Archived edition · October 31, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Hungary

Hungary

News summary for

Go to today →

Ledger 📓

Government submits 2027 budget focused on justice and development

The 2027 budget reached parliament on Friday night, a 349-page document the government has titled Justice and Development. It includes a retiree benefit card, a wealth tax for 15,000 citizens, and a new carbon dioxide tax. The ministry intends to preserve utility price caps and maintain the 13th and 14th monthly pensions, though healthcare workers are already warning that their own promised salary increases have failed to materialize.

While the new budget is being read, old accounts are being settled. Authorities may demand 15.6 billion forints from associates of former prime minister Viktor Orbán over a pandemic-era ventilator deal; one of the individuals involved currently operates a Ferris wheel in Bali. A separate probe has traced a 4.1 billion forint fortune linked to the daughter of former minister Miklós Seszták through Cyprus and Canada.

The investigations into the former administration’s inner circle have also reached the business partners of model Sarka Kata, whose firm reported a billion-dollar revenue and an 84 percent profit margin despite employing only one person. Elsewhere, residents in Fertőrákos are protesting a planned airport development they say will threaten the water supply for 100,000 people. If the disaster happens, one local noted, it will be irreversible.

Top stories

Government Submits 2027 Budget

The Hungarian government has formally submitted its draft budget for 2027 to the Parliament. The comprehensive document outlines plans for a retiree SZÉP card, the implementation of 13th and 14th monthly pensions, a wealth tax impacting 15,000 citizens, and the introduction of a carbon dioxide tax. The government also intends to safeguard utility protection measures.

Financial Investigations Target Former Minister and Orbán Associates

New developments in ongoing financial investigations reveal a 4.1 billion forint fortune linked to the daughter of former Minister Miklós Seszták, with funds reportedly moved through Cyprus and Canada. An associate of Seszták has also been detained as a suspected money courier. Additionally, authorities are considering demanding up to 15.6 billion forints from individuals associated with former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in connection with the 'ventilator business' scandal.

Healthcare Workers Disappointed with Wage Increases

Healthcare professionals in the country are expressing disappointment as their recent salary increases have fallen short of the government's promised 20-25% hike, leading to considerations of resignation among many.

Environmental Concerns Over Airport Development

Residents of Fertőrákos are expressing serious concerns that a proposed airport development project could endanger the vital water base that currently supplies drinking water to approximately 100,000 people, warning of irreversible consequences if the development proceeds.

Low Language Proficiency Among Hungarians

Despite an increase in students passing matriculation language exams, the overall language proficiency among Hungarians remains low, with fewer individuals taking language proficiency exams and a decrease in motivation for language learning in higher education, placing Hungary at the bottom in Europe for language skills.

Remembering Árpád Göncz and Political Fears

Júlia Szilágyi reflects on a surreal childhood, including memories of children wrapped in carpets and lost tanks, and shares her enduring fear of Viktor Orbán since 1989, in an interview that also touches upon the legacy of former President Árpád Göncz.

News sources