Former CEO of Polish Orlen’s payments linked to PM Orbán’s son-in-law
Daniel Obajtek, the former CEO of the Polish company Orlen and recently elected Member of the European Parliament, is receiving payments from a company linked to Viktor Orbán’s son-in-law, István Tiborcz, according to his asset declaration.
Obajtek, who is reportedly hiding in Budapest, allegedly receives a regular income from his interests with Orbán’s son-in-law and other associates of the Hungarian prime minister. This information was revealed through his asset declaration, according to Polish newspaper Wiadomości, Telex reports.
According to his asset declaration, Obajtek receives EUR 15,000 per month from Bayer Construct. This declaration was required due to his new role as an MEP, which necessitates the disclosure of financial resources over the past three years. His monthly salary of EUR 15,000 is notably higher than the approximate EUR 10,000 salary typically received by MEPs.
While no formal charges have been filed against Obajtek, there is potential for charges to arise, especially with the opposition PiS coalition, led by the returning Prime Minister Donald Tusk, supporting Poland’s involvement with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate corruption. The PiS party, which has had conflicts with Brussels similar to those of Orbán over rule of law issues, also blocked some EU funds accessible to Poland following its accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Polish Prosecutor’s Office and the Parliament’s Investigative Committee have made multiple attempts to summon Obajtek, who is not listed at any Polish address, to appear for questioning.
Several claims surround former Orlen CEO’s EU immunity and disappearance
Several newspapers have previously reported that Obajtek was the head of Orlen until February and has personal connections to Orbán. Obajtek, who is affiliated with the Law and Justice (PiS) party and was in opposition during the last elections, won a seat in the European Parliament in June. He has been granted immunity in the EU, although he has not been prosecuted in Poland yet. Authorities have been unable to question him as a witness, despite his photos indicating that he is in Budapest rather than Poland, contrary to his claims.
After being dismissed as CEO of Orlen in February, Obajtek has been rarely seen in Poland. He has consistently denied allegations that he is evading impeachment by seeking immunity in the European Parliament. According to VSquare, he also refutes claims that he fled to Budapest.
Although Obajtek is not currently a prime suspect in his home country, Polish prosecutors wish to question him regarding several matters, including the merger of state-owned energy companies Orlen and Lotos, and the sale of a 30% stake in the Gdańsk refinery to Saudi Aramco. They also seek to discuss Orlen’s substantial deficit caused by significant cuts in fuel prices in the autumn of 2023. This deficit might be linked to a strategy aimed at boosting the popularity of the ruling Law and Justice party with cheaper fuel ahead of the parliamentary elections, as well as a transfer of PLN 1.5 billion.
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Six EU members to boycott Hungary’s EU presidency due to PM Orbán’s Moscow journey
Poland, the Baltic states and the Scandinavian EU member states will boycott Hungary’s EU presidency because the prime minister visited Moscow. Orbán met Putin last Friday to talk about the possible end of the war in Ukraine. After the visit, Russian missiles hit and destroyed a Ukrainian hospital treating children with cancer.
Euractiv said Poland, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania decided to boycott Hungary’s EU presidency and will not send ministers to the Budapest summits. The first such summit will be concerning environmental issues. We wrote about that HERE.
Those countries will send lower-ranked officials to the informal meetings in Budapest.
The Financial Times wrote that the EU’s legal service found Orbán’s visit to Moscow contradictory to the EU’s fundamental treaties.
Fidesz MEP: Brussels reactions to Orban’s ‘peace mission’ critical
Reactions in Brussels to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s “peace mission” have been “critical, offensive and even hysterical” by some people, ruling Fidesz MEP Tamas Deutsch said on Friday. He told public radio that one of the reasons was that the majority of European leaders were pro-war and wanted to send increasing amounts of weapons and money to Ukraine.
The other reason was that their pro-war position was based on the assumption that the only way to peace is war, he added.
“The Hungarian prime minister’s mission has refuted and destroyed that position,” he said.
Orbán’s peace mission “has shown that active diplomatic steps can be made” to promote peace, Deutsch said. He expressed hope that the peace mission would direct the large powers towards peace.
He also said that the European Parliament elections showed that a sovereigntist, patriotic trend was under way in the world.
The Fidesz MEP said that the formation of the Patriots for Europe group in the EP demonstrated a “victory at the European level”, noting that it was the third strongest formation in the EP.
Trump’s victory patriotic turn in world politics
In response to a question, he said there was a realistic chance that Donald Trump would win in the US, and this would bring about a sovereigntist, patriotic turn in world politics, in turn bringing an end to the Ukraine war closer.
He said the Patriots for Europe group could further strengthen in the upcoming period, and added that what was even more important was that serious and effective strategic cooperation could develop with the group of European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) led by Giorgia Meloni, resulting in the second largest force in the EP.
He said chances were good for patriots to win in the Czech Republic and Austria, and within six months or a year a new parliamentary election might be held in France, where Marine Le Pen could come out as a governing force.
