Fidesz

Drugs situation in Budapest serious, leading politician says

Budapest has a serious drugs situation which must be brought to a stop, the head of the Fidesz-Christian Democrats group in the Budapest assembly said on Thursday.

Alexandra Szentkirályi said on Facebook that drugs had never been cheaper or easier to get hold of than today, and she added that the city council should play a key role in taking up the fight against drugs, yet it was doing the opposite.

She insisted that the city’s drugs strategy was not anti-drugs, but created by “pro-drugs activists” who lobbied for the freer and more comfortable consumption of drugs.

“Budapest residents have never been asked about this,” she said, adding that the mayor, Gergely Karácsony, and his team “have set the task of ensuring comfortable drugs regulations for young people in clubs”.

Szentkirályi said drugs were inspected but then returned to users. “As a mother with a teenage daughter, how can I feel that she is safe in the capital if the City Council encourages consumption?” she added.

The Fidesz politician said the Hungarian capital was involved in concealed drugs liberalisation, using various means to support drugs users instead of helping prevention and fighting crime.

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November 22, 2024

Breaking: A groundbreaking step in Hungary’s wage negotiations for 2025

At the latest meeting of the Permanent Consultative Forum for Hungarian Industry and Government, another meaningful step was taken towards determining the 2025 minimum wage and guaranteed minimum wage. While a final agreement has not yet been reached, the drafting of the final text is already underway which is an encouraging sign of progress.

Throughout the discussions, both unions and employers have made compromises to close the gaps that have surfaced in recent weeks. According to 24.hu, optimism is growing, fuelled by the participants’ willingness to meet halfway and the emerging framework of a three-year wage agreement that could bring much-needed stability to the labour market.

Economic challenges and considerations

Economic realities have significantly shaped the negotiations. Third-quarter GDP data revealed weaker-than-expected performance, putting added pressure on discussions. Employers, facing these economic challenges, struggled to support the initial proposal for a double-digit wage increase.

While the idea of a 10% rise was widely seen as too steep, a more modest 8% increase was deemed feasible by many. That said, employers have not ruled out higher increases entirely, but they have set clear conditions. Many are looking to the government for support, such as tax cuts, to offset the financial impact. The final outcome will heavily depend on how these economic factors are managed and whether unions’ demands can align with what employers and the government find sustainable.

The current state and goals

There is broad agreement between trade unions and employers on the need for a long-term wage framework, with the ambitious goal of raising the minimum wage to 50% of the average gross wage by 2027. Achieving this will require a concerted effort from unions, employers, and the government. A multi-year agreement could provide much-needed stability, offering businesses and workers predictable wage growth.

Under current plans, the minimum wage is set to rise by 10%, with the guaranteed minimum wage increasing by 7% from the 1st of January 2025. According to Világgazdaság, this would see the minimum wage grow from its current gross value of HUF 266,500 (EUR 655) to HUF 293,150 (EUR 720), and the guaranteed minimum wage increase from HUF 326,000 (EUR 800) to HUF 348,820 (EUR 850). These changes will affect a substantial number of workers—particularly the guaranteed minimum wage increase, which could impact 700,000 to 750,000 individuals.

While these adjustments will place a considerable strain on businesses, they also mark a step closer to aligning Hungarian wages with European standards. Over time, these increases could improve the quality of life for low-wage workers and contribute to higher average earnings, ultimately benefiting the broader economy.

The negotiations so far

Negotiations are set to resume on Wednesday, with participants expected to consult further with their respective organisations beforehand. The League of Trade Unions’ leader has expressed confidence, calling an average annual increase of 12% over three years a realistic target. Encouragingly, all sides appear to be converging on their positions. While details remain under wraps, a growing willingness to compromise is evident. Whether all stakeholders ultimately agree remains uncertain, but optimism surrounds the possibility of finalising key issues in the next round of discussions.

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November 21, 2024

Fidesz to modify electoral rules in Hungary – Budapest Mayor Karácsony forms harsh judgement

election in Hungary Századvég's poll: Hungary's leading parties hold a comfortable lead

Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest, has said ruling Fidesz wanted to boost its own election chances by reducing the number of electoral districts in the capital and thereby diluting the city’s voting weight in parliament relative to its population.

Karácsony accuses Fidesz of seeking to amend election law to favour itself

Fidesz’s proposal would reduce the number of electoral districts in Budapest from 18 to 16, a statement from Karácsony’s office said on Tuesday.

“What’s more, they want to shove this down the throats of lawmakers with a sneaky committee amendment, without even allowing a regular parliamentary debate,” Karácsony said. “This is their way of taking revenge on the capital for [the majority of the electorate] voting against the government last time. If they keep this up, an even larger share of the electorate will vote against them next time.”

Alexandra Szentkirályi, the head of Fidesz’s Budapest chapter, said Karácsony was “lying” about the proposed amendment, arguing that legislators had a duty to make changes to the electoral districts to reflect their changing populations.

In a Facebook post, Szentkirályi insisted that because Karácsony is an “experienced sociologist and polltaker”, he was “deliberately twisting the truth … rather than simply being uninformed”.

“He falsely claims that the government is reducing the number of electoral districts in Budapest as punishment because Budapest residents didn’t vote for Fidesz,” Szentkirályi said.

She said the capital’s population had grown under the administration of former mayor István Tarlós before shrinking by about 66,000 during Karacsony’s first term between 2019 and 2024.

She added that this required decision-makers to reapportion the electoral districts accordingly, noting that under the law, they have to have similar populations.

