Archived edition · October 01, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Hungary

Hungary

News summary for

Go to today →

Bullion 🪙

Prime Minister's brother attempted to intercept Ukrainian gold convoy

The 'gold convoy' scandal has escalated with allegations that Áron Orbán, brother of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, attempted to arrange the interception of a Ukrainian money shipment in Austria. This development comes as the head of the National Tax and Customs Administration's criminal directorate is being dismissed, linked to the operation. Meanwhile, the Tisza government faces a substantial budget deficit of 2,800 billion forints in its first six months, attributed to significant pre-election overspending by the previous administration.

Separately, the government is moving forward with a proposed wealth tax despite concerns about potential harmful side effects. In other news, Fidesz founder Tamás Deutsch, a Member of the European Parliament, dismissed corruption accusations against his party as baseless, while a new Republikon poll indicates a reduction in the Tisza Party's lead to 39 percentage points.

Additionally, a report highlights that half of the country's roads are in poor condition due to past government priorities on highway construction. The government has also allocated three billion forints for the reintegration of correctional institutions into the child protection system, and an investigation is underway into the night flight ban at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

Top stories

Orbán's Brother Implicated in Gold Convoy Scandal

The 'gold convoy' scandal intensified with allegations that Áron Orbán, brother of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, attempted to arrange the interception of a Ukrainian money transporter in Austria. Reports suggest he contacted a businessman about seizing a shipment, while it has also emerged that the head of the National Tax and Customs Administration's criminal directorate is being dismissed following his presence at a party on the day of a significant gold convoy operation.

Government Faces Significant Budget Deficit

New official data reveals that Hungary's budget deficit reached 2,800 billion forints within the first six months of the new government's term. This substantial deficit is largely attributed to significant overspending by the previous administration during the pre-election period, as reported by the Central Statistical Office (KSH) which detailed the financial burden placed on Hungarian citizens.

Wealth Tax Debate Continues Amid Concerns

The Tisza party is moving forward with its proposed wealth tax despite acknowledgments of potentially harmful side effects. The government feels compelled to proceed with the tax, indicating an ongoing debate about its implementation and consequences for the Hungarian economy.

Fidesz Dismisses Accusations, Tisza's Poll Lead Narrows

Tamás Deutsch, a Fidesz founder and Member of the European Parliament, dismissed the corruption accusations against his party as a 'witch hunt' and expressed confidence in Fidesz winning the 2029 EP elections. This comes as a Republikon poll indicates that the Tisza Party's lead over other parties has decreased to 39 percentage points.

Poor Road Conditions Highlighted

A new report reveals that half of Hungary's roads are in poor condition. This deterioration is attributed to the previous Orbán government's policy of prioritizing highway construction over general road maintenance, leading to widespread issues across the country's road network.

Former Minister Explains Corruption Suspicions

The former Minister of Rural Development, Tibor Navracsics, has provided an explanation regarding suspicions of criminal activity related to support grants issued by his former ministry. Meanwhile, questions are being raised to the police about alleged cover-ups concerning Miklós Seszták, a Member of Parliament and former Minister for National Development, who was recently detained on bribery charges.

News sources