties yet. Meanwhile, Magyar joined the EPP.
Therefore, Mr Bock said a weakened Orbán met with Olaf Scholz on Friday. Moreover, he had to win the benevolence of the chancellor to get the frozen EU euro billions Hungary needed so much. Thus, Orbán must make concessions.
According to the Hungarian News Agency, Orbán and Scholz focused mainly on economic issues in Berlin.
Economic cooperation firm basis
Economic cooperation provides a firm basis for Germany-Hungary cooperation, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said after talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Friday, adding that they had agreed to further strengthen economic ties.
Speaking to Hungarian public media, Orbán said the talks had focused on European affairs and German-Hungarian bilateral ties.
Bilateral trade was record high last year exceeding 70 billion euros, with a quarter of Hungarian exports arriving in Germany, he noted.
German companies employ 250,000-300,000 Hungarians, primarily in the automotive industry, Orbán said.
The prime minister said he and Scholz were in agreement that “a generation change” was taking place in the car industry. “It is very important that Hungary should be involved in the German technological transformation,” he added.
Orbán underlined that Hungary was one of three countries in the world where all three major German carmakers were present.
Orbán-EPP conflict not Germany-Hungary conflict
“Hungary has a special role in the operation of Germany’s industry, and we expect jobs, economic growth and tax revenues [from them]”, “this is the backbone of Germany-Hungary relations”, he added.
Orbán said the EU’s competitiveness must be increased, and Hungary is ready to prepare a plan that will be able to improve competitiveness. Talks are under way in this regard with other member states, he added. The goal is that instead of isolation and reacting to global changes based on “the logic of fear”, Europe should expand economic ties and strengthen its network of relations globally, he said. Instead of closing in, it should be ready for competition, he added.
Orbán said he and Scholz had clarified at their meeting that conflicts between Hungary and Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party (EPP), were not conflicts between Hungary and Germany but conflicts between Brussels and Hungary. Those conflicts Orbán said did not weigh on the country’s cooperation with Germany.
Manfred Weber is “a Hungarophobic person, he hates Hungarians,” Orbán said, adding that the EPP leader had put the blame on Hungarians for not having been elected president of the European Commission. Weber is “one of our oldest opponents, [one of our oldest] enemies in European politics”, Orbán said.
Gender silliness
Improving the demographic situation in Europe is one of the primary goals of Hungary’s upcoming EU presidency, Orbán said. He added that he wanted governments to be able to help one another in increasing family support. “Migration will certainly be among the topics, and all efforts will be made to ensure that Europe continues to belong to Europeans,” he added.
In response to a question concerning whether Hungary would be able to take steps in connection with gender issues, Orbán said that “the entire gender silliness” which “stirs up” the traditional European order of cohabitation and education of children is not expressly included in the Hungarian presidency’s programme.
“We do not want to deal with it, we do not even understand exactly what it is, we have a life and we want to live the same way as we have lived so far,” he added.
FM Szijjártó: Hungary to ensure cooperation between German car manufacturers, Asian suppliers
Hungary will continue to ensure unhindered cooperation between German car makers and Asian suppliers, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said after talks with local automotive industry leaders in Berlin on Friday.
According a statement from the foreign ministry, Szijjártó said the electromobility transition as well as the economic interests of Hungary hinged on that East-West cooperation.
“It is clear — and Hungary is an outstanding example — that the technological transition can be successful at the corporate level as well as the level of national economy if international trade is free, if global economic cooperation is not obstructed, if nobody hinders East-West cooperation among businesses,” he added.
Szijjártó said punitive tariffs on Chinese EV makers proposed by the European Commission would “do more harm than good” for the European economy. He added that Hungary would focus attention on ensuring the EC allowed “normal East-West cooperation yielding mutual benefits” to be maintained, instead of contributing to efforts to form economic blocs when it took the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of the year.
Szijjártó met Andreas Rade, the managing director of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), and Thomas Schwarz, Audi’s head of government affairs.
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End of Schengen at Hungary’s borders? Here’s Slovenia’s unforeseen decision
The Slovenian interior minister announced that his country would continue border control even during the summer and postponed its possible end date until 21 December. The border between Slovenia and Hungary “disappeared” after both countries joined the Schengen Zone in 2007. It seems that the measure lasted less than 15 years.
Slovenia extends border control deadline
According to 444.hu, Slovenia decided to prolong its border control on the Hungarian-Slovenian border for six more months. The new possible end date is 21 December, but the Slovenian government postponed that multiple times. The same measure applies to the Croatian-Slovenian border.
Interior minister Bostjan Poklukar announced on Wednesday that new threats appeared recently, affecting public order and safety in Slovenia and the European Union considerably. He mentioned the violence in the Middle East, the growing tensions between Iran and Israel, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Moreover, he talked about cyber attacks against Slovenia, the UEFA European Football Championships in Germany and the upcoming summer Olympic games in Paris. Mr Poklukar did not forget to mention the illegal migration, too.
Could joint patrols be an alternative?