László Sebián-Petrovszki, the party director of the opposition Democratic Coalition (DK), said after a meeting of parliament’s judiciary committee that Fidesz KDNP submitted a 65-page proposal aiming to redraw electroral district lines in Budapest and a few counties. He called it “outrageous” that the proposal was submitted “without any consultation or professional groundwork”.

He pointed to Budapest’s 11th district as an example, which would be divided into four electoral districts.

Several points of the proposal would have practical disadvantages for the voters, Sebián-Petrovszki said. The ballots would be cast without envelopes, “which could lead to irregularities,” he added.

Regarding the re-drawing of electoral maps in counties, Sebián-Petrovszki said the steep population decline in Somogy County could warrant measures. At the same time, “the proposal also features a complete revamp of Fejár and Csongrád-Csanád counties,” he said.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

November 19, 2024

Hungarian EU enlargement commissioner: Ten years of enlargement advances achieved in a single term

Hungarian commissioner Várhelyi central europe EU enlargement

Oliver Várhelyi, the EU enlargement commissioner, said in Brussels on Monday that European Union integration, a priority of the Hungarian presidency, had advanced by ten years in a single term.

Várhelyi talks about EU enlargement

Briefing the European Parliament‘s foreign affairs committee, he called enlargement a down payment on the bloc’s future peace and economic prosperity.

In 2020 enlargement policy was revised to ensure procedures were made faster and more credible, with the rule of law placed at the centre of the accession process, he said.

He mentioned investments in connectivity, transport, digital energy and infrastructure and the mobilisation of private capital as potential advantages for aspiring members.

The past five years, he added, had seen a large proportion of EU investment plans made in connection with the Western Balkans and the Eastern and Southern regions.

Várhelyi said Serbia must speed up reforms and focus on the rule of law while seeking to normalise relations with Kosovo. Further, Belgrade must align itself with the EU’s foreign policy goals, adding that there was evidence, such as its “significant support” for Ukraine, that the country was oriented towards the EU.

Meanwhile, holders of a Kosovo passport are able to travel visa-free to the EU, he noted. Kosovo leaders, he added, must do more to win cross-party support for the implementation of reform and to ensure free speech.

Regarding Moldova, he noted the Oct 20 constitutional referendum with which the country opted to join the EU. Russia, he added, had mounted a “hybrid campaign” before the vote.

Turning to Ukraine, he said Kyiv should carry on working to curb systemic corruption, fight organised crime and protect minority rights.

Georgia’s accession negotiations have been suspended but hopefully they would soon continue, he said. If Tbilisi responded to EU concerns, the sides may resume talks, he added.

The commissioner referred to Turkiye as “an important partner” with which the EU maintained “good and fruitful” ties, even if accession talks had stalled.

The EU and Ankara were gradually deepening relations, and notwithstanding several problems in the relationship, “the constructive approach has led to results”, he said, also referring to cooperation on deterring migration and dialogue on the rule of law and democracy.

He said the EU also regarded reconciliation with Cyprus as an important matter, and he welcomed an improvement in Greece-Turkiye ties.

Ruling Fidesz MEP Viktória Ferenc during the ensuing debate noted the importance of the protection of minorities in Ukraine. Whereas legal protections for Transcarpathian Hungarians were now a part of Ukraine’s EU accession process, the full legal restoration of their minority rights was yet to take place, she added.

Opposition Tisza Party MEP Eszter Lakos asked Várhelyi what he saw as his enlargement policy legacy in the Western Balkans, questioning whether countries there found the enlargement process credible.

Read also:

November 19, 2024

EPP leader Manfred Weber protecting Orbán-challenger Péter Magyar?

Manfred Weber is ensuring political protection for Péter Magyar in the European Parliament, Fidesz MEP Tamás Deutsch said in a video message posted on Facebook on Sunday.

Deutsch said the events of recent weeks showed that the “political deal” between Weber and Magyar was “working splendidly”.

He added that the leader of the Tisza Party and the EP group leader of the “Tisza Brussels party” had agreed, behind closed doors, that Weber would guarantee Magyar’s political protection in the EP and the European People’s Party (EPP) would not suspend Magyar’s immunity.

In this way, Deutsch said the Tisza Party leader would escape “responsibility for the crimes he has committed” in exchange for being the “most humble servant” of the EPP.

He added that the matter of Magyar’s immunity had been delayed for weeks in the EP.

Deutsch said the Tisza Party leader had actively and full-heartedly indicated that he was “ready to give up a little bit of our sovereignty”. He added that Magyar and the Tisza Party MEPs had all backed the accelerated rollout of the “catastrophic” migration pact and given their full support to stepping up “gender propaganda and strengthening LGBTQ sensitisation”.

He said they had also supported the continuation of a rule of law procedure that “served as political blackmail of Hungary”, attacked regulated utilities prices and voted for the introduction of new energy sanctions that would be “a shot in the heart” for Hungary’s energy security.

Hungarian MEP Tamás Deutsch fidesz tisza — Photo: FB/Tamás Deutsch

Deutsch called the Tisza Party leader the “Hungarian voice of Brussels”.

“Anybody who can make secret recordings of his wife and girlfriend is capable of anything and would do anything for Manfred Weber, it it’s his wish,” he said.

“Let’s protect Hungary from Manfred Weber and Peter Brussels,” he added.

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PM Orbán’s biggest opponent PM Orbán’s biggest opponent revealed why food prices are high in Hungary
Slovak PM Fico may sacrifice his good relations with PM Orbán to keep his governing coalition

Featured image: Manfred Weber and Péter Magyar discussing.

November 18, 2024

Orbán’s Fidesz outraged: Péter Magyar’s Tisza would end the utility price cap scheme?