He said right wing progress could develop also in the European Council. It was uncertain whether Ursula von der Leyen would get the necessary support to head the European Commission again, and there could be certainly a reshuffle among the commissioners, he added.
Read also:
- PM Orbán: NATO’s task is not to win wars – Read more HERE
Hungarian House Speaker Kövér: Arrogance of Brussels bureaucracy betrayed Europeans
Certain national interests require that people surpass ideological divides and preserve sovereignty together, against the “arrogance of Brussels bureaucracy that has betrayed Europeans”, House Speaker László Kövér told Polish weekly Sieci in an interview published on Monday.
Kövér said the Visegrad Group had been the most productive at a time when it was led by the prime ministers of the Polish PiS, Slovak Social Democrat Smer, the liberal Czech ANO movement and Hungary’s Fidesz, which then sat in the European People’s Party in the EP.
Fidesz sees PiS as an ally, he said. “It was a mistake to let the Russian-Ukrainian conflict become the watershed issue between Poland and Hungary, as that excluded the possibility of accepting and reconciling differing approaches and national interests.”
The EU was originally built on such solidarity, he added.
Commenting on PiS losing the Polish elections, Kövér said the results had hinged on the image the left liberal media had broadcast about the party.
Fidesz had “set up a right-wing television” after its defeat in 2006, in cooperation with “nationally minded capital”, and the channel was instrumental in “uncovering the dirty politics of the Socialist-Liberal coalition after 2006”, leading to their resounding defeat in 2010, he said.
The Hungarian model was “unique” in Europe, Kövér said, as it allowed equal opportunities to right-wing sources to get their message to the voters in traditional media. Meanwhile, conservative parties such as PiS and Fidesz must contend with social media sites which continue to censor content they deem politically incorrect, he added.
Right-wing politics in Hungary has been determined by the fundamental values of “God, homeland, family” since the second world war, he said.
While young people are generally disenfranchised and tend to stay away from politics or “vote against the satus quo”, Fidesz retains the largest proportion of young voters in Hungary, he said. The Momentum party, which started out “as a representative of the young generations coming after Fidesz”, has fallen below 4 percent at the latest election and lost its seats in the EP, he said.
Speaking of ties between Catholics and Protestants, Kövér said the two denominations were linked by more than what divided them. “Unfortunately, the most important among those is the anti-Christian psychological terror increasingly prevalent in European public life, that sometimes even turns into existential threat,” he added.
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Hungarian diplomat received prestigious award from Polish President Duda
Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday presented the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland to Orsolya Zsuzsanna Kovács, Hungary’s ambassador to Warsaw, for strengthening and enhancing Polish-Hungarian friendship, the embassy said.
In his laudation, Duda praised the ambassador for her “exemplary and dedicated work” in strengthening Polish-Hungarian relations over the past seven and a half years of service. The Polish president said he insisted on presenting the award in person to the ambassador in appreciation of her “outstanding service paid for the two nations,” noting that the such an occasion had been rare during his presidency.
“I can say with full responsibility that it is rare to have an ambassador serving in a diplomatic corps who fulfills her role in such an extraordinary way as Ambassador Orsolya Kovács has done during her mission to Poland. She is an extremely active and cordial person who has an excellent understanding of the Polish way of thinking,” said Duda.
In her speech of acceptance, Kovács highlighted the importance of nurturing the national heritage through generations which she called “key in maintaining the special relations between Poland and Hungary”.
Read also:
- Orbán meets Meloni and Morawiecki in Brussels: what’s he up to? – Read our article HERE
- Exciting: New planes will serve Wizz Air passengers in these European cities
Orbán meets Meloni and Morawiecki in Brussels: what’s he up to?
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Monday met Giorgia Meloni, his Italian counterpart, the PM’s press chief said.
Orbán and Meloni discussed the results of the European parliamentary elections, issues regarding the European right wing, tasks before the European Council, and Hungary’s upcoming EU presidency, Bertalan Havasi said.
The prime minister also had talks with Poland’s former prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, in Brussels in the afternoon, the topic was the unification of the European right wing, the press chief said.
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Hungary at risk: potential exclusion from key NATO group – UPDATE: Romanian president
Could Hungary be in trouble within NATO? The Bucharest Nine plans to exclude Hungary from its members as it is not cooperative enough.
As Financial Times reports, diplomats from the Bucharest Nine (B9) group, comprising Eastern European NATO and EU member states, are contemplating the exclusion of Hungary from future meetings, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Bucharest Nine (B9)
The B9, established in 2015, includes Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. These countries, once part of the Soviet Union or the Warsaw Pact, now coordinate security policies as NATO and EU members, particularly focusing on their eastern borders, Privátbankár writes.
Recently, Hungary has blocked the group’s joint statements supporting increased aid to Ukraine and NATO’s measures to enhance military assistance to Ukraine or expedite its membership process. Hungary’s stance on Ukraine and its accession talks has increasingly frustrated its allies.
The B9 leaders are meeting on 11 June in Riga, and officials anticipate Hungary will once again refuse to endorse a declaration agreed upon by the others.
