# Reportary > Discover independent journalism from verified creators worldwide. Read breaking news, investigative reports and exclusive stories from journalists you can trust. This dataset contains 150 articles published on Reportary, including titles, content, categories, authors, and metadata. ## Articles - [Danube water level falling again: major intervention planned to protect Paks nuclear plant pictures](https://reportary.com/article/danube-water-level-falling-again-major-intervention-planned-to-protect-paks-nuclear-plant-pictures): The Danube water level is falling again in Hungary after a temporary rise, renewing concerns over the cooling-water supply of the Paks Nuclear Power P... Published 2026-08-13. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [New Hungarian President elected: Hungary's future cannot be built on revenge](https://reportary.com/article/new-hungarian-president-elected-hungarys-future-cannot-be-built-on-revenge): Hungary’s parliament elected András Baka, the former head of the Supreme Court, as President of the Republic on Tuesday. Baka, the candidate of the ru... Published 2026-08-11. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [The food and feed omnibus is a step in the right direction](https://reportary.com/article/the-food-and-feed-omnibus-is-a-step-in-the-right-direction): The Food and Feed Safety omnibus package changes the way that agricultural regulation in the EU operates. That is good news for consumers Published 2026-08-06. Category: Politics. Author: Bill Wirtz. - [Historic drought: Paks NPP output cut, Romanian NPP reactor offline due to River Danube's low water level](https://reportary.com/article/historic-drought-paks-npp-output-cut-romanian-npp-reactor-offline-due-to-river-danubes-low-water-level): The government has made preparations if any steps are needed to ensure Hungary’s secure energy supply, Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány sai... Published 2026-07-28. Category: Climate & Environment. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Video: PM Magyar spat on at Budapest railway station before major rail announcement](https://reportary.com/article/video-magyar-spat-on-budapest-nyugati): Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar was spat on by a man at Budapest’s Nyugati railway station on Wednesday morning, shortly before unveiling the go... Published 2026-07-22. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [A sharp turn may be in store for cryptocurrencies in Hungary, as the government moves to relax strict rules](https://reportary.com/article/sharp-turn-for-cryptocurrencies-in-hungary): A significant shift could be on the horizon for Hungary’s cryptocurrency market after the new Magyar government submitted legislation to Parliament th... Published 2026-07-01. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [El Niño to add to the woes of Indian farmers](https://reportary.com/article/el-nino-to-add-to-the-woes-of-indian-farmers): In this article, I write how a stronger El Nino will impact Indian agriculture and its farmers. Published 2026-06-27. Category: Opinion Columns. Author: Surya Sarathi Ray. - [New poll reveals what Hungarians really think about ditching the forint for the euro](https://reportary.com/article/poll-hungarians-euro-adoption): A clear majority of Hungarians would support replacing the forint with the euro, according to a new Medián survey, with around three in four responden... Published 2026-06-26. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Almost omnipotent body to be created by Péter Magyar: could Hungary’s entire political elite beyond Tisza face a reckoning?](https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-omnipotent-body-retrieve-assets): PM Péter Magyar has talked about as much as HUF 60 trillion (approximately €169 billion) oligarchs close to previous premier Viktor Orbán could win on... Published 2026-06-23. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [PM Magyar says Hungary's revised recovery plan wins EU backing, vows not to leave a single euro cent in Brussels](https://reportary.com/article/pm-magyar-says-hungarys-revised-recovery-plan-wins-eu-backing-vows-not-to-leave-a-single-euro-cent-in-brussels): Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced that the European Commission has recommended Hungary’s revised Recovery and Resilience Plan for approval, po... Published 2026-06-19. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungarian father of three savagely murdered in Toronto – shocking details about suspects’ identity and age](https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-father-murdered-in-toronto-suspect): A Hungarian father-of-three was brutally killed after confronting revellers outside his Toronto home when his children were unable to sleep, in a case... Published 2026-06-17. Category: Crimes. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 opens with major investor pledges from Uzbekistan](https://reportary.com/article/tashkent-international-investment-forum-2026-opens-mirziyoyev): The Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 officially opened on Wednesday with an address by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who presented U... Published 2026-06-17. Category: International Affairs. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Slovak President: Magyar’s rhetoric does not foster good neighbourly relations](https://reportary.com/article/slovak-president-magyars-rhetoric-does-not-foster-good-neighbourly-relations): Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has criticised Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar over comments he made during Hungary’s National Cohesion Day co... Published 2026-06-14. Category: Geopolitics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Nieuwe peiling: Nederlanders hechten veel waarde aan inspraak](https://reportary.com/article/nieuwe-peiling-nederlanders-hechten-veel-waarde-aan-inspraak): Een ruime meerderheid van de Nederlanders vindt dat burgers het recht hebben om hun mening te geven tijdens openbare consultaties. Published 2026-06-12. Category: Politics. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [Modi shines; dark shades remain](https://reportary.com/article/modi-shines-dark-shades-remain): Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, became the longest-serving democratically elected head of the nation earlier in the week. The article talks... Published 2026-06-12. Category: Opinion Columns. Author: Surya Sarathi Ray. - [End of an era: Wizz Air unveils game-changing plan that could transform every flight](https://reportary.com/article/wizz-air-unveils-game-changing-plan): For decades, air travel came with one unavoidable reality: passengers were effectively cut off from the digital world as soon as the aircraft doors cl... Published 2026-06-09. Category: Uncategorized. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Trump government gives MOL one more week to acquire key Serbian refinery](https://reportary.com/article/trump-mol-serbian-refinery-acquisition): Hungarian oil and gas company MOL has announced an extension by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Tre... Published 2026-06-08. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Popular Hungarian spa town bans certain micromobility devices after mounting concerns among residents](https://reportary.com/article/micromobility-devices-banned-in-spa-town): From July, the use of several micromobility devices – including electric scooters – will be significantly restricted in Hajdúszoboszló. Local authorit... Published 2026-06-08. Category: Travel. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Slovak FM slams PM Magyar’s “Hungary borders itself” remark, warns against irredentist rhetoric](https://reportary.com/article/slovak-fm-slams-pm-magyars-hungary-borders-itself-remark-warns-against-irredentist-rhetoric): A fresh diplomatic dispute has emerged between Hungary and Slovakia after Prime Minister Péter Magyar made remarks about Hungary’s historical situatio... Published 2026-06-05. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungary may yet admit new guest workers as government seems to waver on promised June ban](https://reportary.com/article/hungary-may-yet-admit-new-guest-workers-as-government-seems-to-waver-on-promised-june-ban): The Tisza government, led by Péter Magyar, had intended to suspend the arrival of new guest workers to Hungary from 1 June. However, the necessary leg... Published 2026-06-03. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Multiple zebras owned by Hungary’s wealthiest man and Orbán ally, Lőrinc Mészáros, have died](https://reportary.com/article/orban-hatvanpuszta-lorinc-meszaros-zebras): The zebras were owned by a hunting association within Lőrinc Mészáros’s business empire. Published 2026-06-01. Category: Pets. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [PM Magyar introduces newest member of government: she will be the PM's chief of staff](https://reportary.com/article/pm-magyar-introduces-newest-member-of-government-she-will-be-the-pms-chief-of-staff): Claudia Sümeghy, an economist specialising in international relations and a film producer, has been appointed the prime minister’s chief of staff, the... Published 2026-05-26. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Eine rechenschaftspflichtige Kommission kann Olivér Várhelyi nicht halten](https://reportary.com/article/eine-rechenschaftspflichtige-kommission-kann-oliver-varhelyi-nicht-halten): Ob EU-Kommissar Olivér Várhelyi im Amt bleibt, hat weniger damit zu tun, ob er der Mann des abgewählten ungarischen Ministerpräsidenten Viktor Orbán w... Published 2026-05-25. Category: Politics. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [Hungary condemns brutal Russian strike on Kyiv as missile and drone barrage hits civilians](https://reportary.com/article/hungary-condemns-russian-strike-kyiv-ukraine): Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán has strongly condemned Russia’s latest large-scale assault on Kyiv, calling the overnight strikes a “horrifying... Published 2026-05-24. Category: War. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [An accountable Commission cannot keep Olivér Várhelyi](https://reportary.com/article/an-accountable-commission-cannot-keep-oliver-varhelyi): Whether or not EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi stays in his post has less to do with whether he was or still is the man of the ousted Hungarian prime... Published 2026-05-21. Category: Politics. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [FM Anita Orbán recalls Hungarian ambassador to Warsaw, signals shift in foreign policy](https://reportary.com/article/anita-orban-recalls-ambassador-poland-visit): According to a Facebook post published by Hungary’s new foreign minister, Anita Orbán, the Hungarian ambassador to Warsaw will be recalled to Budapest... Published 2026-05-19. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [New store opening: UK retail chain launches first franchise in Hungary](https://reportary.com/article/retail-chain-launches-franchise-store-2026): Following the opening of its first store in Csepel, the British-style convenience chain, Premier is now launching another shop in Budapest, this time... Published 2026-05-18. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [PM Magyar: Shredded documents and Fidesz campaign materials found in former ministry building – video](https://reportary.com/article/magyar-shredded-documents-fidesz-building): Péter Magyar said his team had discovered shredded documents and campaign materials linked to János Lázár and Fidesz inside the basement of the former... Published 2026-05-17. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungary the “poorest and most corrupt country” in the EU, says PM Magyar](https://reportary.com/article/hungary-poorest-most-corrupt-country-eu): Hungary has become the “poorest and most corrupt country” in the European Union, the Prime Minister said on Saturday in response to remarks made by hi... Published 2026-05-16. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungarian supermodel Barbara Palvin expecting first child with husband Dylan Sprouse](https://reportary.com/article/barbara-palvin-pregnant-first-child): Hungarian supermodel Barbara Palvin is expecting her first child with her husband, American actor Dylan Sprouse, the couple has confirmed through a jo... Published 2026-05-14. Category: Celebrities. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungary’s 6-year state of emergency officially ends: what changes now?](https://reportary.com/article/hungary-6-year-state-of-emergency-ends): Hungary’s state of emergency, first declared in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and later in 2022 over the Russia-Ukraine war, has officially ended... Published 2026-05-14. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Photos, video: New Hungarian PM Péter Magyar DJing to an ecstatic crowd on the night of his inauguration](https://reportary.com/article/pm-peter-magyar-djing-to-ecstatic-crowd): New Hungarian PM Péter Magyar in a new role: he was DJing for the crowd that gathered in front of the Hungarian Parliament to celebrate the end of PM... Published 2026-05-11. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Former PM Orbán's MP arrested 48 hours after he lost his immunity](https://reportary.com/article/former-pm-orbans-mp-arrested-48-hours-after-he-lost-his-immunity): Such a thing has not been seen before: within 48 hours of losing his parliamentary immunity, the former Fidesz MP was swiftly taken into custody. Published 2026-05-11. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Shadows and Steps](https://reportary.com/article/shadows-and-steps): Some nights are not truly slept through — they are simply survived. But every small victory becomes another step leading out of the darkness. Published 2026-05-06. Category: Uncategorized. Author: Pálfi József. - [The Line Between Two Dates](https://reportary.com/article/the-line-between-two-dates): The true value of life is not measured by the number of years we live, but by what we leave behind within the small line between our beginning and our... Published 2026-05-06. Category: Uncategorized. Author: Pálfi József. - [Exotic disease circulating in Hungary can even cause paralysis – here’s how to protect yourself](https://reportary.com/article/exotic-disease-circulating-in-hungary-can-even-cause-paralysis-heres-how-to-protect-yourself): A 12-year-old boy was bitten by a mosquito six months ago; his legs later became paralysed, and he still attends physiotherapy today. It is a major ac... Published 2026-05-04. Category: Health. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [What will happen with Orbán's elite guard? Péter Magyar does not want their protection](https://reportary.com/article/what-will-happen-with-orbans-elite-guard-peter-magyar-does-not-want-their-protection): The rapid-response unit of the Hungarian police is to take over the task of protecting the prime minister effective 9 May, Prime Minister-elect Péter... Published 2026-05-04. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [The Body as a Prison or the Form of Life? Plato and Aristotle on the Mystery of the Soul](https://reportary.com/article/the-body-as-a-prison-or-the-form-of-life-plato-and-aristotle-on-the-mystery-of-the-soul): Plato and Aristotle, the giants of antiquity, offered diverging views on the soul. While Plato saw the body as a prison, Aristotle viewed them as a un... Published 2026-05-04. Category: Philosophy. Author: Balázs Török. - [1500 Magyar Óriás #3 - 2024. évi Ágazatok helyzete Magyarországon](https://reportary.com/article/1500-magyar-orias-3-2024-evi-agazatok-helyzete-magyarorszagon): Cikksorozatunk 3. részében megvizsgáltuk az 1500 legnagyobb árbevételű magyar céget szektorok és tevékenységi körök alapján. Published 2026-04-30. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Bence Berkó. - [Matolcsy’s Intrigues](https://reportary.com/article/matolcsys-intrigues): The Governor of the Hungarian National Bank (MNB) holds the highest institutional position in Hungary’s monetary and capital markets. András Simor was... Published 2026-04-27. Category: Finance. Author: Katona József. - [Report: Wealth of Hungary’s elite under Orbán ‘being flown out from Vienna’ after election defeat – UPDATE: tax authority](https://reportary.com/article/wealth-of-orban-elite-flown-out-vienna): According to a report by The Guardian, private jets have been regularly departing from Vienna, allegedly carrying the wealth of individuals who prospe... Published 2026-04-27. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [When You Don’t Chase Investors — They Find You](https://reportary.com/article/when-you-dont-chase-investors-they-find-you): For a year, I didn’t chase investors — I built the system. With my own capital, real risk, and sacrifices. Today, we operate a working beta and real p... Published 2026-04-26. Category: Artificial Intelligence. Author: Pálfi József. - [From Field Data to Predictive Decisions: First Live Deployment of Áramőr Delta](https://reportary.com/article/from-field-data-to-predictive-decisions-first-live-deployment-of-aramor-delta): A full-scale, real-world deployment begins: high-resolution mapping, GPS-based asset identification, and predictive AI analysis come together to deliv... Published 2026-04-25. Category: Artificial Intelligence. Author: Pálfi József. - [Entering the Field: When the System Starts Getting Noticed](https://reportary.com/article/entering-the-field-when-the-system-starts-getting-noticed): A shift is underway. Real-world deployment, international technological interest from Seer Labs in Kazakhstan, early-stage cooperation signals from an... Published 2026-04-23. Category: Artificial Intelligence. Author: Pálfi József. - [Outgoing Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó very ill: what we know so far](https://reportary.com/article/peter-szijjarto-mysterious-illness-health): Péter Szijjártó has been tight-lipped about his serious illness, leaving the internet awash with speculation, tips, and amateur diagnoses. The outgoin... Published 2026-04-23. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Gastronomía española y húngara: dos formas de entender el sabor](https://reportary.com/article/gastronomia-espanola-y-hungara-dos-formas-de-entender-el-sabor): Tanto los mediterráneos como los magiares consideran la gastronomía una pieza fundamental en su cultura. No obstante, recibieron inspiraciones distint... Published 2026-04-23. Category: Local News. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Norway seeks quick agreement with new Hungarian leadership on unsettled funds](https://reportary.com/article/norway-agreement-new-hungarian-leaders): Norway is aiming to reach an agreement with Hungary’s incoming government by summer 2026 on the distribution of EEA grants worth around EUR 254 millio... Published 2026-04-19. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungarian drug trafficker arrested in Mexico](https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-drug-trafficker-arrest-mexico): Mexican authorities have arrested a Hungarian national wanted across Europe for drug trafficking, taking another step forward in the country’s ongoing... Published 2026-04-19. Category: Society. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [The Cradle of Writing in the Carpathian Basin? The Mystery of the Tărtăria Tablets](https://reportary.com/article/the-cradle-of-writing-in-the-carpathian-basin-the-mystery-of-the-tartaria-tablets): Could it be possible that the first written sentences in history were born not in Mesopotamia, but in the heart of Transylvania? Although thousands of... Published 2026-04-13. Category: History. Author: Balázs Török. - [Who is the new premier of Hungary? Péter Magyar’s profile](https://reportary.com/article/new-premier-of-hungary-peter-magyar-profile): In Hungary’s general election, opposition leader Péter Magyar has emerged victorious with a wide lead against incumbent Premier Viktor Orbán. Profile. Published 2026-04-13. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [PM candidate Péter Magyar: We have reclaimed our homeland! – Hungary election 2026 – UPDATE](https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-we-have-reclaimed-our-homeland-hungary-election-2026): “The Tisza Party not only won the election, but it appears it will hold a two-thirds majority for the next four years,” said Péter Magyar, leader of t... Published 2026-04-12. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungary’s Orbán ousted after 16 years as Péter Magyar claims stunning election victory: world leaders react – UPDATE](https://reportary.com/article/pm-orban-ousted-after-16-years-world-reacts): Viktor Orbán, who swept to power in a landslide in 2010, has been unseated after 16 years as Hungary’s prime minister. Péter Magyar and his Tisza Part... Published 2026-04-13. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungary’s military mission to Chad leaked: “direct combat operations” were in plans](https://reportary.com/article/hungary-military-mission-to-chad-leaked): Newly surfaced documents suggest that troops from Hungary could have been authorised to carry out direct combat operations in Chad at the request of P... Published 2026-04-11. Category: Geopolitics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [The life and legacy of Hungarian Princess Geraldine in Albania](https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-princess-geraldine-albania-life-legacy): On December 30, 1937, Countess Geraldine of Albania, known in European aristocratic circles as the “White Rose of Hungary,” arrived in Tirana, a city... Published 2026-04-08. Category: History. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [4 days to Hungary’s election: two fresh polls point to a tight finish](https://reportary.com/article/4-days-to-hungarys-election-two-fresh-polls): With Hungary voting on Sunday, 12 April 2026, two of the latest survey releases suggest a competitive end to the campaign — with Péter Magyar’s Tisza... Published 2026-04-08. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Explainer: Why Péter Magyar became Hungary’s most formidable challenger to Orbán](https://reportary.com/article/explainer-peter-magyar-popular): Péter Magyar’s extraordinary rise from political insider to the most serious challenger to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in 16 years is rooted in a rare... Published 2026-04-05. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [New analysis: did Orbán expect more from Trump?](https://reportary.com/article/analysis-orban-expected-more-from-trump-2026): Unusual developments, contradictory messaging, and increasingly strange campaign dynamics are shaping the final stretch of the elections. According to... Published 2026-04-06. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Not Just a Gift from India: The Forgotten European Roots of Vegetarianism](https://reportary.com/article/not-just-a-gift-from-india-the-forgotten-european-roots-of-vegetarianism): Vegetarianism is no mere Eastern import, as its roots run deep in the ancient Greco-Roman world. From Pythagoras and the Stoics to the ritual apology,... Published 2026-04-04. Category: History. Author: Balázs Török. - [Insider bombshell from Hungary’s military: Defence Forces officer on morale collapse and mass exits](https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-defence-forces-officer-issues): In a rare and highly critical public appearance, Captain Szilveszter Pálinkás, an officer in the Hungarian Defence Forces, has given a lengthy video i... Published 2026-04-02. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Freudian slip on post-victory blueprint? FM Szijjártó talks of Hungary leaving the EU](https://reportary.com/article/szijjarto-freudian-slip-huxit-european-union): Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó used a forum to explain why Ukraine should be kept out of the European Union. At one point, however, he app... Published 2026-03-30. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Millions take to the streets across the US in unprecedented No Kings protests against Trump](https://reportary.com/article/millions-take-to-the-streets-across-the-us-in-unprecedented-no-kings-protests-against-trump): Coordinated protests against President Donald Trump and his administration swept across the United States on Saturday, as millions of Americans joined... Published 2026-03-29. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [“Many want change”: Former intelligence officer of Hungary speaks out on behalf of security forces](https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-former-intelligence-officer-speaks): A former captain of Hungary’s Constitutional Protection Office has publicly spoken about the political attitudes of those working within the country’s... Published 2026-03-28. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [1500 Magyar Óriás #2 - Autóipari változások és székhely szerinti profit](https://reportary.com/article/1500-magyar-orias-2-autoipari-valtozasok-es-szekhely-szerinti-profit): Változások az autóiparban, kiugró értékek a székhely szerinti egy főre eső profitban Published 2026-03-28. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Bence Berkó. - [Refugees landed on the island of Lesbos, 4th October, 2015](https://reportary.com/article/refugees-landed-on-the-island-of-lesbos-4th-october-2015): Refugees landed on the island of Lesbos, 4th October, 2015. Published 2026-03-26. Category: Geopolitics. Author: Béli Balázs. - [Leaked information confirms date of JD Vance’s Budapest visit](https://reportary.com/article/leaked-date-jd-vance-budapest-visit): JD Vance, Vice President of the United States, is expected to visit Hungary on 7–8 April, just days before the country’s parliamentary elections on 12... Published 2026-03-26. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Investigator goes public over alleged operation targeting Tisza Party – house search follows, video](https://reportary.com/article/hungary-tisza-party-investigator-house-search): A police investigator has come forward publicly about an alleged operation targeting Hungary’s Tisza Party, offering a rare inside account of a contro... Published 2026-03-25. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Trump Tower to be built in Transylvanian city populated by tens of thousands of Hungarians](https://reportary.com/article/trump-tower-in-transylvanian-city): The Trump Organisation plans to build its first Romanian project after acquiring the first permission for a luxury property development in Kolozsvár (... Published 2026-03-25. Category: Real Estate. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Assassination-style secret service plot targeted Tisza Party—but police refuse to investigate](https://reportary.com/article/assassination-like-secret-service-tisza-party): An operation clearly modelled on a classic spy‑style covert action sought to destroy the Tisza Party from the inside – yet the police have opened no i... Published 2026-03-24. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [1500 Hungarian Giants](https://reportary.com/article/1500-hungarian-giants): How did Hungary's 1,500 most significant companies (by revenue) perform in 2024? Published 2026-03-24. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Bence Berkó. - [1500 Magyar Óriás](https://reportary.com/article/1500-magyar-orias): Hogy teljesített Magyarország 1500 legjelentősebb árbvételű piaci szereplője 2024-ben? Published 2026-03-23. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Bence Berkó. - [part 10 : When It’s No Longer About If, But Where It Begins](https://reportary.com/article/part-10-when-its-no-longer-about-if-but-where-it-begins): We’ve reached the point where multiple paths are opening at once. International interest, strong industrial backing, and active EU directions are all... Published 2026-03-29. Category: Uncategorized. Author: Pálfi József. - [part 9 : When Directions Recognize Each Other](https://reportary.com/article/part-9-when-directions-recognize-each-other): There comes a point when aligned minds find each other without explanation. Shared direction replaces proof. Real collaboration emerges where past and... Published 2026-03-27. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [part8 : When Collisions Become Unavoidable](https://reportary.com/article/part8-when-collisions-become-unavoidable): There comes a point when conflicts are no longer avoidable, only manageable. Differences turn into distance, and pressure tests direction. What remain... Published 2026-03-27. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [part 7 : When Presence Becomes the Core Task](https://reportary.com/article/part-7-when-presence-becomes-the-core-task): There is a point when building is no longer the hardest part—staying present is. As the system becomes visible, attention, pressure, and decisions int... Published 2026-03-23. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [part 6 : When the System Accelerates and Reveals Itself](https://reportary.com/article/part-6-when-the-system-accelerates-and-reveals-itself): There comes a point when everything built so far stops moving separately and begins to align at once. February and March marked that shift—structures... Published 2026-03-23. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [Szoboszlai vs Gerrard: Can the Hungarian midfielder become the next captain of Liverpool?](https://reportary.com/article/szoboszlai-hungarian-midfielder-legend-2026): Liverpool FC’s Hungarian midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai, starred in the Reds’ 4–0 Champions League thrashing of Galatasaray, a performance that has re... Published 2026-03-23. Category: Sports. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Border fence](https://reportary.com/article/border-fence): Border fence at the Hungarian-Serbian border, near Morahalom, Hungary 26th February, 2026 Published 2026-03-22. Category: Geopolitics. Author: Béli Balázs. - [part 5 : When the Journey Becomes More Important Than the Destination](https://reportary.com/article/part-5-when-the-journey-becomes-more-important-than-the-destination): There comes a point when success is no longer about speed, but readiness. Every step, every delay, every lesson shapes the person who can carry what’s... Published 2026-03-21. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [part 4 : When the System Stops Asking and Starts Taking Space](https://reportary.com/article/part-4-when-the-system-stops-asking-and-starts-taking-space): After closing all fallback paths, Áramőr Delta became my only direction. Focus turned into a filter, cutting noise and sharpening signals. As alignmen... Published 2026-03-20. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [part 3 : The Point of No Return](https://reportary.com/article/part-3-the-point-of-no-return): There comes a point where balancing two worlds is no longer possible. This is the story of leaving security behind, committing everything to a vision,... Published 2026-03-21. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [part 2 : When the System Answered Back](https://reportary.com/article/part-2-when-the-system-answered-back): A single reply shifted everything. From disbelief on the ground to direct attention from high-level EU leadership. Between pressure, doubt, and recogn... Published 2026-03-20. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [Péter Magyar Tisza Party's prime minister candidate front of the crowd](https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-tisza-partys-prime-minister-candidate-front-of-the-crowd): Péter Magyar Tisza Party's prime minister candidate front of the crowd at Heroes' Square in Buadapest Published 2026-03-20. Category: Politics. Author: Levente Nagy-Pál. - [Péter Magyar, the Tisza Party’s candidate for prime minister, waves a flag at Heroes' Square](https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-the-tisza-partys-candidate-for-prime-minister-waves-a-flag-at-heroes-square): Péter Magyar, the Tisza Party’s candidate for prime minister, waves a flag at a Tisza Party event in Heroes’ Square in Budapest on March 15, 2025. Published 2026-03-20. Category: Politics. Author: Levente Nagy-Pál. - [Budapest Airport reaffirms its status as “one of the best in Central Europe”](https://reportary.com/article/budapest-airport-among-in-central-europe): Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport has secured another major vote of confidence from travellers, winning Skytrax’s Best Airport in Eastern... Published 2026-03-19. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Shocking: Hungary’s society is dramatically distorted, lower classes surge drastically](https://reportary.com/article/hungary-society-distorted-lower-class): A new large-scale study by Eötvös Loránd University researchers has revealed a shocking transformation in Hungarian society between 2021 and 2025, wit... Published 2026-03-20. Category: Society. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [part 1 : The Night It Became Real](https://reportary.com/article/part-1-the-night-it-became-real): After years in the field, one quiet evening shifted everything. What started as a conversation turned into a structured system—built from real experie... Published 2026-03-19. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [Foreign interference in Hungary’s election? Fidesz campaigns with Orbán alongside US and a dozen other politicians – analysis](https://reportary.com/article/foreign-interference-hungary-election-orban): There is a basic rule in Hungarian public policy life that has been honed over the past few years: every foreign political statement is interference i... Published 2026-03-19. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Trends in Hungarian real estate for expats in 2026](https://reportary.com/article/trends-hungarian-real-estate-expats-2026): Hungary’s property market has attracted increasing interest from foreign buyers and long-term residents over the past decade. In 2026, the Hungarian r... Published 2026-03-17. Category: Real Estate. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Serious irregularities at Debrecen’s CATL battery plant: workers complaining of poisoning – photos](https://reportary.com/article/debrecen-catl-plant-poisoning-photos-china): “I felt dizzy, as if I were drunk, my hands, mouth, and tongue went numb, and my eyes were burning,” recounted one female worker at the site, Edina, w... Published 2026-03-17. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [“The network does not begin at the poles — it begins with the human.” ⚡](https://reportary.com/article/the-network-does-not-begin-at-the-poles-it-begins-with-the-human): An electrical network is not made only of poles and wires, but of experience. Over more than twenty years of field work, the signals and patterns begi... Published 2026-03-16. Category: Artificial Intelligence. Author: Pálfi József. - [Március 15.](https://reportary.com/article/marcius-15): March 15 – Petőfi’s revolution and our revolution. And in the field of revolution, innovation is needed as well. ⚡ Published 2026-03-15. Category: Artificial Intelligence. Author: Pálfi József. - [Why Was Áramőr Delta Born? – An Electrician’s Journey Toward the Startup World ⚡](https://reportary.com/article/why-was-aramor-delta-born-an-electricians-journey-toward-the-startup-world): After twenty-three years of field work in electrical power networks, the idea of Áramőr Delta was born in me. This series tells the story of how exper... Published 2026-03-15. Category: Startups & Innovation. Author: Pálfi József. - [The Square Where History Returned](https://reportary.com/article/the-square-where-history-returned): Nearly four decades after the fall of communism, Hungarians again gather at Heroes’ Square asking a familiar question: will the country finally become... Published 2026-03-15. Category: Politics. Author: Levente Nagy-Pál. - [How climate helped the conquering Hungarians settle in Central Europe](https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-conquer-europe-history): According to climate history research, the climate and natural environment of the Eurasian steppe may also have contributed to the success of the conq... Published 2026-03-12. Category: History. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Sirha Budapest 2026: 27,000 visitors, 26 countries — the biggest meeting on the region’s food calendar](https://reportary.com/article/sirha-budapest-2026-food-horeca): Central Europe’s largest food industry and HoReCa trade fair returned to Budapest for its seventh edition, and this year it did not disappoint. More t... Published 2026-03-10. Category: Food & Drink. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Why Budapest is one of Europe’s top digital nomad cities](https://reportary.com/article/budapest-europe-digital-nomad-city): Over the past few years, Budapest has quietly become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for digital nomads. With its relatively low living c... Published 2026-03-11. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Made in Europe vs. Made in China: EU’s new rules could challenge Hungary’s investment model](https://reportary.com/article/eu-made-in-europe-hungary-investment-model): The European Union’s new economic policy initiative could challenge Hungary’s investment-driven growth model, as the proposal may give Brussels greate... Published 2026-03-09. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Moody’s downgrades Budapest again](https://reportary.com/article/moodys-downgrades-budapest-again): Moody’s Ratings has downgraded the credit rating of Budapest, citing the deteriorating relationship between the Hungarian government and the capital a... Published 2026-03-07. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Putin will intervene in Hungary’s elections, meddlers coming to support Orbán, intelligence sources claim](https://reportary.com/article/putins-election-meddlers-support-orban): European security sources cited by investigative outlet VSquare say the Kremlin is preparing to intervene in Hungary’s 2026 parliamentary elections wi... Published 2026-03-06. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Budapest’s City Park received acclaimed international tourism award!](https://reportary.com/article/budapest-city-park-international-award): Budapest’s City Park has received a prestigious international recognition: the Liget Budapest Project has been awarded the title of “Best Creative and... Published 2026-03-05. Category: Travel. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Ukrainian bank staff detained in Hungary: Kyiv alleges “hostage-taking”, Budapest launches money-laundering probe](https://reportary.com/article/ukrainian-bank-staff-detained-hungary-money): Hungarian counter-terrorism officers detained seven Ukrainian bank employees after stopping two armoured cash-transport vehicles on the M5 motorway on... Published 2026-03-06. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Zelenskyy’s Gift to Orbán](https://reportary.com/article/zelenskyys-gift-to-orban): A Russian attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline on January 27 briefly halted oil deliveries to Hungary. In Budapest, the incident quickly became more tha... Published 2026-03-05. Category: Geopolitics. Author: Levente Nagy-Pál. - [Putin releases two Hungarian prisoners of war in Moscow and makes crucial promise to Hungary](https://reportary.com/article/putin-hungarian-pows-crucial-promise-energy): Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has approved the release of two Hungarian prisoners of war from Transcarpathia following talks in Moscow on Wed... Published 2026-03-04. Category: Geopolitics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Popular Budapest nightlife venue shut over alleged drug dealing, police and politicians clash](https://reportary.com/article/budapest-nightlife-venue-shut-drug): One of Budapest’s best-known independent cultural hubs has been forced to close its doors for 30 days after police cited suspected drug trafficking on... Published 2026-03-05. Category: Culture. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Thousands of Hungarians in danger – repatriation flights on their way](https://reportary.com/article/first-repatriation-flight-has-taken-off): The first repatriation flight that will bring home Hungarian citizens stranded in the Middle East because of the war has left for Jordan, Péter Szijjá... Published 2026-03-04. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [More than 50 years since humans last walked on the Moon – why has NASA stepped back again?](https://reportary.com/article/nasa-steps-back-artemis-moon-mission): NASA has announced an unexpected shift in its Artemis programme, with the previously pivotal Artemis III mission no longer set to carry astronauts to... Published 2026-03-04. Category: Science. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungarians stuck in the UAE unable to foot Dubai hotel bills – hoteliers know nothing about state promise](https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-tourists-dubai-hotel-costs-promise): Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó hailed a lifeline from the UAE yesterday, claiming their counterpart had pledged state support for all tourists—inclu... Published 2026-03-02. Category: Travel. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [MOL CEO Hernádi: No damage to Druzhba pipeline, diesel shortage expected; Zelensky: give something for crude delivery restart](https://reportary.com/article/zsolt-hernadi-no-damage-to-druzhba-pipeline): Zsolt Hernádi, the chairman-CEO of Hungarian oil and gas company MOL, said there was no damage to the Druzhba pipeline in an interview with commercial... Published 2026-03-03. Category: Energy & Resources. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Bans Don't Raise Responsible Teens](https://reportary.com/article/bans-dont-raise-responsible-teens): Banning energy drinks won’t make teenagers responsible. Education will. Spain faces a choice between prohibition and preparing young people to think f... Published 2026-03-02. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [Budapest as you’ve never seen it: new film album brings the city’s lost past to life!](https://reportary.com/article/budapest-filmbox-history-past): A remarkable new hybrid publication is offering a fresh perspective on Budapest, combining the tactile experience of a book with the immersive power o... Published 2026-03-01. Category: Culture. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Az ember, aki ott sem volt](https://reportary.com/article/az-ember-aki-ott-sem-volt): Published 2026-03-01. Category: Politics. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [Eyewitnesses claim high-level Hungarian government ties shielded irregular South Korean battery plant bosses](https://reportary.com/article/samsung-battery-plant-government-help): It beggars belief otherwise that executives at the Samsung battery plant in Göd knew of impending inspections in advance and were able to prepare acco... Published 2026-02-28. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [BREAKING: Wizz Air suspends Israel and Middle East routes immediately](https://reportary.com/article/wizz-air-suspends-middle-east-routes): Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has immediately suspended several of its Middle East services after Israel attacked Iran, disrupting travel plans... Published 2026-02-28. Category: Travel. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Are black footballers who suffer racist attacks in Hungary denied any help? Tempers flare after Kompany’s harsh words](https://reportary.com/article/black-footballers-hungary-zero-help-kompany): Bayern Munich’s manager, Vincent Kompany, claims that black players in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia receive no support if subjected to racist abuse.... Published 2026-02-27. Category: Sports. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungarian forint at multi‑year high against euro and dollar: could it gain another 10% in April?](https://reportary.com/article/hungaria-forint-strengthening-euro-usd): The forint has strengthened markedly, and even the news that yesterday Governor Mihály Varga announced a cut in the central bank’s base rate after 1.5... Published 2026-02-26. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [MOL scandal: executives make billion-forint profits following Druzhba pipeline halt](https://reportary.com/article/mol-scandal-executives-make-profits-2026): An association representing small stock market investors has turned to the central bank over suspicions of insider trading, claiming that several exec... Published 2026-02-25. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungary may get billions of euros as the EU rolls out war-zone border aid](https://reportary.com/article/eu-eastinvest-hungary-included-ukraine-war): The European Commission is launching a new financing platform called the EastInvest Facility to make it easier for EU regions bordering Russia, Belaru... Published 2026-02-26. Category: Geopolitics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [World-famous singer Ricky Martin returns to Budapest this year!](https://reportary.com/article/singer-ricky-martin-returns-to-budapest): Latin pop superstar Ricky Martin is set to return to Hungary this summer, with organisers confirming a major Budapest concert on 6 July. Published 2026-02-20. Category: Culture. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hévíz Lake Bath redevelopment: iconic bathhouse faces demolition plans](https://reportary.com/article/heviz-lake-bath-redevelopment-thermal): Hungary has launched a major design competition that could reshape the future of Hévíz Lake Bath redevelopment, one of the country’s best-known health... Published 2026-02-23. Category: Travel. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Best practices for AI video quality control and review workflows](https://reportary.com/article/best-practices-for-ai-video-quality-control-and-review-workflows): As AI video generation becomes mainstream, simply producing content isn’t enough — ensuring that what’s generated meets quality expectations is essent... Published 2026-02-18. Category: Artificial Intelligence. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Good news about Hungary’s property market: Buyers regain the upper hand as price wars fade](https://reportary.com/article/hungary-property-market-buyers-upper): After the spectacular rebound and price increases of 2025, Hungary’s property market has entered 2026 on a noticeably calmer note. The new year has be... Published 2026-02-17. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Poll-leader Péter Magyar makes historic pledge on the Hungarian euro introduction](https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-historic-pledge-hungarian-euro): Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government’s economic policymakers have repeatedly stated that they have no intention of introducing the Hungarian... Published 2026-02-09. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Second largest Chinese electric carmaker enters the Hungarian market next week](https://reportary.com/article/second-largest-chinese-electric-carmaker): A fresh Chinese brand is set to appear on Hungary’s new car market: Geely models will go on sale at dealerships from March to April, according to the... Published 2026-02-24. Category: Business. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Hungarian emigration hits record highs: Tens of thousands leave the country annually](https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-emigration-people-leave): Hungary is facing a historic wave of emigration, with over 40,000 Hungarian citizens leaving the country annually, according to industry experts. The... Published 2026-02-17. Category: Migration. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Orbán’s speech in parliament: debate on Ukraine, Russian energy sources instead of American ones, EU vetoes and domestic measures](https://reportary.com/article/orban-speech-parliament-druzhba-pipeline-ukraine-eu-vetoes-domestic-measures): Viktor Orbán’s speech before the agenda began the spring session of parliament. In keeping with tradition, the Prime Minister outlined the government... Published 2026-02-23. Category: Energy & Resources. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Polish presidential adviser claims halting Russian oil transit to Hungary is due to Brussels-Kyiv pact](https://reportary.com/article/polish-presidents-adviser-russian-oil-transit): Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, an adviser to Polish President Karol Nawrocki, has told Conservative Radio Wnet that the halting of Russian oil transit to Hunga... Published 2026-02-24. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Government-close media increasingly portray Germany as Hungary’s new political enemy](https://reportary.com/article/government-close-media-germany-enemy): In recent months, several pro-government Hungarian media outlets and commentators have begun to depict Germany not as a key European partner, but as a... Published 2026-02-19. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [This is where the Hungarian language comes from: Harvard solved the mystery](https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-language-origin-2026): The latest DNA research has upended what we thought we knew about the origins of Hungarian and other Uralic languages. Genetic evidence now points far... Published 2026-02-21. Category: History. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Anxiety from sugary drinks? A new study warns of another risk for teenagers](https://reportary.com/article/can-sugary-drinks-cause-anxiety-teens): A recent review study suggests that among young people there is a clear link between the regular consumption of high-sugar beverages — such as fizzy s... Published 2026-02-25. Category: Health. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Budapest tram guide 2026: Routes tourists actually use to explore the city easily](https://reportary.com/article/budapest-tram-guide-routes-tourists): Budapest’s public transport network is often praised for its efficiency, but many visitors overlook one of the most convenient ways to get around: the... Published 2026-02-24. Category: Travel. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Economy minister would oust several foreign banks from Hungary, named those that can remain](https://reportary.com/article/economy-minister-foreign-banks-in-hungary): Hungary’s National Economy Minister Márton Nagy has signalled plans to shrink the country’s roster of major banks to just five, naming four frontrunne... Published 2026-02-24. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [False-flag military operation linked to Russians could destabilise Hungary ahead of 2026 election?](https://reportary.com/article/false-flag-military-operation-2026-elections): The Orbán government and its allied media machine have spent months warning that Hungarian soldiers will die in eastern Ukraine should the Tisza Party... Published 2026-02-24. Category: Politics. Author: Daily News Hungary. - [Alcohol Labeling and Ban: Ireland in The Dark Path Of Lithuania](https://reportary.com/article/alcohol-labeling-and-ban-ireland-in-the-dark-path-of-lithuania): European Union member states are busy regulating alcohol use and limiting consumer choice even though historically, it has shown that bans and limitat... Published 2026-02-15. Category: Uncategorized. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [Munich 2.0 vs Yalta 2.0 or both?](https://reportary.com/article/munich-20-vs-yalta-20-or-both): The events of the past few days have once again highlighted the fragility of the relationship between the United States and Europe, particularly conce... Published 2026-02-15. Category: International Affairs. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [Fidesz–DK: Avagy a tökéletes érdekházasság Veszprém 3. vk-ban](https://reportary.com/article/fidesz-dk-avagy-a-tokeletes-erdekhazassag-veszprem-3-vk-ban): Gondoltuk volna? A Fidesz mindent megtesz, hogy megemelje a DK-t csak azért, hogy vigye a szavazatokat. Published 2026-02-13. Category: Politics. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [Hungary Is Preparing for an Election It May Refuse to Accept](https://reportary.com/article/hungary-is-preparing-for-an-election-it-may-refuse-to-accept): There are scenarios for the Hungarian election, in which the opposition wins, but Orbán keeps governing. Published 2026-01-27. Category: Politics. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [How Spanish Banks Punish EU Citizens for Earning in the Wrong Currency](https://reportary.com/article/how-spanish-banks-punish-eu-citizens-for-earning-in-the-wrong-currency): When you want to get a mortgage at a Spanish bank and your money is not in euros, you bump into walls of discrimination. Published 2026-01-15. Category: Economy & Policy. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [How to Defeat Populism](https://reportary.com/article/how-to-defeat-populism): I delivered this speech in 2017. It is still valid today. Published 2026-01-15. Category: Politics. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [Open Letter to President Milei](https://reportary.com/article/open-letter-to-president-milei): Argentinian President Javier Milei has endorsed Viktor Orbán during his campaign. This open letter details why he should not have done that as Orbán i... Published 2026-01-15. Category: Politics. Author: Zoltan Kesz. - [Brave New World?](https://reportary.com/article/brave-new-world): The United States, citing that Venezuela’s leader rules his country as a dictator and heads a drug cartel, captured Nicolás Maduro and transported him... Published 2026-01-12. Category: Politics. Author: Lánczi Richárd. - [Work on progress](https://reportary.com/article/work-on-progress): Laszlo Kover, Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament holds a newspaper at the plenary hall, 22th November, 2022 Published 2026-01-12. Category: Politics. Author: Béli Balázs. - [Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Hungarian Parliament's plenary hall in Budapest, 24th November 2025.](https://reportary.com/article/prime-minister-viktor-orban-speaks-at-the-hungarian-parliaments-plenary-hall-in-budapest-24th-november-2025): Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Hungarian Parliament's plenary hall in Budapest, 24th November 2025. Published 2026-01-12. Category: Politics. Author: Béli Balázs. - [Budapest](https://reportary.com/article/budapest): Aerial view of Budapest, 10th January, 2019 Published 2026-01-12. Category: Photography. Author: Béli Balázs. - [Massive Fraud Scheme Rocks Minnesota: Somali-Linked Programs at Center of Potential Billion-Dollar Scandal](https://reportary.com/article/massive-fraud-scheme-rocks-minnesota-somali-linked-programs-at-center-of-potential-billion-dollar-scandal): A sprawling federal fraud investigation in Minnesota has exposed what prosecutors describe as "staggering industrial-scale" schemes involving child nu... Published 2025-12-28. Category: Politics. Author: Csekő Balázs. - [Why the U.S. Media Crisis Is Structural, Not Political](https://reportary.com/article/why-the-us-media-crisis-is-structural-not-political): The media crisis in the U.S. isn’t political. It’s structural - and the numbers prove it. Over the past two decades, the traditional media system has... Published 2025-12-27. Category: Society. Author: Levente Nagy-Pál. - [Protesters march to Buda Castle](https://reportary.com/article/protesters-march-to-buda-castle): Protesters march across the Chain Bridge to Buda Castle on December 13, 2025, during a child protection demonstration organized by the Tisza Party. Published 2025-12-26. Category: Politics. Author: Levente Nagy-Pál. - [Péter Magyar gives a speech](https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-gives-a-speech): Péter Magyar President of Tisza Party gives a speech on October 13, 2025, at a child protection demonstration in Buda Castle, Budapest. Published 2025-12-22. Category: Politics. Author: Levente Nagy-Pál. - [An environmentalism everyone can get behind](https://reportary.com/article/an-environmentalism-everyone-can-get-behind): Conservatives and liberals alike must get behind protecting the environment Published 2025-12-18. Category: Climate & Environment. Author: Jason Reed. - [Rotary hoe race](https://reportary.com/article/rotary-hoe-race): Rotary hoe race in Lébény, Hungary 27th September, 2025 Published 2025-12-18. Category: Sports. Author: Béli Balázs. - [Free Speech is Only for Humans: How Reportary Restores the Human Foundations of the Digital Public Sphere](https://reportary.com/article/free-speech-is-only-for-humans-how-reportary-restores-the-human-foundations-of-the-digital-public-sphere): Freedom of speech is a human right, and when we blur the line between human voices and machine output, the public sphere loses its integrity. This is... Published 2025-12-11. Category: Artificial Intelligence. Author: Levente Nagy-Pál. ## Full Content ### Danube water level falling again: major intervention planned to protect Paks nuclear plant pictures URL: https://reportary.com/article/danube-water-level-falling-again-major-intervention-planned-to-protect-paks-nuclear-plant-pictures Published: 2026-08-13 10:50:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Danube, Hungary, Magyar government, water The Danube water level is falling again in Hungary after a temporary rise, renewing concerns over the cooling-water supply of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. The Danube water level is falling again in Hungary after a temporary rise, renewing concerns over the cooling-water supply of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. With forecasts pointing to another sharp decline, the government is accelerating an extraordinary engineering project that could raise the river by as much as one metre near the plant’s cooling-water channel.Official water management data showed the Danube at -118 centimetres at Paks on Thursday morning, down from -115 centimetres around midnight. The National Water Directorate’s forecast indicated that the decline could continue over the coming days.As Portfolio reported, the renewed fall comes shortly after river levels had temporarily improved. On Thursday morning, the level was already nine centimetres below the figure measured a day earlier.Why the Danube water level is critical for PaksFor foreign readers, the importance of the river to Hungary’s electricity system cannot be overstated. The Paks Nuclear Power Plant, located about 100 kilometres south of Budapest, uses Danube water for cooling.Low river levels can therefore restrict how much cooling water can safely be taken from the river, forcing the plant to reduce electricity production. The Hungarian government says low water levels have already required output restrictions several times this year.Authorities are now preparing for the possibility of another rapid fall. According to the government, without intervention the Danube water level near Paks could approach -140 centimetres again next week, a level that could threaten the plant with a complete production shutdown.The economic stakes are also substantial. The government estimates that a shutdown of Paks would cost the Hungarian budget at least HUF 50 billion (around EUR 137 million) per month. The emergency river works themselves are expected to cost roughly HUF 6 billion (EUR 16.5 million). The euro conversions are based on the Hungarian National Bank’s latest available official exchange rate.As we wrote today, the danger is not over, Budapest water supply is under pressure againA stone barrier will be built across the DanubeThe main solution is an unusual structure known as a riverbed sill, or fenékküszöb in Hungarian.Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány demonstrated the planned structure in a video published after the government’s meeting at Paks. According to a separate Portfolio report featuring illustrations from Kapitány’s video, the sill will run perpendicular to the flow of the Danube and will require more than 150,000 tonnes of stone. Work is to begin simultaneously from both banks.The planned riverbed sill will stretch across the Danube near Paks, raising the upstream water level close to the nuclear plant’s cooling-water intake. Source: István Kapitány(Facebook)Before the main structure is built, workers will create a protective stone layer on the riverbed to prevent the current from undermining the sill. Large, multi-tonne rocks will then be placed into the river. The government says an initial 35,000 cubic metres, followed by another 110,000 cubic metres of stone, will be used.The aim is to prevent the water level at the cooling channel from dropping below -90 centimetres. According to the plans, the structure could raise the water level in the relevant section by as much as one metre.The planned riverbed sill will stretch across the Danube near Paks, raising the upstream water level close to the nuclear plant’s cooling-water intake. Source: István Kapitány(Facebook)The planned riverbed sill will stretch across the Danube near Paks, raising the upstream water level close to the nuclear plant’s cooling-water intake. Source: István Kapitány(Facebook)Two 80-metre barges prepared as emergency backupThe permanent structure will take several weeks to complete, so authorities have also prepared a faster temporary solution.Two 80-metre-long barges are being positioned near Paks. If the Danube falls too quickly before the sill is finished, the vessels could be deliberately sunk at designated locations. Officials estimate that this could temporarily raise the water level by around 20 centimetres.Work on the riverbed sill is expected to continue around the clock, with the government aiming to complete the project within approximately three to four weeks. Around 100 military personnel have also been assigned to support the operation.Kapitány stressed that the unusually fast timetable would not override nuclear safety requirements: water management, energy and nuclear experts are to be involved throughout the project.For now, the slight recovery seen on the Danube has proved temporary. With the Danube water level falling again and forecasts pointing towards renewed critical conditions, the next few days will determine whether the emergency barges are needed before the much larger riverbed intervention can begin protecting Paks on a longer-term basis.As we wrote yesterday: PM Magyar announces moves to raise the Danube near Paks nuclear power plant --- ### New Hungarian President elected: Hungary's future cannot be built on revenge URL: https://reportary.com/article/new-hungarian-president-elected-hungarys-future-cannot-be-built-on-revenge Published: 2026-08-11 14:37:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungarian parliament, Hungary, Magyar government, President of Hungary, Presidential election 2026, baka andrás Hungary’s parliament elected András Baka, the former head of the Supreme Court, as President of the Republic on Tuesday. Baka, the candidate of the ruling Tisza Party, was elected head of state with 140 votes in favour and 6 against in a secret ballot. Orbán’s Fidesz and the KDNP did not parti Hungary’s parliament elected András Baka, the former head of the Supreme Court, as President of the Republic on Tuesday. Baka, the candidate of the ruling Tisza Party, was elected head of state with 140 votes in favour and 6 against in a secret ballot. Orbán’s Fidesz and the KDNP did not participate on the vote. Baka will assume office on the eighth day following the announcement of the election result.Hungarians cannot avoid confronting the past at the beginning of a new era, Baka, the president-elect said in a speech to parliament on Tuesday. In his address after his election, Baka emphasised the need to understand “how the nation reached this point”. The president-elect said Hungary had “wasted a generation’s worth of time, slipping from a model student during the time of the democratic transition to the ranks of lagging nations”.He said that he had accepted the nomination “because I think that Hungary has arrived at a point in its history when it needs to seriously contemplate the operation of the state, constitutionality and the country as community.” Baka, who was the sole candidate for the post, said the National Assembly’s decision to elect him was “a great honour, recognition and exceptional trust. The candidacy itself was also unexpected, overwhelming and an honour,” he said.Photo: MTIPast regime failed to meet basic democratic rule-of-law requirementsBaka said that before 2026, the Hungarian state had failed to meet one of the most fundamental requirements of a democratic rule-of-law system: the genuine separation of powers and a functioning system of checks and balances.Baka said Hungary had developed a system in which a single party had captured the state and its institutions, culminating in years of governance by decree that largely bypassed parliament. “It is the responsibility of us all to ensure such a system never emerges again in Hungary,” he said.Expressing national unity means political neutrality, but never neutrality on valuesExpressing the unity of the nation first and foremost means political neutrality, but it must never mean neutrality on values, he said. Baka said that a modern, democratic society was inherently diverse, with coexisting worldviews, political convictions, lifestyles and interests. “There may even be deep, sometimes irreconcilable divisions among them,” he said.Here are some photos from the Parliament:As president, Baka said, he must represent this diverse community and always acknowledge the legitimacy of differing views, as well as the right of both majority and minority positions to be heard. The president’s role, he said, was not to manufacture consensus where none exists, but to represent the idea that “citizens with differing views are equal members of the same nation.