He repeated that Ljubljana is ready to introduce joint border patrol with Italian police officers. Such joint patrols could be an alternative to the “temporary Schengen border controls”, he added.
He said they would not like to disturb travellers, the economy or people close to the borders.
Slovenia reinstated temporary border control on 21 October 2023. That came after Rome’s similar decision. Both measures have been prolonged multiple times.
Germany and Austria also reinstated border control: here’s the end of Schengen?
Germany did the same last October. According to Portfolio, they apprehended 920 people smugglers and 37,600 illegal migrants thanks to the measure. Therefore, they also prolonged it until December. Border control has been in effect on the Austrian-German border since autumn 2015.
Austria decided to prolong border control on the Hungarian-Austrian border this April, and the measure will be in effect until November.
It seems that Schengen may collapse due to illegal migration and the growing number of violent conflicts in and close to Europe.
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Hungarian soccer team played better against Germany on EURO 2024
Goals by Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan sent Germany through to the Euro 2024 knockout stages, but they were made to work extremely hard for their Group A victory against a spirited and purposeful Hungary in Stuttgart on Wednesday evening.
Hungary head coach Marco Rossi opted to make two changes to the lineup which lost to Switzerland last Saturday, Márton Dárdai and Bendegúz Bolla replacing Ádám Lang and Attila Szalai. Péter Gulácsi continued in goal ahead of Dénes Dibusz and a three-man rearguard of Márton Dárdai, Willi Orbán and Attila Szalai supported a four-man midfield of, from right to left, Bendegúz Bolla, Ádám Nagy, András Schäfer and Milos Kerkez. The three forwards seeking to fire Hungary to their first points of the tournament were playmakers Roland Sallai and captain Dominik Szoboszlai behind central striker Barnabás Varga, mlsz.hu wrote.
Hungary were on the front foot from the very outset, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer needing to react quickly to beat Sallai to the ball just eight metres from goal within the first 25 seconds of the game.
Germany were finding it difficult to break down a resolute Hungary defence and it took a huge slice of luck to help the home team into the lead, a shove in the back of Willi Orbán by Ilkay Gundogan deep in Hungary’s penalty area deemed not to be a foul and the Barcelona midfielder tapping the ball to Jamal Musiala who blasted the ball into the Hungary net via the thigh of Fiola and the crossbar.
That was in the 22nd minute but Rossi’s charges refused to buckle and instead responded in belligerent style, Szoboszlai testing Neuer with a fabulous 25-metre free-kick which the veteran keeper could only palm out, but the angle was too tight for Varga to convert on the follow-up. Moments later, a rapid counter-attack saw Kerkez release the Hungary captain in on goal, but defender Jonathan Tah produced a crucial, last-ditch block to preserve the hosts’ lead.
While Germany had the majority of possession, Hungary continued to attack with thrust and vigour when possible and in first-half added time, they thought their efforts had been rewarded, but Orbán’s flick-on from Szoboszlai’s free-kick was ruled offside, rendering meaningless Sallai’s subsequent header into the net after Orbán’s effort had the post.
The visitors continued to press hard in the second period, Varga seeing his header back across goal flash just over the crossbar from Sallai’s delicious left-wing cross. The game was opening up all over the pitch though and that meant Germany With their slick movement of the ball became ever more dangerous. Eventually, their ability and pressure told, a fine passing move in the 67th minute concluding when Maximilian Mittelstädt crossed low for Gundogan to sweep the ball first-time into the bottom-right corner of Hungary’s net and double his team’s lead.
Hungary never gave up trying to get back into the game, Germany having Joshua Kimmich to thank for a 90th-minute goalline clearance from Orbán’s instinctive effort during a goalmouth meleé, but despite their best efforts, there was to be no further change to the scoreiine.
While Germany now top the group with two wins from two and are assured of progress to the knockout stages of Euro 2024, Hungary must hope they can beat Scotland on Sunday evening in Stuttgart and become one of the four best 3rd-placed teams which will reach the last 16 of the competition.
Germany 2–0 Hungary (HT:1–0)
Stuttgart, 54 000 spectators. Ref: Danny Makkelie (Assistants: Hessel Steegstra, Jan de Vries) – all from NetherlandsGERMANY: Neuer − Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Mittelstädt − Andrich (Can, 72), Kroos − Musiala (Führich, 72), Gündogan (Undav, 84), Wirtz (Sané, 58) − Havertz (Füllkrug, 58). Head coach: Julian Nagelsmann
HUNGARY: Gulácsi – Fiola, Orbán, Dárdai M. – Bolla (Ádám, 75), Nagy Á. (Kleinheisler, 64), Schäfer, Kerkez (Nagy Zs., 75) – Sallai (Csoboth, 87), Szoboszlai – Varga B. (Gazdag, 87). Head coach: Marco Rossi
Goalscorers: Musiala (22), Gündogan (67)
Yellow cards: Varga B. (23), Rüdiger (27), Mittelstädt (89), Szoboszlai (90+3), Rossi (90+3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPoP53uQ1Hg
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