Talks to exclude Hungary “very serious”
Talks about potentially excluding Hungary are described as “very serious,” with one source noting, “This is likely the last time we meet in this format.” Another source highlighted the “tough” debates in recent meetings, suggesting that future meetings will be challenging to organise unless Hungary becomes more cooperative.
The Financial Times also highlighted that last month, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated Hungary aims to “redefine” its NATO membership terms, opposing the alliance’s support for Ukraine in the ongoing war.
“Hungary has been invited to the B9 summit in Riga on June 11,” the Lithuanian presidential office confirmed, emphasizing that “for the unity of NATO and the EU, it is important for Hungary to remain within the group.”
Reuters: Sulyok did not attend
Meanwhile, the Reuters news agency reported that
President Tamás Sulyok would not attend Tuesday’s presidential-level meeting.
Instead, the country will be represented by Hungary’s ambassador to Lithuania, and therefore no joint statement is expected at the end of the event, Index writes.
NATO Secretary General visits Budapest
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is attending the Riga summit, will visit Budapest soon on Wednesday to discuss “Hungary’s omission from the Alliance’s mission in Ukraine”, Viktor Orbán said in an interview with state television on Monday.
On Tuesday morning, it was announced on NATO’s website that Stoltenberg will indeed visit Hungary, and a spokesman for the organisation shared the information on X:
#NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg will visit #Hungary on Wednesday 12 June. He will meet with 🇭🇺 @PM_ViktorOrban in Budapest.
🎙️ 10:10 (CEST) Press conference with the Prime Minister of Hungary.https://t.co/99uPeNvJd2 pic.twitter.com/4HXQP9BvHB
— NATO Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah (@NATOpress) June 11, 2024
As reported, Jens Stoltenberg will hold a joint press conference with Viktor Orbán on Wednesday morning at 10.10.
UPDATE: Romanian president’s reaction (10.45 PM 11 June)
The Romanian head of state has denied that the Bucharest Nine (B9), which brings together the member states of NATO’s eastern wing, are considering excluding Hungary because the Hungarian government allegedly “regularly opposes” the decisions of its partners, Portfolio reports.
Klaus Iohannis, who attended the B9 Heads of State and Government meeting, was interviewed by Romanian journalists in Riga on the above-mentioned topic. “No, there was no question of any exclusion and there will be no question of any exclusion. This is fake news,” the Romanian president said.
“It is not the first time that a state has not been represented by the president, although it would be desirable to have the highest possible level of representation. The two states in question were represented institutionally by ambassadors, so diplomatically there is no problem. As for the conclusions of the summit, they were indeed not agreed by one Member State. But there is an agreed procedure for this, which we also have in the European Union, that when a common language cannot be found, the leaders of the meeting can issue a statement on behalf of those gathered. This is what happened here,” the Romanian president explained.
Iohannis added: “This is not a problem because the B9 is a consultative forum, it does not make decisions.” “We consult each other, we formulate points of view that we believe will improve the functioning of NATO”, the Romanian head of state pointed out.
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The Ultimate Guide to Safe Online Casinos in Poland
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to safe Polish online casinos! Here, we’ll take a look at and review how you can choose a safe gambling platform. Below is every piece of information necessary to have.
This article will ensure safe and entertaining gambling online in Poland. In this article, you’ll explore the significance of safety considerations. Also, you’ll learn more about how to find a trusted casino and how to ensure the safety of your identity and funds. This guide will provide you with essential information and resources. So if you plan to select an appropriate online casino in Poland, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!
The importance of safety and security measures
As for modern tendencies, there is one critical aspect: security. Thereby providing players with a worry-free gaming experience. Players shouldn’t worry about their personal data being stolen. Also, they should be protected from credit card misuse.
Encryption technology is commonly implemented in online casinos in Poland. It is also another significant safety feature. It ensures that data, such as payments’ details or personal information, is not understandable to any other person. This method is usually adopted by fastest withdrawal online casinos. This contributes to the fight against cybercrime. Also, it protects the users from hacking their players accounts. In addition to that, fаstеst withdrаwаl online casinos and, in general, Poland casino sites provide gamblers with outstanding convenience. Here, gamblers can withdraw their winnings in a very short period of time. What’s more, users are able to make their gambling process more enjoyable and thrilling.
Moreover, the official Internet casinos in Poland have strong identification checks. This way, they need to confirm the players and use appropriate casino software. It further discourages, or sometimes eliminates, the option of underage gambling. Also, it eliminates fraudulent activities in a casino. How? Only genuine players are allowed to gain access to the casino services.
Moreover, it is legal to wager online in Poland. Most of the online casinos in Poland are licensed by regulatory bodies. One of such bodies is the Polish Gambling Authority. The agreements mean that companies have to meet certain requirements. Also, they need to obey certain norms and rules. For instance, this includes the protection of the amount of money that a player has in their casino account. Also, consider the fairness of the particular company.
Identifying Reputable Online Casinos
The first, and most important, step is to establish the integrity and safety of the casino selected for Internet gambling in Poland. It’s important to know that legitimate online casinos have the well-being of their players at heart. Many of them provide several secure methods to use when processing payments.