Péter Magyar's Tisza does not want to protect their utility price cap scheme

The Tisza Party has voted against Hungary’s utility price caps in Brussels, the European parliamentary delegation of the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrats (KDNP) said late on Thursday, referring to an EP declaration on the UN’s climate conference, COP29, held in Baku earlier this month.

The declaration called for phasing out household energy subsidies such as Hungary’s utility price caps, the statement said.

“Such a proposal would gravely harm Hungarian families, so MEPs of the Fidesz-KDNP delegation have rejected it,” they said.

Farmers, companies or families can’t shoulder the costs of the green transition alone, the statement said.

The declaration adopted on Thursday calls on member states to stop using oil, coal and gas as soon as possible, and says that energy subsidies such as the Hungarian utility price caps are “too high”, demanding that they are scrapped, the MEP group said.

“That [Tisza leader] Péter Magyar and the party should put their names on a proposal like that it outrageous,” the statement said.

Read also:

Orbán’s challenger Péter Magyar denounces his ex-girlfriend, expels her from his party – read more HERE
Opposition Tisza Party: Key to Hungary’s sovereignty is ending Russia energy dependence – details in THIS article

November 16, 2024

Major security risk: Hungary’s defence system compromised in USD 5 million cyberattack

Hungary’s Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) has suffered a significant cyberattack. A hacking group known as Inc. Ransomware managed to infiltrate the agency’s network, encrypt sensitive files, and demanded a $5 million ransom to prevent the information from being leaked.

According to Telex, the hacking group has already released some files online, which may include military procurement data, financial records, and other internal documents. This breach has thus become both a national security concern and a cybersecurity disaster.

The DPA, established in 2019, is a centralised agency responsible for all defence and security-related procurements in Hungary. It oversees acquisitions ranging from military equipment to disaster management tools. This breach raises serious concerns not only about the stolen data but also about the agency’s security measures and its ability to protect critical national defence information.

more and more young people enlist military — Photo: Facebook/Szalay-Bobrovniczky Kristóf

The group behind the cyberattack

Inc. Ransomware is an international hacking group known for targeting government agencies globally. This group reportedly accessed the DPA’s files in October, and by 6 November, began releasing the data online. Among the leaked materials is a document from the Hungarian Defence Logistics Support Command, indicating a freeze on procurement for the coming year. For those monitoring cyber threats, this breach demonstrates the potential exposure of even highly classified information.

Although most of the stolen data was on secure networks, some has now leaked onto the open internet, which raises serious concerns. Reports indicate that portions of the data are accessible to users outside the dark web, meaning the potential fallout could be even greater than initially expected.

This breach also exposes a peculiarity in Hungary’s defence data management practices. Unlike other government agencies, the military does not rely on the National Security Service (NSS) for monitoring and security; instead, it manages cybersecurity internally. With the new EU NIS2 cybersecurity regulations coming into effect (though excluding military agencies), this incident could prompt a re-evaluation of how military data is protected.

The Hungarian Government’s reaction to the cyberattack

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the attack and acknowledged the involvement of Inc. Ransomware. They state that an investigation is underway, although they clarified that the DPA does not store the most sensitive military infrastructure data. However, this attack has raised serious questions about the agency’s cybersecurity protocols, which are now under intense scrutiny.

At a government press briefing, Minister Gergely Gulyás addressed the situation, noting that ultra-sensitive information had not been leaked. Although the attack did not expose the most critical information, the breach serves as a wake-up call for Hungarian authorities regarding the importance of safeguarding defence-related data. Despite the breach, defence procurement activities have not slowed, with spending on defence remaining robust and the government showing no indication of cutting back.

This attack underscores how vulnerable even core government functions can be to cyber threats, and the DPA may be the latest example of the urgent need for security upgrades that many agencies are overdue for.

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November 14, 2024

Hungarian opposition DK to nominate own candidates in all 106 individual constituencies in 2026

Ferenc Gyurcsány Democratic Coalition DK

The opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) plans to nominate candidates in all 106 individual constituencies in the 2026 general election, according to a party official.

DK’s plan

Public opinion polls indicate that four parties have a chance of entering parliament in 2026, and since Fidesz, Tisza and Mi Hazánk are all right-wing, Christian parties, only Democratic Coalition will represent non-right-wing voters, Csaba Molnár, DK’s executive vice-president, told an online press briefing on Tuesday.

Nominations will be for candidates who are local, well-known, and for the most part already elected representatives.

Read also:

November 12, 2024

The Hungarian Watergate? Opposition leader Péter Magyar exposes alleged Government surveillance plot!

Péter Magyar Tisza Party Youtube Government Watergate

Yesterday, Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, announced via a Facebook post that he would be holding an extraordinary press conference to reveal what he called the biggest political scandal in Hungary since the regime change. The press conference, titled “The Hungarian Watergate Scandal,” left many unsure of what to expect from the live broadcast.

Péter Magyar, Chairman of the Tisza Party, has made serious accusations against the Hungarian government, alleging that certain government members have conducted secret surveillance on him and his party. In his statement at the press conference, Magyar claimed that the Fidesz government operates a private secret service network to monitor him and his party colleagues and that they are preparing a smear campaign against the Tisza Party. According to Magyar, this campaign is built on information about his private life, which was allegedly leaked to a government website with the help of his former girlfriend, Evelin Vogel.

What to expect from the campaign against Péter Magyar

Péter Magyar made strong allegations against the government during Sunday’s press conference, accusing it of using AI-supported methods to defame him and his party. Magyar asserted that the campaign employs the latest technologies, including AI-edited audio and video, to discredit him and his associates.