“A democratic institution’s authority is defined by its ability to remain true to its function, even in situations of conflict, he added. A democratic institution’s authority did not come from operating without conflict, but from its ability to stay true to its mission even amid disputes. He added that he intended to uphold this principle as president.New President Baka could stand up firmly to PM Magyar – so why is the opposition attacking him so viciously?Constitution’s stability hinges on broad societal ownershipA constitution’s stability rests on its being regarded as belonging to the broadest sections of society, Baka said. He warned that once again drafting a constitution “solely as the document of a temporary majority” would result in repeating the mistake the consequences of which Hungary was now attempting to rectify.Drafting a constitution required more than mere parliamentary legislation, he said. “A wide-ranging societal and expert debate, genuine political consensus, and a process that in itself reflects the democratic culture the new constitution will later be tasked with upholding” was also necessary, he said.Popular Hungarian rapper delivers pointed political message to PM Magyar from Sziget Festival’s main stageNever miss a headline: join Daily News Hungary’s official WhatsApp channel! --- ### The food and feed omnibus is a step in the right direction URL: https://reportary.com/article/the-food-and-feed-omnibus-is-a-step-in-the-right-direction Published: 2026-08-06 17:30:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Bill Wirtz Type: News Article Location: Brussels, Belgium Tags: agriculture, politics, policy, european union, european commission The Food and Feed Safety omnibus package changes the way that agricultural regulation in the EU operates. That is good news for consumers There are very few occasions in which the political consensus in Brussels shifts significantly, especially not in a short period of time. In agricultural policy, a significant shift is happening in real time, as the Food and Feet Safety Simplification omnibus package is currently going through its regulatory stages. There is, for the first time, a broad consensus that approval processes for pesticides should not happen in an eternal multi-year loop, but that a re-authorisation process is only really necessary when important new evidence is discovered. For many decades, the European Union has followed the precautionary principle when it comes to food regulation. What sounds like common sense but functions like a permission slip for bureaucrats to say no to anything they don't understand, indefinitely, without ever having to justify the cost of saying no. It inverts the burden of proof: instead of demonstrating that a technology or product is dangerous, regulators simply demand that innovators prove a negative, an exercise that can never be fully satisfied and therefore never has to end. This has led to a situation in which pesticides that were previously approved are never replaced by more innovative new solutions, because the latter get stuck in an endless regulatory process that takes decades. While this new simplification approach does not hollow out the precautionary principle, which for all intents and purposes is codified, it at least removes the burden on existing products being subjected to an unnecessary rotating political approval process. Take the example of glyphosate: the most commonly used herbicide in conventional European agriculture makes sure that farmers retain access to reliable yields by rooting out weeds that deprive crops of sunshine, water and nutrients. Its safety has been established by endless levels of independent scientific bodies. Under EU pesticide law (Regulation 1107/2009), active substance approvals generally get renewed for a maximum of 15 years, but glyphosate has never gotten that long in one go, it's been renewed repeatedly on shorter cycles because of the controversy, if not to say "conspiracy" around it. The most recent renewal, adopted by the European Commission in November 2023, granted a 10-year approval, running through December 15, 2033. Before that, glyphosate had only had a five-year renewal (2017–2022, later extended by a year to cover the review period), and before that a series of short-term extensions while EFSA and ECHA finished their risk assessments. Current amendments to the Food and Feet Safety Simplification omnibus package would make the approval of many chemicals permanent, instead of launching months-long political debate for each chemical product. The latter were antithetical to good policy-making: chemicals are to be handled by scientific authorities, not political decision-makers. In the same way that we asked scientific oversight bodies to review data on vaccines, instead of putting them in the hands of committees during COVID-19. What this means for consumers is more than the complicated regulatory legalese would make it seem. Consumers need access to safe, affordable, and available food options. Through the use of crop protection, we have created an environment since the end of WW2 in which almost all consumers do, even in times in which we face cost of living challenges. Reducing access of farmers to the wide toolbox of protecting their crops means that we produce less on this continent, and bring in more from outside. While the latter does sometimes reduce costs, it also increases dependencies on other nations, despite the fact that many European countries are ideally situated to produce food. The conclusion that this European Commission has wanted to make is that the large farmer protests we have seen since 2021 had a point: food production in Europe is overregulated and too administratively burdensome to be financially sustainable. The Food and Feet Safety Simplification omnibus in its current negotiation stage doesn't solve all of the points the farmers made nor all the changes consumers need, but it's a step in the right direction. --- ### Historic drought: Paks NPP output cut, Romanian NPP reactor offline due to River Danube's low water level URL: https://reportary.com/article/historic-drought-paks-npp-output-cut-romanian-npp-reactor-offline-due-to-river-danubes-low-water-level Published: 2026-07-28 14:44:00 Language: English Categories: Climate & Environment Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungary, romania, nuclear energy The government has made preparations if any steps are needed to ensure Hungary’s secure energy supply, Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány said in a post on Facebook on Tuesday. The government has made preparations if any steps are needed to ensure Hungary’s secure energy supply, Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány said in a post on Facebook on Tuesday. Kapitány acknowledged a cut in the output of the Paks nuclear power plant. Furthermore, Romania has taken one of the reactors at its Cernavodă nuclear power station offline because of the exceptionally low water levels in the DanubeKapitány acknowledged a cut in the output of the Paks nuclear power plant due to record-low water levels on the Danube, which the NPP uses for cooling, and warned that another heatwave could arrive in Europe in the coming days, boosting demand for electricity even as water levels fall further.“We have prepared for this situation,” he said, adding that the ministry is in constant contact with the Paks NPP, transmission system operator MAVIR and state-owned energy company MVM.Photo: Facebook/MVM Paksi Atomerőmű Zrt.“We have held professional-level consultations and are assessing developments from hour to hour,” he said. “We are managing the situation in a responsible and transparent manner, in compliance with all professional norms,” he added. Kapitány said the public would be updated on any important developments.The Paks NPP said it cut output of its number 1 block by 254 MW in the evening on Monday as water levels on the Danube reached -106cm.Photo: Facebook/MVM Paksi Atomerőmű Zrt.Danube reaches record low in BudapestAn all-time record low water level in the River Danube of 31 centimetres was registered in central Budapest on Tuesday morning, breaking an earlier record of 33 centimetres, the water management directorate (OVF) reported. The authority noted that all Europe’s rivers are critically low.Another heat dome approaches Hungary while the Danube reaches historic low water levels. Photo: Facebook/Valyo, város és a folyóRomania shuts down nuclear reactor as Danube runs lowRomania has taken one of the reactors at its Cernavodă nuclear power station offline because of the exceptionally low water levels in the Danube, the plant’s operator said on Tuesday.State-owned Nuclearelectrica said the No 1 reactor had been disconnected from the national grid and shut down because of severe drought and the river’s reduced flow. The Danube provides cooling water for the plant, and its discharge has fallen to an unprecedented level in the past three decades. The lowest reading, 1,750 cubic metres a second, was recorded on 16 July.The end draws near for Lake Velence as Danube hits a record low in Budapest: will Hungary dry out this year?Nuclearelectrica said it was in постоян contact with the authorities responsible for water management and would not rule out shutting down the second reactor, depending on how river levels develop. At present, the No 1 unit is not expected to restart before 4 August at the earliest.Romania’s only nuclear power station first went into operation in 1996. The plant, near Cernavodă on the Danube close to the Black Sea, has two reactors built using Canadian Candu technology and together they generate about 20 percent of the country’s electricity.If you missed: Trump-condo to be built in metropolis populated by tens of thousands of Hungarians in Transylvania: fresh details from the President’s most important filing --- ### Video: PM Magyar spat on at Budapest railway station before major rail announcement URL: https://reportary.com/article/video-magyar-spat-on-budapest-nyugati Published: 2026-07-22 08:44:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Fidesz, Hungarian government, Hungary, Magyar government, Péter Magyar, Video Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar was spat on by a man at Budapest’s Nyugati railway station on Wednesday morning, shortly before unveiling the government’s new railway development strategy alongside Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar was spat on by a man at Budapest’s Nyugati railway station on Wednesday morning, shortly before unveiling the government’s new railway development strategy alongside Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy.The incident, which was captured on video, occurred as the two politicians were at Nyugati railway station ahead of a press conference presenting the Baross Gábor Railway Development Plan at Rákospalota-Újpest railway station.Man confronts prime ministerAccording to footage published by Hungarian media, a man approached Magyar and Vitézy at Nyugati station.The man reportedly shouted: “How could you? You dared to come here?!” When he received no response, he spat at the prime minister from behind.Magyar reacted calmly, wishing the man “good health” before commenting:“This is what remains of the faces of Fidesz.”He then added that perhaps this was why former Transport Minister János Lázár had not travelled by train.Political tensions still highIt is not the first time a politician from the governing Tisza Party has reported being spat on in public. In November 2025, MP Kriszta Bódis said she had been spat on in the street.Commenting on this new incident on Wednesday, Bódis wrote that those serving in public life must sometimes endure unfair treatment, adding that she believed years of political hate campaigns had contributed to such behaviour and expressing hope that public discourse would improve.If you missed it: Viktor Orbán spotted watching World Cup semi-final in Dallas with family members – video --- ### A sharp turn may be in store for cryptocurrencies in Hungary, as the government moves to relax strict rules URL: https://reportary.com/article/sharp-turn-for-cryptocurrencies-in-hungary Published: 2026-07-01 16:54:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: cryptocurrency, Magyar government, hungary A significant shift could be on the horizon for Hungary’s cryptocurrency market after the new Magyar government submitted legislation to Parliament that would ease controversial rules introduced last year. A significant shift could be on the horizon for Hungary’s cryptocurrency market after the new Magyar government submitted legislation to Parliament that would ease controversial rules introduced last year.Government to overhaul crypto rulesAccording to the proposal published on Parliament’s website, the overarching aim remains to ensure that crypto services operate in a secure, transparent and traceable manner. However, the cabinet now argues that maintaining the so-called validation requirement is no longer necessary, the Hungarian news agency wrote.The explanatory memorandum states that the validation regime has become a competition-restricting obligation within the crypto services market, one that is unsustainable in the long term and should therefore be phased out of Hungarian regulation.Photo: PixabayThe validation requirement, introduced last year, mandated that the conversion of cryptoassets be subject to compliance certification by a separately licensed validation provider. The rule drew sharp criticism from industry players, who argued that it imposed significant administrative burdens while, for a considerable period, no functioning system existed to make compliance feasible in practice. As a result, several international providers scaled back their operations in Hungary, and the European Commission launched infringement proceedings against the country.Predictability and consumer protectionThe newly tabled amendment is expected to bring Hungary’s regulatory framework closer into line with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which establishes a unified regime for cryptoassets across member