Valid Licensing. Recommended online gambling establishments operating within Poland have licenses from lawful regulatory bodies. Many people ask how to choose a new casino that is safe. This task is easy. They need to check if the platform has a valid license. They can check the website where they play. Users can find out whether the platform has a license. If the companies don’t have one, they can contact the legal authorities.
Secure payment methods Depending on the particular online casino chosen, deposits and withdrawals may be made using common payment methods. These options include a credit or debit card or an e-wallet, for instance, PayPal or Skrill. These methods guarantee the security of the transactions. Also, they ensure that the players’ sensitive data is secured.
SSL Encryption. Responsible gambling sites will protect the anonymity of players. How? By using secure socket layer encryption on the data input forms into the platform, this encryption entails that all activities on this website are safe from access by other unauthorized persons.
By evaluating these elements, people will be in a position to distinguish legitimate online gambling venues in Poland. Also, they can enjoy safe and secure gambling.
Licensing and Regulation of Online Casinos in Poland
In view of this, there is a need to license and regulate online gambling in Poland. This is important to ensure the security of the operations. Now, let’s find out more about how the government supervises and controls online casinos. Also, how do these regulations make the online gambling industry ethical and legitimate for players?
Overview of the Licensing Process
Poland has set down some conditions that should be implemented by online gambling companies. It intends to operate legally. Virtual gambling companies need to acquire licenses from the Polish Gambling Authority (PGA).
Regulations to Ensure Player Safety
Online casino gaming in Poland has to be regulated. This is according to the standard legal requirements. It aims to ensure that players are safe and their money, as well as other details, cannot be used by fraudsters.
Secure payment methods
Ten popular online casinos in Poland are described with various payment options. For instance, deposits and withdrawals are safe enough for the players.
Some of the most common payment methods are:
- Credit and debit cards
- e-wallets
- bank transfers
These are used by many users and vary based on security or ease of use.
Best Casino Payment Methods
In essence, there are so many methods of payment that can be utilized. This is especially true when undertaking online transactions at online casinos.
Credit and debit are industry standards for easy and universal use, while e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill are secure and personal.
Ensuring safe transactions
There are several measures that are employed by online casinos. This ensures players’ monetary transactions are safe from hackers and heist. For instance, all transactions taking place at Internet casinos are encrypted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poland, as an online gambling country, presents some fundamental guidelines. It should be considered by players when engaging in an online gambling site. Through this ultimate guide, one will be well-equipped to be very sure of the online casinos that meet all the standards. These standards aim to protect its players. Each of these steps has significant importance. Given such measures, any player is assured of their privacy. Also, they are assured that financial details are protected. This way, users can enjoy the thrill of online gambling in Poland.
Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.
Hungary is one of the best choices for tourists concerning purchasing power
Only if you get your salary in euros though! The German Bild magazine asked Kathleen Altmannt, an Association of German Banks official, where the value for money and cost-effectiveness is the best for German nationals. Hungary is at the top of the list.
Hungary is safe and cheap
Foreign travellers and students regularly say that Hungary is one of Europe’s safest countries. For example, we republished an interview with a Kazakh student praising Hungary’s safety and good public transport. Furthermore, if you get your salary or pension in euros, Hungary is one of the best choices for you this summer to spend your holiday.
German magazine Bild talked to an official of the Association of German Banks. She recommended German nationals to travel this summer to Hungary concerning the value for money ratio. According to the official, there are differences even inside the eurozone concerning purchasing power. However, the best choice is the countries outside the zone.
Türkiye, Poland and Hungary on the top for German holidaymakers
According to Mrs Altmann, Türkiye, Poland, and Hungary are the best holiday destinations if you consider purchasing power. She said Türkiye is on the top since one euro is worth 2.63 euros in the country. That is chiefly because of the value drop of the Turkish lira. The second place went to Poland, where that number was 1.52 euros.
Hungary stands in third place, which is good news for German holidaymakers but not that good for their Hungarian counterparts working for forints. Here 1 “German euro” is worth 1.43 euros. That is because Hungary is cheaper than Germany.
Altmann mentioned Spain, Portugal and Greece among the best value-for-money choices for Germans. On the other end of the list, there are Switzerland (EUR 0.61), Denmark (EUR 0.78) and Norway (EUR 0.86).
German pensioners move to Hungary
We wrote multiple times that not only German tourists like to come to Hungary but also German pensioners choose to live in the country. According to the Central Statistical Office, last November, more than 22 thousand German citizens lived in Hungary. Pensioners come here because the cost of living is significantly lower. Furthermore, the Hungarian overhead cut is a fifth of what the Germans have to pay.
The most popular area is Lake Balaton for them. Inflation does not bother German pensioners since they can afford to spend more money on food and other necessities.
Germans only complain because of the language barrier, especially in the healthcare system.