Magyar further alleged that tens of millions of forints have been spent to prepare a smear campaign, with plans to release manipulated content on a website named Objectiv. According to Telex, the site is currently under maintenance; however, Magyar claims its purpose is to disseminate compromising, AI-generated content. As stated in his accusations, “Antal Rogán and his associates” allocated one billion HUF (€2,439,233) to edit Magyar’s public appearances using AI-based technology, with the intent to produce manipulated materials aimed at damaging his reputation.

Magyar also revealed that intelligence sources had informed him that listening devices had been installed in the Tisza Party offices and his own residence, although he admitted he lacked evidence to prove this claim. He called on Interior Minister Sándor Pintér to inspect the party’s properties and assets.

PM Orbán and Péter Magyar Tisza party — Photo: FB/Magyar

The Vogel Evelin audio leak

In one audio recording, Evelin Vogel is allegedly heard demanding 30 million HUF (€73,176) to refrain from “turning resentment into revenge.” She reportedly threatens to “explore other options” if her demand is unmet. This recording purportedly dates back to 16 June 2024. Three months later, Vogel gave an interview with Index, openly criticising her former partner, Péter Magyar, and sharing a very unfavourable view of the Tisza Party president.

Contacts and support from the Hungarian Government

Magyar further claims that his ex-wife, Judit Varga, along with Evelin Vogel, receives financial backing from Fidesz-aligned circles close to the Hungarian government. According to Magyar, this support is provided by IT entrepreneur György Vertán, who also allegedly offers Vogel accommodation in a property on Alkotmány Street. He contends that Varga and Vogel have taken on the role of making negative public statements against him.

György Vertán, owner and founder of Tigra Ltd., has denied Magyar’s allegations. According to 24.hu, Vertán stated that he does not finance Vogel but only provides her with temporary housing. He emphasised that he has no involvement in the political activities of the Tisza Party or in Magyar’s personal affairs and, as such, offers no political support.

Judit Varga, the former Minister of Justice under the Orbán government, is currently employed by Tigra Ltd., where she assists the company in its international expansion. Vertán confirmed this, adding that Varga receives standard employee benefits and performs her duties with diligence.

Vertán has also stressed that Tigra Ltd. has always maintained political neutrality, serving clients across the political spectrum. He stated that his company has received various public and private contracts over the years and intends to continue this approach.

The first Péter Magyar audio leak

The first audio recording emerged earlier than expected, surfacing in the media earlier today. According to Telex, the clip, apparently recorded after the June protest, captures Magyar making some heated comments about the demonstrators. He also seems to hint at plans to discredit Vogel publicly, suggesting that she has been unfaithful.

The Tisza Party responded quickly, labelling the recording a “manipulative attack.” They assert that the incident was orchestrated by Fidesz and Rogán’s associates, accusing Vogel of being a long-term Fidesz insider who had even been provided with an apartment by them. Magyar added that the objective of the recording was to damage the reputation of the opposition party.

Péter Magyar Tisza Watergate Government — Source: Facebook/ Péter Magyar

Tisza to expel Vogel, Magyar to file police report on ‘blackmail’

According to MTI, the leadership of the opposition Tisza Party has decided to expel Evelin Vogel, and party leader Péter Magyar will file a police report alleging blackmail, the party announced on Monday. Magyar said he had been aware “for days” of “attempts by the ruling party and [Cabinet Minister] Rogán’s propaganda team to discredit him” using “illegally obtained and digitally manipulated material.”

“The reason is that the party has a realistic chance of ousting the mafia government,” they said.

The party further claimed that “the recording in question is clearly edited and manipulated; at least one sentence is certainly not spoken by Magyar.” They also stated, “Vogel should rather tell the press how many tens of millions of forints she has received from Fidesz, and why she resides in an apartment provided by Fidesz deputy leader Gábor Kubatov and [billionaire entrepreneur] György Vertán.”

Read also:

November 11, 2024

New public holidays wanted in Hungary

Hungarian society has long been waiting for 24 December to become a public holiday in Hungary, like in seven other European countries, says Péter Balassa, Member of Parliament, who has again submitted a legislative amendment proposal to this end.

Péter Balassa (Jobbik) proposes an amendment to Act I of 2012 on the Labour Code to make Christmas Eve a public holiday.

There are currently public holidays in Hungary:

New Year’s Day – 1 January

1848-49 Revolution and War of Independence – 15 March

Good Friday – Easter cycle

Easter Monday – constantly changing date

Labour Day – 1 May

Pentecost Monday – constantly changing date

State Founding Day – 20 August

56th Revolution Day – 23 October

All Saints Day – 1 November

Christmas Day – 25 December

Christmas Day – 26 December

According to Péter Balassa’s proposal, Article 102(1) of Act I of 2012 on the Labour Code would be replaced by the following provision:

(1) Public holidays: 1 January, 15 March, Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1 May, Whit Monday, 20 August, 23 October, 1 November and 24-26 December.

In justifying his proposal, Balassa pointed out that

in December 2023, several retailers—mentioning only the biggest ones, such as Lidl, Rossmann, and Penny—backed the initiative, allowing their employees to spend Christmas Eve with their loved ones and families.

In fact, it is probably only a matter of time before the government proposes a resolution to declare 24 December a public holiday, which will be adopted as a proposal of its own. In Hungary, shops are rarely open on Christmas Eve, and usually only until noon, and public transport also switches to public holiday mode in the second half of the day, so it is, in effect, an unrecognised but official for many people public holiday.