states. The system is designed to strengthen consumer protection while providing service providers with a predictable operating environment.Photo: Pexels/David McBeeShould Parliament adopt the proposal, Hungary’s crypto market could become markedly easier to navigate, while oversight would continue to be ensured under rules aligned with EU standards, preserving market transparency.From crackdown to comeback: Will crypto platforms return to Hungary in 2026?EU-wide rules take effectThe Hungarian move comes at a moment of sweeping change across Europe’s crypto sector. As of 1 July, the EU’s MiCA regulation has fully entered into force, introducing a single licensing regime for cryptoasset service providers, Portfólió wrote.The new framework is already reshaping the market dramatically. According to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), only 244 providers currently hold an EU licence. Data from VASPnet suggests that as many as 1,738 firms are being pushed out of the European market after failing to secure authorisation in time. In effect, only around 12 per cent of previously active companies will be able to continue operating unchanged.Major licensed players, including Coinbase, Kraken and OKX, have already begun absorbing the clients of exiting competitors. The most notable laggard, however, is Binance, with several services for its EU customers suspended until it obtains the necessary MiCA licence. ESMA has also warned unlicensed firms to cease onboarding new clients immediately, with existing customers likely limited to withdrawing their cryptoassets or transferring them to authorised providers.Legal crypto trading coming to an end in Hungary? Another major player leaves the crypto market --- ### El Niño to add to the woes of Indian farmers URL: https://reportary.com/article/el-nino-to-add-to-the-woes-of-indian-farmers Published: 2026-06-27 02:46:00 Language: English Categories: Opinion Columns Author: Surya Sarathi Ray Type: News Article Location: India In this article, I write how a stronger El Nino will impact Indian agriculture and its farmers. El Niño to add to the woes of Indian farmersSurya Sarathi RayHit hard by the West Asia crisis, Indian farmers are in for yet another scorching blow as a deficit monsoon, due to the adverse impact of a stronger El Niño, will hamper cultivation that relies heavily on monsoon rains. The official weather forecaster, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), has predicted a deficient monsoon - at 90% of the long-period average - marking the driest monsoon in over a decade.So far, the southwest monsoon is significantly deficient. The rainfall is now around 43% below normal. The government has identified around 315 districts from 12 states that are likely to be affected by weak monsoon conditions. It has launched a nationwide awareness programme to reach out to farmers. The concerned minister conceded, “The concern about El Niño is always on my mind, 24X7.” (1)The previous two years’ good harvests have provided a sufficient buffer of rice and wheat stocks; therefore, there is no immediate threat to food security. But several concerns remain. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, earlier in the week, has warned, “El Niño can weaken the summer monsoon across much of India, putting rainfed crops such as rice and maize under stress during the critical growing season. In 2015, maize and rice output fell in major producing countries, pushing up prices for key food commodity crops. This time, agricultural drought risk runs from Pakistan and India through to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam, and further to the East, including the Philippines, Indonesia and Timor-Leste.” (2)An El Niño is the periodic warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific that tends to weaken the South Asian monsoon, and its intensity is measured by the extent to which sea-surface temperatures in a reference patch of the Pacific rise above their long-term average. It is a climate phenomenon historically associated with weaker monsoons and greater rainfall uncertainty.During previous El Niño events, such as 2015-16 and 2023-24, rice and maize production in India were severely affected.According to India’s agriculture ministry’s 2025-26 (April 2025 to March 2026) annual report, India’s net area sown comprised 42.3% of the total geographical area. At the all-India level, the total cropped area has increased by 65.2% in 2023-24 compared with 1950-51 (1,31,893 thousand hectares in 1950-51 to 2,17,882 thousand hectares in 2023-24). The net irrigated area during 2023-24 was 82,416 thousand hectares, of which 21% was accounted for by canal sources of irrigation, 4% by tanks, 48% by tube wells, 15% by other wells, and the remaining 12% was irrigated by other sources of irrigation. The gross irrigated area in 2023-24 was estimated at 1,30,548 thousand hectares, which was 59.91% of the gross cropped area. Around 40% of the gross cropped area doesn’t have access to an irrigation system.In the agricultural year 2024-25, India recorded an unprecedented foodgrain output of 357.73 million metric tonnes (MT), an increase of 25.43 million metric tonnes (MT) over the preceding year, reflecting sustained gains in productivity, improved input management, and strengthened institutional support for farmers. The increase was primarily driven by higher production of rice, wheat, maize, and coarse cereals.India’s agricultural exports have grown steadily in recent years. Agricultural export earnings increased from $34.5 billion in FY20 to $51.1 billion in FY25, reflecting a CAGR of 8.2%. In FY25, agri-food exports, including processed food products, amounted to $ 49.43 billion, accounting for about 11.2% of total exports. Notably, the share of processed food exports has also risen consistently, from 14.9% in FY18 to 20.4% in FY25, indicating a progressive shift toward higher value-added within the agricultural export basket.India ranks as the world’s second-largest producer of both rice and wheat, fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, cotton and tea. In terms of trade performance, rice exports reached $12.95 billion in 2024-2025, while exports of pulses and millets amounted to $855 million and $ 59.20 million, respectively. These numbers underscore the growing international demand for diversified, climate-resilient cereal crops, reinforcing India’s strategic role in global food and nutrition security.India is also the world’s leading milk producer, contributing nearly 25% of the global output. It is also the world’s second-largest producer of eggs and fish and fourth-largest producer of meat. The weak monsoon might lead to severe food shortages for livestock.India is making great strides across the field. A near-corruption-free, stable, and reformist government that is willing to deliver, a huge untapped market, a vibrant services sector, and inexpensive labour, among others, contribute to its economy expanding at the highest rate among major economies. Gross domestic product (GDP), according to government data, was estimated to grow by 7.7% in the financial year 2025-26, up from 7.1% in 2024-25.The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has recently projected India’s GDP growth to be the highest among major economies at 7.6% in 2025. Though the pace of growth will slow to 6.3% in 2026 and 6.4% in 2027, those rates would still be the highest among peers. (3)India needs to sustain the pace of growth. Agriculture employs around 43% of the Indian workforce. The country is battling to provide its youth with decent employment. In their 2024 paper, titled “Nexus of GDP and Employment in India: A Comparative Analysis, two researchers observed, “Despite India's rapid economic expansion, employment generation poses a considerable challenge, particularly given the rapidly increasing population and the high levels of informality in the labour market.” (4) El Niño will further aggravate the crisis.India needs to feed around 146 billion mouths within the country and many millions outside it. The task is Herculean. The winter crop was bad as fertiliser shortage plagued production. Any scarcity of staple materials will drive global food prices to soaring heights. Analysts said that the real crisis will be in the winter crop season, as the weaker monsoon might make the winter season warmer and shorter, hurting yields, farm incomes, and food prices after September. The better the Indian government manages it, the better for the global community. El Niño to add to the woes of Indian farmersSurya Sarathi RayHit hard by the West Asia crisis, Indian farmers are in for yet another scorching blow as a deficit monsoon, due to the adverse impact of a stronger El Niño, will hamper cultivation that relies heavily on monsoon rains. The official weather forecaster, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), has predicted a deficient monsoon - at 90% of the long-period average - marking the driest monsoon in over a decade.So far, the southwest monsoon is significantly deficient. The rainfall is now around 43% below normal. The government has identified around 315 districts from 12 states that are likely to be affected by weak monsoon conditions. It has launched a nationwide awareness programme to reach out to farmers. The concerned minister conceded, “The concern about El Niño is always on my mind, 24X7.” (1)The previous two years’ good harvests have provided a sufficient buffer of rice and wheat stocks; therefore, there is no immediate threat to food security. But several concerns remain. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, earlier in the week, has warned, “El Niño can weaken the summer monsoon across much of India, putting rainfed crops such as rice and maize under stress during the critical growing season. In 2015, maize and rice output fell in major producing countries, pushing up prices for key food commodity crops. This time, agricultural drought risk runs from Pakistan and India through to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam, and further to the East, including the Philippines, Indonesia and Timor-Leste.” (2)An El Niño is the periodic warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific that tends to weaken the South Asian monsoon, and its intensity is measured by the extent to which sea-surface temperatures in a reference patch of the Pacific rise above their long-term average. It is a climate phenomenon historically associated with weaker monsoons and greater rainfall uncertainty.During previous El Niño events, such as 2015-16 and 2023-24, rice and maize production in India were severely affected.According to India’s agriculture ministry’s 2025-26 (April 2025 to March 2026) annual report, India’s net area sown comprised 42.3% of the total geographical area. At the all-India level, the total cropped area has increased by 65.2% in 2023-24 compared with 1950-51 (1,31,893 thousand hectares in 1950-51 to 2,17,882 thousand hectares in 2023-24). The net irrigated area during 2023-24 was 82,416 thousand hectares, of which 21% was accounted for by canal sources of irrigation, 4% by tanks, 48% by tube wells, 15% by other wells, and the remaining 12% was irrigated by other sources of irrigation. The gross irrigated area in 2023-24 was estimated at 1,30,548 thousand hectares, which was 59.91% of the gross cropped area. Around 40% of the gross cropped area doesn’t have access to an irrigation system.In the agricultural year 2024-25, India recorded an unprecedented foodgrain output of 357.73 million metric tonnes (MT), an increase of 25.43 million metric tonnes (MT) over the preceding year, reflecting sustained gains in productivity, improved input management, and strengthened institutional support for farmers. The increase was primarily driven by higher production of rice, wheat, maize, and coarse cereals.India’s agricultural exports have grown steadily in recent years. Agricultural export earnings increased from $34.5 billion in FY20 to $51.1 billion in FY25, reflecting a CAGR of 8.2%. In FY25, agri-food exports, including processed food products, amounted to $ 49.43 billion, accounting for about 11.2% of total exports. Notably, the share of processed food exports has also risen consistently, from 14.9% in FY18 to 20.4% in FY25, indicating a progressive shift toward higher value-added within the agricultural export basket.India ranks as the world’s second-largest producer of both rice and wheat, fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, cotton and tea. In terms of trade performance, rice exports reached $12.95 billion in 2024-2025, while exports of pulses and millets amounted to $855 million and $ 59.20 million, respectively. These numbers underscore the growing international demand for diversified, climate-resilient cereal crops, reinforcing India’s strategic role in global food and nutrition security.India is also the world’s leading milk producer, contributing nearly 25% of the global output. It is also the world’s second-largest producer of eggs and fish and fourth-largest producer of meat. The weak monsoon might lead to severe food shortages for livestock.India is making great strides across the field. A near-corruption-free, stable, and reformist government that is willing to deliver, a huge untapped market, a vibrant services sector, and inexpensive labour, among others, contribute to its economy expanding at the highest rate among major