Read also:
- German companies push for euro in Hungary – will PM Orbán introduce it? – Read more HERE
- Breathtaking hotel awarded the title of Hungary’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2024 – PHOTOS and more HERE
Featured image: depositphotos.com
MIHAS 2024: Driving Innovation Through the Halal Sector
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Malaysia’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the Halal industry will be strongly reflected in this year’s edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2024). MIHAS 2024, themed “Globalising Halal Innovations”, will be positioned as the leading platform for global Halal companies to showcase their most innovative Halal products, services and technologies through 14 curated clusters.
MIHAS 2024, which is hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), will run from 17 to 20 September 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This year’s edition of MIHAS, which pushes for greater innovation within the global Halal ecosystem, will not only solidify Malaysia’s position as the global hub for Halal industry, but is also in line with the objectives of the country’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the Halal Industrial Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030).
The elements of innovation and sustainability will be showcased in the products and services promoted during MIHAS 2024. MIHAS is not about Halal only. It aims to facilitate the sourcing and selling of quality products and services globally. These product segments include pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, fintech, lifestyle, modest fashion, food ingredients and related services. The overall emphasis will be on the value added component and the value chain integrity offered by the Halal ecosystem. Halal certification instils trust among global consumers and is often in line with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations. Malaysia exported US$ 5.5 billion of Halal ingredients in 2022 . According to a report by The Business Research Company in 2023 titled ‘Global Food Ingredients Market: Regional Comparisons’, the global Halal ingredients market is currently valued at more than US$60 billion.
MIHAS has contiuously attracted numerous buyers, distributors, and investors worldwide. Serving as a comprehensive hub, it offers businesses a platform to showcase the latest trends and technologies in the Halal industry, facilitating market expansion opportunities. By providing insights into market developments and consumer preferences, MIHAS is proven to be an enabler for businesses to stay abreast of industry advancements and maintain competitiveness in the global Halal market.
With a focus on fostering collaborations and facilitating access to global supply chains, MATRADE will continue to drive growth and sustainability in the Halal market. The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) held in conjunction with MIHAS generated US$ 300 million in sales last year, and will continue to facilitate one-on-one business meetings between foreign buyers and Malaysian exporters. This initiative underscores the importance of a resilient supply chain and innovation in meeting the evolving demands of the global Halal market.
In addition, the MIHAS Knowledge Hub returns, offering a series of conferences, forums, and seminars which focuses on providing insights into trends, market access and sourcing requirements with leading keynote speakers, industry experts, and thought leaders. The MIHAS Knowledge Hub consists of four components, with three focusing on market access and one on innovation. This initiative aims to provide an invaluable platform for the global Halal business community to exchange experiences and insights relevant to the industry.
MATRADE’s collaboration with industry partners ensures the ongoing relevance and success of MIHAS. These initiatives highlight MIHAS’ commitment to innovation, which has been recognised by the global trade community, including MATRADE being awarded the World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Award for ‘Best Use of Information Technology’ in 2022.
As MIHAS 2024 gears up for its 20th edition, it stands as a testament to Malaysia’s pioneering role in the Halal industry, supported by its well-developed Halal ecosystem. The milestone event symbolises two decades of dedication to fostering trade and innovation within the Halal sector, solidifying its position as a key platform for showcasing Halal products and services.
For further details on MIHAS 2024, visit MIHAS · Malaysia International Halal Showcase at www.mihas.com.my 
For enquiries on MIHAS 2024, please email to : wa****@ma*****.my
Name: Rosli Mat Hassim – Trade Commissioner, MATRADE Warsaw
Areas of coverage include Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Slovakia and Ukraine.
Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.
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New night service from this Hungarian city to Warsaw!
Want to visit Warsaw from Hungary? FlixBus is expanding its range of destinations from Hungary with a new Central European service! The daily direct service offers a convenient and affordable option for those who want to visit the Polish capital from Sopron, a Hungarian city with county rights near the Austrian border.
New direct service from Sopron to Warsaw
FlixBus offers numerous destinations directly to and from 11 Hungarian cities and towns. Now, the list welcomes another route with Warsaw being added to the cities accessible from Sopron.
The fast-growing mobility technology company continues its expansion and announces the launch of a new Central European route, turizmusonline.hu reports. The cross-border green line between Sopron and Warsaw is available from 25 April. With this expansion, FlixBus aims to expand the range of destinations available from Hungary, and not only with departures from the capital.
People living in and around Sopron have been able to travel by green buses since 2022. Since then, they can conveniently travel to several Czech and German cities, as well as Vienna, with FlixBus. The new line is to further expand the list of possible destinations, with a direct service running seven days a week, offering a collective transport option for those visiting the capital of Poland.
Frequency of the new bus service
The bus departs daily at 22:40 from Sopron bus station, stopping en route at Vienna Airport (23:40), Vienna Main Station (00:05), Vienna Erdberg station (00: 30), Brno Bus Station (02:15), Katowice Airport (06:05), Warsaw-Chopin Airport (09:20), arriving at the final destination, Warsaw West Bus Station at 10:00.