Government response to the new public holiday

This is the fifth time the proposal has been repeated, but the proposal to make Christmas Eve a public holiday was voted down yearly by a two-thirds majority of Fidesz, a party with Christian and conservative values.

According to the government’s explanatory statement, János Fónagy, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of National Economy (then the Ministry of Economic Development), stressed last year that All Saints’ Day was declared a public holiday in 2000 at the initiative of Fidesz, and Good Friday in 2017 at the initiative of Fidesz-KDNP.

Hungary has eleven public holidays, adding that any further increase in the number of public holidays should be carefully examined from the point of view of the economy’s capacity to cope with the economic burden.

More arguments for a public holiday

The arguments for the new holiday include that since 2017, Hungary has 11 public holidays, one day less than the EU average. Romania and Slovakia have 15 public holidays in neighbouring countries yearly, Croatia 14, Austria 13 and Ukraine 12.

According to Balassa, Fidesz’s argument that increasing the number of public holidays would weaken competitiveness and lead to a loss of GDP is not valid, since 24 December is undoubtedly the day when most of the income is generated by trade, but people can also schedule their shopping for other days, especially as shops are open practically all year round during Advent, including at weekends.

He also noted that the energy crisis is an important argument, as retail outlets’ overheads can be so high that the question arises whether it is worth keeping them open on this day.

Ultimately, this is a value choice: the government of a country that professes to be Christian should be sensitive to the need of Hungarian families to be together from 24 to 26 December. This period should be a time of peace, love, and intimate celebration,” concluded the MEP.

Last year’s opinion polls showed that

64-83% of Hungarians would support making Christmas Eve a public holiday.

Read also: CNN: Hungarian Christmas Fairs in the World’s Top

Featured image: depositphotos.com

November 11, 2024

Opposition Tisza extremely popular among voters below 40 – Fidesz launches attack

“It is disgusting that (people) in the Tisza Party wish for the death of pensioners,” Tamas Menczer, the communications director of the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrat alliance, said on Facebook on Saturday.

Menczer quoted György Raskó, a supporter of the opposition party as saying on social media that “Tisza will benefit from the fact that many seniors, to the tune of hundreds of thousands, will no longer be voting at the next election.”

“It is not true that Raskó … would wish for the death of old people,” Tisza leader Peter Magyar told MTI, adding that agricultural economist Rasko had not been nominated by Tisza in last summer’s municipal and EP elections, nor was he a party member.

Recent polls found that the majority of the Hungarian voters below 40 would choose Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party, while the majority of the voters above 65 would support Fidesz on an election. That is a new trend. Opposition parties were regularly more popular in the age group of people below 30, but losing the 31-40 group for Fidesz is something new.

Read also:

French President, Austrian chancellor offered help for PM Orbán’s biggest adversary Magyar – read more HERE
Surprising: Péter Magyar’s Tisza party ahead of PM Orbán in latest polls but won’t field candidates on next election

November 10, 2024

Hungary’s commissioner nominee Olivér Várhelyi failed, Fidesz suspects leftist pact behind

At his hearing in front of the expert committees of the European Parliament, Olivér Várhelyi said that if his candidacy for Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare was supported, he wanted to work towards improving citizens’ health by further building the European Health-care Union, “because cross-border crises like the coronavirus pandemic require joint solutions.”

Olivér Várhelyi failed his first hearing, had to answer in writing

Várhelyi, who has been EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement for the past five years, told the hearing that innovation in health care was a step towards a “strong, competitive and healthy Europe”. He said prevention through a “comprehensive approach and investment” would be a priority. He would also work to keep clinical research in Europe and strengthen it, especially in the diseases causing the most deaths in the bloc such as cancer and heart and circulatory diseases. By keeping research in Europe and by improving access to medical equipment, the EU’s autonomy would grow and its health-care industry would remain competitive, he said.

“I would like to ensure that treatments and medicine will always be at European citizens’ disposal whenever and wherever they need it.” Meanwhile, Várhelyi said he would also keep the EU’s food safety and animal health regulations the strictest in Europe, which is also a way to maintain farmers’ competitiveness.

According to Politico, “lawmakers refused to approve Várhelyi after his oral hearing on Wednesday — the only Commissioner so far not to be greenlit at this stage.” He received a lot of questions her had to answer in writing. HERE you can read them with the replies.

He has until 12 November to convince the committees of the European Parliament.

Patriots for Europe support Várhelyi

The MEP delegation of Hungary’s ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrats (KDNP) and their party family, the Patriots for Europe, are standing behind Hungarian commissioner candidate Olivér Várhelyi, Fidesz MEP Tamás Deutsch said on Facebook on Wednesday, ahead of Várhelyi’s hearing in the European Parliament.

Várhelyi proved his experience, professional knowledge and preparedness in his career so far, he said.

At the same time, “there is no doubt that professional knowledge will mean nothing to the EP’s leftist majority,” he said. “Even though the hearing is supposed to assess professional knowledge, we can expect the well-known ideological and political attacks.” Deutsch said there had been reports that “the Tisza delegation, the European People’s Party and its leader, Manfred Weber …

have made a pact with the other leftist groups to mandate a second hearing for Várhelyi, no matter what.”

Fidesz MEP blasts ‘EPP-left pact’ against Hungarian commissioner candidate

Csaba Dömötör, an MEP of ruling Fidesz, on Thursday criticised what he called “a pact between the European People’s Party and the left-wing EP groups” under which they were requiring Hungarian commissioner-designate Oliver Varhelyi to answer further questions rather than immediately confirming his nomination.

