Mészáros railway division faces potential collapse
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The business empire built by Lőrinc Mészáros is showing cracks in its foundation. Having already made concessions on highway contracts, the group's railway construction arm now appears to be in jeopardy. In another corner of the state apparatus, the central bank awarded an 11-billion-forint contract to a higher bidder with political ties after disqualifying the cheaper option, while a cleaning firm owned by the wife of government official Zoltán Kovács secured several regional contracts after every other competitor was excluded.
Péter Magyar has proposed that all MPs submit to mandatory alcohol and drug testing. He cited recent statements made by government MP János Pócs as his inspiration. Mr Magyar also claimed a diplomatic victory by negotiating an education law amendment with Ukraine, a deal that has eluded the prime minister for several years.
The International Monetary Fund offered the government a rare piece of statistical encouragement by raising its growth forecast for the economy to 1.9%. Meanwhile, the revolving door of public life continues to turn: former defence minister Tibor Benkő has been appointed president of the Budapest Honvéd sports club, and parliament prepares to fill three deputy presidencies at the public utilities regulator.