After discovering the magical Polish capital, city, you can also take the night bus home, leaving Warsaw every day at 22:35, stopping at Warsaw-Chopin Airport (22:55), Katowice Airport (02:20), Brno Bus Station (06:15), Vienna Erdberg Station (08:05), Vienna Main Station (08:20), Vienna Airport (08:55) and arriving in Sopron at 10:00 the next day.
Tickets
Tickets for the new direct service are available from HUF 9999 (EUR 25.56). For the best prices, you should plan your trip in advance and buy your bus ticket on the FlixBus mobile app or website, turizmusonline.hu advises.
For residents of Western Hungary and anyone who wishes to travel from the area, Warsaw can be an ideal destination for a short weekend break. Warsaw is special both for its rich past and its vibrant, bustling city centre. The direct FlixBus service makes the city easily accessible, while its varied attractions, dining options and cultural programmes ensure that everyone will find the experience they long for the most. Whether you are looking for rich history, a culinary adventure or you’re an urban explorer, Warsaw has something for everyone.
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Featured image: depositphotos.com
Speakers at CPAC Hungary want to fight against ‘woke ideology, illegal immigration, anti-Semitism’
Several speakers argued for fighting against woke ideology, anti-Semitism and illegal immigration on the first day of CPAC Hungary, on Thursday.
Speakers at CPAC seem to agree
Tom van Grieken, the leader of the Flemish Interest party praised Hungary’s firm steps against illegal immigration, argued in favour of providing help to refugees in their country of origin and urged the deportation of illegal immigrants to their home country. He called Hungary the headquarters of conservative resistance.
Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs praised flourishing Israeli-Hungarian relations, saying that the Hungarian government was one of Israel’s main supporters. Wokeism, he said, was the enemy of family and was a threat to nation-states and diversity.
Marek Kuchinski, a representative of Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) and the former speaker of the Polish Sejm, said the conference had brought together “free and equal countries that want to co-exist freely as equals”.
He said current challenges central Europe faced included a crisis of values, democracy and the rule of law, calling open dialogue and cooperation such as that of the Visegrád group (V4) countries “the most effective defence” against those.
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Exciting: New planes will serve Wizz Air passengers in these European cities
The Hungarian budget airline is grappling with issues surrounding the Pratt & Whitney engines powering its Airbus A320neo fleet. However, a Ukrainian carrier appears to be helping the struggling Hungarian carrier, potentially averting a disadvantaged position in the turbulent market.
According to airportal.hu, Wizz Air is set to lease three Boeing 737 aircraft, complete with crew, until next March to service multiple routes for its passengers. The lessor, Ukrainian airline Sky Up Airlines, has been operating under Maltese permissions since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Leasing the new planes will cost Wizz Air an arm and a leg
Operating under a wet-lease/ACMI leasing arrangement (covering aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance), the contract spans from 1st April to 31st March of the following year. Two of the aircraft will be stationed at the Bucharest-Otopeni base, with the third stationed at Warsaw-Chopin.
Previously, we reported on Wizz Air’s grounding of 20% of its fleet due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines, with an average maintenance duration of 300 days. Wizz Air has announced its expectation to receive 30 new Airbus A321neo aircraft by 31st March and has extended the leasing agreements for 13 other aircraft. Additionally, three more aircraft will be leased under a dry-lease arrangement (excluding crew). Despite these efforts, the airline has had to suspend several Romanian routes due to capacity constraints.
ACMI leasing is the most expensive option in the market, yet Wizz Air anticipates compensation for the damage sustained by the Pratt & Whitney engines.
Green fuel until 2030
According to airportal.hu, Wizz Air has outlined plans to operate 10% of its flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by the end of the decade. Partnering in this endeavour is British company Firefly, which has received a £5 million investment for biofuel development.
Based on the company’s announcement, their carbon dioxide emissions were 6.8% lower in 2023 compared to 2022.
Currently, Wizz Air operates 207 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, servicing 60.3 million passengers from January to December 2023.
Read also:
- Wizz Air moves its headquarters to a landmark office in Budapest – Read more HERE
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Featured image: depositphotos.com
Ambitious plans: Russian discount chain determined to beat Aldi, Lidl in Hungary
Russian discount chain Mere ventures into Hungary with intentions to beat German supermarket chains Aldi, Lidl and other rivals. Their strategy is ambitious yet straightforward: promising to undercut prices by 20-30%.
According to telex.hu, the success story of the Russian Mere began in Siberia, with aspirations not only to conquer Hungary but also Europe. Previously, they expanded into Romania and Great Britain. However, their ambitious plans were temporarily halted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Nonetheless, it appears they’ve only paused temporarily. According to a leaked letter, they aspire to start operations in Hungary, a matter we have detailed in THIS article.
Telex reported that the Mere network is owned by Torgservis, with its first store established in 2009 in Krasnoyarsk, known for its WWI POW camp, where Hungarian soldiers were held captive. The company is under the ownership of brothers Sergei and Andrei Schneider, descendants of a German lineage. They don’t give interviews, instead silently constructing their supermarket empire.