“It is a serious circumstance and characteristic of their democratic attitude that the decision on this was made before Oliver Varhelyi’s confirmation hearing,” Dömötör said on Facebook. “By doing this they have made the confirmation hearings a part of the regular political pressure campaigns.”

Dömötörsaid Várhelyi’s hearing had lasted three hours, and he had already demonstrated his experience and expertise. “It’s too bad the MEPs questioning him didn’t care about any of this,” he added.

“Europe deserves more than this. And so does Hungary. And democracy,” the MEP said.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Fidesz MEP Viktoria Ferenc in Brussels on Thursday, Dömötör said the left-wing majority of the EP had turned Varhelyi’s confirmation hearing into “a political circus”. Varhelyi spoke in detail about his plans to strengthen health care, launch prevention programmes and digital developments, and touched on animal welfare measures, he added. He also pointed out that Varhelyi had experience with how the European Commission operates, as he had filled a commissioner’s position in the past five years.

Dömötör said “this pact is a personal act of revenge” for Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s Party, because Hungary earlier had not supported his candidacy for president of the European Commission.

Nevertheless, he said, he trusted that common sense would prevail in the end. MEP’s, he said, would realise that the new European Commission would have to start work as soon as possible.

Answering a question regarding the European Political Community summit currently being held in Budapest, Dömötör said the event disproved the claim that Hungary was isolated or that it was not possible to maintain balanced and strong relations with the leaders of several key countries at the same time.

“Hungarian diplomacy proves that this is possible,” Dömötör said, adding that the event “will deal with essential issues, rather than a political circus”.

Read also:

Informal meeting of EU heads of state and government approves Orbán’s initiative – read more HERE
EPC summit in Budapest: PM Orbán talks about endangered Europe, President Zelensky gives chilling warning – PHOTOS

November 10, 2024

Scandal-ridden Fidesz politician Szájer resurfaces with EU critique and new think tank leadership

After years of silence following his 2020 scandal in Brussels, former Fidesz MEP Szájer József has returned to the public sphere with a bold stance on European Union reform and a new role as head of the recently launched Free Europe Institute. The institute, created under the guidance of historian Mária Schmidt, seeks to champion a vision of European integration based on national sovereignty rather than federalism, according to Szájer.

József Szájer is back, and he’s back with a plan

In his official statement, Szájer emphasises the institute’s mission to counter the concept of a “United States of Europe,” advocating instead for a model where member states retain autonomy. This approach aligns with Hungary’s constitution, he notes, which holds that EU cooperation should empower states to exercise sovereignty together, rather than ceding control to central EU bodies. Szájer is adamant about using his knowledge of constitutional and EU law to support this mission through research, analysis, and advisory efforts.

szájer józsef — Photo: https://szajer.fidesz-eu.hu/hu/bemutatkozas/

The newly established think tank, with a small but ambitious team, plans to roll out several key projects. Among these are a detailed blueprint for a “sovereign Europe” inspired by the 1960s Fouchet Plan and a sovereignty index to measure EU countries’ independence. Additionally, Szájer aims to draft a “Charter of Nations’ Rights” to balance the EU’s current charter, which primarily safeguards individual rights.

In a lengthy analysis published on Mária Schmidt’s blog, Szájer extends his critique, framing the EU as fundamentally undemocratic and out of touch with European citizens, 24.hu writes. He argues that a series of crises over the past fifteen years has exposed the EU’s inability to respond effectively, attributing this failure to “ideological biases” that disconnect it from citizens’ needs. Szájer positions the newly formed Patriots Group—led by Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—as a viable alternative, capable of breaking the EU’s cycle of ineffective policies with a focus on “democracy and freedom, driven by citizens’ votes.”

Szájer’s past scandal

Szájer’s re-entry into public life comes nearly four years after the scandal that forced his resignation. In November 2020, Belgian authorities apprehended him fleeing a lockdown-violating homosexual orgy event in Brussels, which he later described as a momentary lapse in judgment. Despite ongoing speculation, Szájer maintains he faced no charges beyond breaching COVID-19 restrictions, and he reiterates his intention to shield his private life from public scrutiny.

Reflecting on his career, Szájer notes pride in his contributions to Hungary’s independence and his role as one of the country’s first representatives to the European Parliament. He has spent recent years in quiet reflection and recovery from a serious illness, emphasising that his future work will be intellectual rather than political.

Szájer’s new focus, through the Free Europe Institute, signals his commitment to reshaping EU discourse around sovereignty, with an intent to foster substantial policy alternatives grounded in national independence. As he embarks on this next chapter, Szájer has made clear his stance on personal privacy, stating he will no longer address questions related to his past scandal.

PM Orbán’s reaction to Szájer’s comeback

Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán reacted to the re-emergence of his former colleague. When asked by Telex about Szájer’s return, Orbán’s spokesperson, Bertalan Havasi, commented, “It was about time,” adding that Orbán and Szájer, who have been friends since their university days, regularly meet.

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November 7, 2024

Fidesz strongman “sends home” US Ambassador Pressman “with his wife”, Pressman warns of PM Orbán’s “gambling problem”

Pressman warns of PM Orbán's gambling problem (Copy)

Ambassador David Pressman arrived in Hungary in 2022, and clashes between him and the Orbán-led Hungarian government have become permanent. Following Trump’s victory, government-close influencers and strongmen wrote that he should go home. One even said he should take his influencers, Ursula von der Leyen and his unnamed “wife”, as well. Pressman held a reception on Wednesday at the US Embassy in Budapest to celebrate democracy, in his words. He also criticised the Orbán cabinet, saying they gambled the US-Hungary relationship during this election. And the consequences are severe.

Fidesz strongman says Pressman should take home his “cute little wife” with von der Leyen

Zsolt Bayer, the owner of party membership card No. 5 in PM Orbán’s Fidesz party, titled his article in government-close Magyar Nemzet, “Pressman, go home!” He wrote about the deep state, woke, cancel culture, and LGBTQ, claiming that the American deep state tried to interfere in Hungary’s domestic policies with the help of Pressman. Bayer called the ambassador a viceroy and said the USA would return to the path of normalcy following Trump’s victory.

Bayer also said Pressman should take his influencers, press, von der Leyen and his “cute little wife”. “It’s over!”, he concluded.

David Pressman (Copy) — Ambassador Pressman (c). Photo: FB/Embassy of the USA

Hungary suffers from PM Orbán’s gambling problem

Yesterday evening, the American ambassador invited the Hungarian press to the Embassy of the United States “to celebrate democracy”. He said he does not do politics and will never comment on partisan politics.

He reminded the participants that they sat in a room where 35 years before President George H.W. Bush had met with young Viktor Orbán hoping for a partnership between the two countries. “It was the promise of democracy that brought our leaders together on that evening, and we gather again in this room tonight to celebrate democracy”.

Ambassador Pressman — Photo: DNH, Alpár Kató

Concerning the presidential election, he slammed PM Orbán for gambling “with the U.S.-Hungary relationship. A relationship that has been altered by his gamesmanship. The damage caused runs deeper than a four-year term of a President, because it is rooted in an impulse to transform something big and lasting, a relationship between Allies – between strong nations – into something smaller and fleeting.” Later, he added what Orbán did was “gambling with the alliance that secures your safety, like a stack of chips in a game of poker”. He highlighted that Hungary’s allies saw that gambling and added Hungary must swallow somehow the cost of that gambling. “Gambling with our alliance, in the long run, will always be a losing proposition”, he said.

Viktor Orbán Donald Trump Danube Institute — Trump won – Orbán won. But will Hungary win? And what could have happened if Trump had lost? Source: Facebook / Orbán Viktor

U.S.-Hungary relationship will not be the same

Pressman underscored that no alliances can last for long because gambling will deteriorate trust between the nations, and that kills longstanding commitments.

He also said that the American elections will not change Hungary. “I know American elections matter beyond our borders, but they do not determine your destiny – you do”, he concluded.

The Hungarian government keeps repeating that the economic problems Hungary faces are caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the emerging blocks in world trade and politics. Since Trump promised solutions, they suggested that our problems could be solved if Trump won. For example, the Orbán cabinet always submitted and accepted the country’s next budget before June (the 2024 budget was accepted in May 2023). This year was the only exception when Orbán said they would only discuss the budget in November because they wanted to wait for the outcome of the American presidential elections.

Read also:

What can PM Orbán and Hungary gain from Trump’s victory? – read more HERE
Trump’s victory threatens forint with collapse, Orbán cabinet happy and congratulates – details in THIS article

Featured image: illustration

November 7, 2024

Beyond politics: The most embarrassing TikTok moments of Hungarian politicians

Nowadays, you can’t imagine everyday life without social media. The vast majority of people have at least one account, whether that be Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. Politicians are no exception, they have long been active on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. However, with the rapid evolution of technology, more and more politicians are jumping on the TikTok bandwagon.

TikTok offers a unique opportunity for politicians to connect with younger audiences and share their messages in a more relatable way. It’s also a chance for the public to see a different, often more personal side of their leaders, beyond the typical polished campaign appearances or formal interviews.

In Hungary, the trend is no different. A growing number of politicians have started to make their presence felt on TikTok. While some of their videos have resonated well, others have missed the mark—some even verging on cringeworthy. So, let’s dive into the most awkward and uncomfortable TikTok moments from Hungarian politicians.

Viktor Orbán

Hungary’s Prime Minister primarily uses TikTok for two main purposes: responding to questions—usually the simpler ones that highlight his personality—and promoting the government’s political agenda. However, not every post hits the mark. Occasionally, a video or two misses the intended effect, leading to some awkward or questionable moments, like the following example:

@viktor_a_tiktokon

Nindzsa kormány 🥷 #orbanviktor #miniszterelnok #follow #fyp #foryou #fidesz #nindzsakormány #ninja

♬ eredeti hang – Viktor a TikTokon

In this short clip, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attempts to engage the younger generation by showcasing AI-generated ministers, paired with his voiceover. The response in the comments section, however, did not quite match his expectations. Reactions included comments like, “What is this?” and “I might have to move.” While there were some positive remarks, the ones that garnered the most attention and likes leaned more toward criticism and disapproval.

Alexandra Szentkirályi

Alexandra Szentkirályi, former government spokeswoman and Fidesz party member, is more active on TikTok than the Prime Minister and often focuses on issues affecting Budapest. However, this time, her video did not land as intended. In a post made during the recent flooding, she urged opposition politician Péter Magyar not to exploit the situation for political purposes. Ironically, she then spent the remaining 30 seconds criticizing him, turning the video into a politically charged statement itself. This shift in tone led to mixed reactions and gave the video an unintended twist.

@alexandra.szentkiralyi

Most annak van itt az ideje, hogy politikai hangulatkeltés helyett mind együtt dolgozzunk az árvíz ellen. #segitunk #arviz #Budapest

♬ Doomsday – DIVARIUS

Péter Magyar

Péter Magyar, President of Hungary’s largest opposition party and Member of the European Parliament, has mastered connecting with the younger generation on social media, as evident from his impressive view counts. However, despite his strong online presence, his attempt at AI-generated content did not quite hit the mark, coming off as more unsettling than engaging.