Russian discount chain vows to be very affordable
The Russian discount chain, known as ‘Svetofor’ in Russia, boasts approximately 3,000 stores, mainly situated in small Siberian towns. Moreover, they have outlets in Kazakhstan, Belarus and China. Additionally, they’ve entered markets in Lithuania, Romania, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Britain. In Russia, their 2023 revenue totalled EUR 2 billion.
Their market strategy is straightforward: pledging prices 20-30% lower than competitors such as Aldi and Lidl. But how?
According to the manager of their Spanish subsidiary, they refrain from expenditures that would inflate costs. Consequently, there is minimal decoration or shelving, adopting a ‘Spartan’ approach. Furthermore, the absence of a warehouse means suppliers unload products directly into the shops. Naturally, employee numbers are kept to a minimum.
Consequently, Mere stores resemble warehouses rather than contemporary Western outlets. HERE are some additional photos.
Mere (or Svetofor in Russia) is very popular in the poorer regions. When they opened their first shop in Leipzig in 2019, the crowd was massive, and some people didn’t even have the chance to enter. Since customers emptied the local store, they had to close for days to restock their nonexistent shelves. A customer remarked that Mere is akin to Aldi in its early days.
Mere shifts its focus to Eastern Europe
In 2021, they aimed to expand into Western Europe, yet encountered obstacles; the Russian invasion of Ukraine thwarted their plans. In Great Britain, they established only one store in Preston, Lancashire, before withdrawing post-Putin’s attack. The conflict compelled Mere to exit Western Europe. Subsequently, following the war’s outbreak, they opened only two stores in Belgium, operating under the name My Price.
Expansion encountered difficulties for other reasons as well. Suppliers were displeased with unloading products in stores and receiving payment only upon sale, along with the obligation to retrieve unsold items.
In 2023, they announced they would like to focus on Eastern Europe. They opened stores in the Baltic states, Poland and Romania, so it makes sense to come to Hungary. They plan to open 200 shops and reach EUR 700 million in traffic. First, they want to make their stand in Budapest and the suburbs.
In 2023, they announced their intention to focus on Eastern Europe, opening stores in the Baltic states, Poland and Romania, rendering their arrival in Hungary expected. They aim to establish 200 outlets and achieve EUR 700 million in revenue. Initially, they seek to establish a foothold in Budapest and its environs.
In Hungary, nine food supermarket chains already exist, with industry players frequently asserting market saturation. Mere would become the 10th competitor.
However, the question arises: how does Mere’s market conquest align with the Hungarian government’s objective to safeguard the Hungarian food retail market for domestic companies?
Read also:
- Mfor: Orbán cabinet will squeeze foreign supermarket chains, Spar remains a target – Read more HERE
- Expert: Quality of food in Hungarian shops often worse than in Western Europe – Details in THIS article
Featured image: Russian discount store Mere in Serbia, depositphotos.com
Here is the new Hungarian President’s first foreign visit: he called for deepening dialogue
Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok underscored the importance of maintaining and deepening dialogue between Hungary and Poland, after meeting his Polish counterpart in Stary Sacz, in southern Poland, on Friday.
Polish-Hungarian friendship goes back over a millennium and is deeply rooted in Hungarian society, Sulyok, who is on a working visit to Poland on the occasion of the Day of Hungarian-Polish Friendship, told a joint press conference with Andrzej Duda.
“We in central and eastern Europe share a common cause and destiny, and this is what has united the two countries since the time of Kinga of Poland,” he said.
Sulyok said his talks with Duda had touched on the Three Seas Initiative, the importance of military development, minorities and bilateral trade relations.
He said Hungarians and Poles had always known when it was important to fight for freedom, and history had always shown that the two countries could only be free, equal and fast-growing countries in Europe when they were united.
Hungary and Poland, he said, also had several shared interests when it came to foreign policy. Hungary is proud that its defence spending reaches 2 percent of GDP, he said, adding that the upgrade of the military was a priority for Hungary as well as for Poland.
The two nations are also bound together by their national minority communities in each other’s countries, Sulyok said. There is a Polish minority in Kaposvar, in southern Hungary, he noted, and extended an invitation to Duda to mark the Day of Hungarian-Polish Friendship in Kaposvár next year.
Leaders in NATO in terms of defence spending
Sulyok said they were both open to dialogue and cooperation, which was important for finding common ground. He said Poland was Hungary’s third biggest trading partner in 2023, and highlighted the close relations between the two countries’ legislative assemblies.
Meanwhile, Sulyok said both he and Duda considered the Three Seas Initiative and the Bucharest Nine (B9) group important. He stressed the importance of “every project that supports European cohesion and economic growth”.
Polish President Andrzej Duda said Poland and Hungary were leaders in NATO in terms of defence spending.
Duda noted that Hungary was spending 3 percent of its GDP on defence and Poland was spending over 4 percent.
“In this respect, we are leaders in terms of fulfilling the requirements of NATO,” the Polish president said. Citing the “changing global and European security situation”, Duda reiterated a proposal he made earlier that NATO members should raise their defence spending to 3 percent of GDP.
On Saturday, Sulyok is scheduled to lay a wreath at the tomb of Jadwiga of Poland in Wawel Cathedral.