@magyarpeterofficial

Vajon az ilyen videókkal mit akar a propaganda elérni? 😅 #magyarpéter #fy #fyp #theman

♬ eredeti hang – magyarpeterofficial – the MAN

Ferenc Gyurcsány

Ferenc Gyurcsány, former Prime Minister of Hungary and current opposition politician, responds to a viewer’s question in the video below. While answering questions is not unusual of him, the issue here is that this particular response was filmed while he was driving. Instead of appearing relatable or laid-back, the video comes across as awkward and even a bit embarrassing.

@tiktokgyf

Válasz @Irma Ádám részére

♬ eredeti hang – Gyurcsány Ferenc

In the end, no matter which social media platform you browse, you are bound to come across videos that miss the mark. That does not mean politicians being active on TikTok is inherently negative. Their content can be entertaining and offer a more personal glimpse into who they are beyond politics. Beyond these examples, many other figures in the political arena have embraced TikTok, recognising it as an essential tool for engaging with voters and building a stronger connection with the public.

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November 5, 2024

Hungarian Parliament again extends the state of emergency

Parliament voted on Monday to empower the government to prolong by 180 days the state of emergency in connection with the war in Ukraine.

The motion passed with 130 votes in favour, while 49 MPs voted against changing the law on rules to be applied in case of war in a neighbouring country as well as in the case of humanitarian disasters.

According to the law, an extended state of emergency is needed to handle the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the Ukraine war and tackle the economic consequences.

Opposition Tisza leader criticizes Hungarian government over child welfare failures

Péter Magyar, the leader of the opposition Tisza Party, issued a statement on Monday, saying that “there should be no compromise over our children or grandchildren,”, adding that “a well-functioning … state has the primary obligation to save and protect the most vulnerable, children.”

Magyar called for zero tolerance in all cases of child abuse. He insisted that Hungary had “hundreds of thousands of children living below the poverty line”, and slammed the authorities for lengthy adoption procedures and for letting “abandoned babies remain in hospital care for up to one year”.

Magyar criticised the government for “learning nothing” from the child molestation scandal at the orphanage of Bicske, and said the government had “promised everything but failed to do anything”. He said the area of child protection suffered from “a lack of experts, underpaid teachers, lengthy legal procedures and unprepared authorities.”

“Ruling Fidesz’s politicians and oligarchs are having a great time on board of pricy luxury yachts while hundreds of thousands of children have no access to proper food,” Magyar said, pledging to protect children and to be rigorous in applying laws “against criminals no matter who they are or where they come from.”

How Viktor Orbán’s son-in-law capitalised on tax breaks to dominate Hungary’s rich list!

Ráhel Orbán and István Tiborcz Orbán's son-in-law

István Tiborcz, Orbán’s son-in-law, has seen his wealth soar thanks to tax breaks tied to the BDPST Group, which have dramatically sliced his tax obligations.

Following a significant law passed in 2017, the BDPST Group has enjoyed tax relief amounting to approximately 30 billion HUF (EUR 74,058,690.00) over the past five years, which has been transformative for Orbán’s son-in-law Tiborcz’s financial standing. After debuting on Hungary’s rich list in 2019, Orbán’s son-in-law has since tripled his net worth, reaching the 19th spot among Hungary’s billionaires in 2023, according to 24.hu.

BDPST Real Estate Distributor Ltd: A profitable core

At the centre of this wealth accumulation is BDPST Real Estate Distributor Ltd, the flagship company of the BDPST Group. Between 2019 and 2023, the company reported an impressive profit of HUF 48.4 billion. From this amount, Orbán’s son-in-law, Tiborcz and other owners collected HUF 5.5 billion (EUR 13,578,306.50) in dividends, while paying minimal or no corporate tax over the years. BDPST Ltd. employed tax incentives and legal frameworks to keep its tax bill strikingly low, a strategy also extended to its affiliated companies.

The real key to BDPST’s tax savings is a 2017 amendment allowing companies to double-count renovation expenses for historic buildings when calculating tax deductions. Thanks to this policy, introduced by the Orbán government, Tiborcz’s company acquired historic properties and funded their renovations with substantial loans, some sourced from the state-owned Hungarian Development Bank. These manoeuvres have kept BDPST’s tax obligations so low that it has effectively avoided corporate tax altogether.

Reaction from the TISZA Party

Péter Magyar, leader of the TISZA Party, has openly condemned this arrangement, accusing the Orbán government of creating what he describes as a “tax haven” for Tiborcz. He argues that Orbán’s government has effectively embedded loopholes in the law to benefit Tiborcz’s companies, further supporting his enterprises with state-backed loans. Magyar went so far as to liken their operation to “Al Capone in kindergarten,” suggesting this issue could prompt significant political shifts by 2026.

Péter Magyar in the European Parliament — Photo: FB/Magyar Péter

What happens to Orbán’s son-in-law’s wealth?

According to Szabad Európa, Ráhel Orbán and István Tiborcz married in 2013 on a grand estate in Fejér County, located in the picturesque Tükröspuszta, on the border of Bicske and Csabdi. Since then, the Tiborcz family has embarked on a property acquisition spree, buying multiple plots, including a forest and various fields. Recent contracts reveal that Tiborcz and his father, Dr Sándor Tiborcz, acquired a total of 19.6 hectares of land—both farmland and forest—in August and September 2024, valued at HUF 75 million (EUR 185,167.28). With this latest acquisition, the Tiborcz family now owns at least 340 hectares in and around their Tükröspuszta estate.

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November 4, 2024