Read also:
Did Czech, Polish prime ministers shout at PM Orbán due to Sweden’s NATO accession?
According to the newsletter of VSquare, the last V4 summit hosting all the leaders of the Visegrád Four countries (Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary) was a bit loud. Meanwhile, the prime minister’s press chief, Bertalan Havasi, denied media information.
The V4 summit was held behind closed doors in Prague, but the debate was fierce. Based on a source of VSquare, Czech PM Petr Fiala and Polish President Donald Tusk were shouting with PM Viktor Orbán requiring an explanation why he delayed Sweden’s EU accession and the European Union’s help for Ukraine, writes telex.hu.
Two government-close Czech sources said the debate was so heated that the press conference scheduled after the meeting had to be postponed. However, Slovakian PM Robert Fico remained silent for the whole time and did not defend PM Orbán.
Bertalan Havasi, the Hungarian prime minister’s press chief, said shouting at the Hungarian prime minister was fake news. Orbán said before that it was his 52nd V4 summit, but it was among the most difficult occasions. He added that such an intellectually and politically challenging debate is a rarity.
Before, protestors booed Fico and Orbán, saying they were the two pro-Russia leaders of the V4 cooperation.
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Hungary does not support Mark Rutte as NATO Secretary General
It is no achievement in diplomacy to limit contacts to those that share consensual positions in everything, the foreign minister said on Tuesday. The Hungarian Foreign Minister spoke about the dinner with Lavrov, Poland and Rutte .
The ministry cited Péter Szijjártó telling a press conference that what he considered a real achievement in diplomacy was to maintain contacts with those that have a different opinion in certain matters.
Dinner table with Lavrov
At a press conference held after meeting OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann in Budapest, Szijjártó was asked to comment on criticism by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about him having dinner with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov at last week’s Antalya Diplomatic Forum. As we wrote earlier: FM Szijjártó happily laughing with Russian FM Lavrov on the day of Navalny’s burial – VIDEO
He said relations between Hungarians and Poles went beyond friendship and the brotherhood they shared “can tolerate the political episodes that the prime minister of Poland has produced in the past few weeks”.
“One must simply respect that we have different views about the possibility of peace in Ukraine,” he said.
“We are a pro-peace government, while the government of Poland holds more of a pro-war position,” he added.
He also said that the Antalya forum was “almost like a United Nations general assembly session” and he sat at the same dinner table with the foreign ministers of six or seven countries, including Russia.
“And if one sits next to a foreign minister colleague, then they usually have a conversation,” he said. “It is among our duties as foreign ministers to maintain contacts with each other.”
Szijjarto said that if he again gets the opportunity and needs to do so, he will again hold talks with his Russian counterpart.
“The Polish prime minister would be surprised to know the long list of European politicians who have asked me in recent years to help them establish contacts with the Russians, to organise a meeting or to pass on a message,” he said.
“What’s more, occasionally even the representatives of opposing sides have asked such a favour and if I again receive that type of request, I will be certainly happy to help,” he said.
Mark Rutte as NATO secretary-general?
Commenting on reports about the potential election of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as NATO secretary-general, he said the Hungarian government would not be able to support the appointment of a person “who wanted to bring Hungary to its knees in the past”. “It would be very strange if the Hungarian government supported the nomination of such a person,” he added.
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Hungary wants to resurrect the Visegrád Four cooperation
Commenting ahead of a Visegrád Group summit in Prague on Monday, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said on Facebook that “there will be a great need for close central European cooperation in preventing a series of dangerous decisions from being made in Brussels”.
Szijjártó said Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia and Poland needed each other to prevent the mandatory distribution of illegal migrants, to stop low quality grain imports from Ukraine, to argue against taxes from being harmonised across Europe and against “the ideologically based discrimination” of nuclear energy.
“Of course, our positions on the EU’s response to the war in Ukraine and on peace are different; still, we are ready to continue cooperating in areas where our national interests coincide,” Szijjártó said.
The V4 cooperation halted after Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. Poland has a pro-Ukraine stance, while Hungary would like to remain a bridge between the East and the West. Last time, for example, the Orbán cabinet vetoed an anti-Putin EU resolution.
Read also:
- Agricultural chambers of V4, Latvia and Lithuania to hold joint demonstration on this week – Read more HERE
Hungarian stabbed several people in Gdansk, Poland
Six people were injured in a knife attack at dawn on Sunday in Gdansk, and a Hungarian citizen was one of two people detained in the case, according to a police spokesperson.
A 24-year-old Hungarian and a 30-year-old Polish citizen were detained, Magdalena Ciska said.
The six injured were hospitalised, and one has already been discharged.
The Hungarian consulate general told MTI that the investigation was ongoing, and police do not want to share detailed information for the time being. The case is not classified as a terrorist attack, but as “standard attempted murder”, an official of the consulate general said.
Read also:
- Poland, Hungary protest against EU policies – Read more HERE
- Dutch woman stabs partner to death in Budapest flat – crime scene photos, videos – Details in THIS article
Featured image: the downtown of Gdansk