economies. Gross domestic product (GDP), according to government data, was estimated to grow by 7.7% in the financial year 2025-26, up from 7.1% in 2024-25.The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has recently projected India’s GDP growth to be the highest among major economies at 7.6% in 2025. Though the pace of growth will slow to 6.3% in 2026 and 6.4% in 2027, those rates would still be the highest among peers. (3)India needs to sustain the pace of growth. Agriculture employs around 43% of the Indian workforce. The country is battling to provide its youth with decent employment. In their 2024 paper, titled “Nexus of GDP and Employment in India: A Comparative Analysis, two researchers observed, “Despite India's rapid economic expansion, employment generation poses a considerable challenge, particularly given the rapidly increasing population and the high levels of informality in the labour market.” (4) El Niño will further aggravate the crisis.India needs to feed around 146 billion mouths within the country and many millions outside it. The task is Herculean. The winter crop was bad as fertiliser shortage plagued production. Any scarcity of staple materials will drive global food prices to soaring heights. Analysts said that the real crisis will be in the winter crop season, as the weaker monsoon might make the winter season warmer and shorter, hurting yields, farm incomes, and food prices after September. The better the Indian government manages it, the better for the global community. --- ### New poll reveals what Hungarians really think about ditching the forint for the euro URL: https://reportary.com/article/poll-hungarians-euro-adoption Published: 2026-06-26 08:54:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: euro, European Union, Hungary, Money A clear majority of Hungarians would support replacing the forint with the euro, according to a new Medián survey, with around three in four respondents backing the introduction of the common European currency. A clear majority of Hungarians would support replacing the forint with the euro, according to a new Medián survey, with around three in four respondents backing the introduction of the common European currency. The findings also reveal political divisions, as supporters of the opposition Fidesz party remain far more sceptical than opposition voters.Most Hungarians favour the euroThe representative survey of 1,000 people found that only 23% of Hungarians believe the country should not be considering euro adoption at this stage. Conversely, roughly three-quarters support joining the eurozone in some form.Among those in favour, 22% would like Hungary to adopt the euro as soon as possible, while many others believe the transition should only take place after careful preparation. The survey also found that opposition to adopting the euro is more common among older people, residents of smaller settlements and those with lower levels of education.Political affiliation shapes attitudesThe results show a significant political divide over Hungary’s future currency. Among Fidesz supporters, 63% believe Hungary should not yet be focusing on euro adoption. By contrast, only 6% of supporters of the ruling Tisza Party share that view.Overall, 92% of Tisza voters support introducing the euro, although most favour a gradual approach. Around 61% say Hungary should only join the eurozone after a lengthy and thorough preparation process.Researchers noted that this is a huge shift from two decades ago. In a 2006 Medián survey, support for adopting the euro was broadly similar among supporters of the then-governing Socialists and the opposition Fidesz–KDNP alliance. Analysts suggest today’s much wider political gap reflects the former government’s increasingly sovereignty-focused and Brussels-critical messaging in recent years, while the governing Tisza Party’s supporters are overwhelmingly in favour of eventual euro adoption.Photo: MTI/EPA/Olivier MatthysEuro support reaches record levelsThe findings closely mirror the latest Eurobarometer survey, which also reported exceptionally strong backing for the euro in Hungary. According to that poll, 80% of Hungarians support making the euro the country’s official currency: an increase of five percentage points compared with 2025 and the highest level of support recorded in Hungary to date.Support has risen dramatically over the past decade. In 2016, only 57% of Hungarians backed adopting the euro. Hungary now stands out among EU countries that have not yet introduced the single currency. While support reaches 80% in Hungary, it stands at 65% in Romania, while in both the Czech Republic and Poland, a majority still oppose adopting the euro.The Eurobarometer survey also found that 39% of Hungarians would replace the forint as soon as possible, while a further 45% favour introducing the euro according to a predetermined timetable. Only 7% said Hungary should never adopt the euro: a considerably lower figure than in Poland and the Czech Republic, where more than one-third of respondents oppose joining the eurozone altogether.Government still targets 2030Although public support continues to grow, Hungary remains some distance from meeting the conditions required to adopt the common currency. Following the general election, Finance Minister András Kármán said the government aims to create the necessary conditions for euro adoption by 2030.Photo: Facebook/András KármánHowever, economists have cautioned that achieving this goal would require several years of exceptionally disciplined fiscal policy. Market expectations also suggest investors do not anticipate Hungary joining the eurozone as early as 2030 or 2031.Meanwhile, the European Commission’s latest convergence report concluded that Hungary currently does not meet any of the formal criteria required for adopting the euro.If you missed it: The European Commission has broken its silence: the Hungarian euro remains light-years away — can Péter Magyar’s plan succeed? --- ### Almost omnipotent body to be created by Péter Magyar: could Hungary’s entire political elite beyond Tisza face a reckoning? URL: https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-omnipotent-body-retrieve-assets Published: 2026-06-23 09:43:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Magyar government, Péter Magyar, Viktor Orbán PM Péter Magyar has talked about as much as HUF 60 trillion (approximately €169 billion) oligarchs close to previous premier Viktor Orbán could win on public procurements during the 16 years of the Orbán-era through rigged public procurement and dubious dealings. PM Péter Magyar has talked about as much as HUF 60 trillion (approximately €169 billion) oligarchs close to previous premier Viktor Orbán could win on public procurements during the 16 years of the Orbán-era through rigged public procurement and dubious dealings. The proposed new authority, however, could reach far beyond financial recovery, potentially dismantling large swathes of Hungary’s political class, in a manner reminiscent of Romania’s anti-corruption drive at its peak in the 2010s.A “cleansing fire” and a super-authorityThe National Office for Asset Recovery and Protection (NVVH), which Magyar intends to establish, would be endowed with unprecedented powers to reshape Hungary’s public and economic life. It would be authorised to inspect bank accounts, assume control of ongoing cases, and even appropriate proceedings from other authorities.Prime Minister Péter Magyar during this morning’s extraordinary press conference. Photo: MTI/Purger TamásSpeaking in Parliament on Monday, the prime minister announced the launch of “Operation Cleansing Fire”, with the creation of the NVVH as its central pillar. According to the government, the body’s remit will include safeguarding the lawful and transparent management of public assets, uncovering financial corruption, asset-stripping, and illicit enrichment.An explanatory note published on the government’s website claims that, even by conservative estimates, some HUF 60 trillion may have been siphoned off from state resources over the past two decades. This, it argues, is money missing from railway development, hospitals, and education. Critics caution that this figure represents a theoretical maximum, noting that tangible investments were made during this period; moreover, Magyar himself has indicated that investigations will likely focus on the past five years.How the NVVH would operateA key feature of the office would be a pre-criminal investigative division tasked with conducting risk analyses. This unit would be empowered to access bank accounts and official registers, and to initiate public asset protection procedures. Where a well-founded suspicion of criminal activity arises, cases could be escalated into full criminal proceedings.Photo: Facebook/Forsthoffer ÁgnesThe NVVH would have the authority to initiate criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, or refer matters to other bodies. It could also take over ongoing criminal cases and work alongside the police, the tax authority (NAV), and other law enforcement agencies in investigations, seizures, and asset freezes.Magyar has suggested that the office’s defining characteristic will be its consolidation of functions currently dispersed across several institutions, including the State Audit Office, the Government Control Office, and even the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. “It will see everything,” he remarked.Companies under scrutinyThe authority would automatically investigate companies deriving at least 75 per cent of their annual turnover from public procurement contracts. Where necessary, it could appoint state supervisors, although the prime minister stressed that this would not amount to expropriation. Investigations would rely on tax authority data, with a retrospective scope of up to five years.The wealthiest Hungarian, Orbán’s friend, Lőrinc Mészáros in Munich. He gained his wealth almost only by winning public procurements one after the other. Photo: PrtScr/YouTubeLeadership and safeguardsThe NVVH would be headed by four deputy directors. According to Magyar, one—subject to the outcome of a public tender—could be a senior financial investigator from the tax authority, while the remaining three would be prosecutors responsible respectively for investigations, indictments, and appeals.Strict integrity rules would apply to all senior officials and staff. Plans include granting immunity to the leadership and providing them with round-the-clock police protection.Public consultation on the draft legislation is already under way, with submissions open until 30 June and a summary expected by 5 July. The government maintains that the new body will act more swiftly and effectively against abuses involving public assets, preventing the disappearance of unlawfully acquired wealth before proceedings conclude.If you missed: Péter Magyar: new phase starts today in the fight against the “Orbán mafia”Echoes of Romania’s anti-corruption driveThe proposal inevitably invites comparison with Romania’s National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA), widely regarded in the 2010s as one of the European Union’s most formidable anti-corruption bodies. Though still operational, its earlier campaigns reshaped Romania’s domestic political landscape.The DNA is not a general law enforcement agency but a specialised prosecutor’s office with exclusive jurisdiction over medium- and high-level corruption. It oversees investigations, brings indictments, and operates with its own police units and technical staff, wielding powers of asset seizure and surveillance, including wiretapping.Between 2013 and 2018, it brought charges against much of Romania’s political elite, securing convictions against numerous high-profile figures. Among the most notable cases were Liviu Dragnea, leader of the Social Democratic Party, who received a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence; former prime ministers Victor Ponta and Adrian Năstase; presidential candidate Elena Udrea; and Sorin Oprescu, the former mayor of Bucharest.Have you read this one? PM Magyar says Hungary’s revised recovery plan wins EU backing, vows not to leave “a single euro cent” in Brussels --- ### PM Magyar says Hungary's revised recovery plan wins EU backing, vows not to leave a single euro cent in Brussels URL: https://reportary.com/article/pm-magyar-says-hungarys-revised-recovery-plan-wins-eu-backing-vows-not-to-leave-a-single-euro-cent-in-brussels Published: 2026-06-19 16:54:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: EU funding, European Union, Magyar government, Money, péter magyar Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced that the European Commission has recommended Hungary’s revised Recovery and Resilience Plan for approval, potentially unlocking billions of euros in EU funding. Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced that the European Commission has recommended Hungary’s revised Recovery and Resilience Plan for approval, potentially unlocking billions of euros in EU funding.Speaking after the European Council’s two-day summit in Brussels, Magyar said the Commission had submitted a positive recommendation to the Council of Ministers, which could take a final decision at its next meeting.The recovery fund is worth around EUR 10 billion to Hungary, although the government has only been able to advance projects linked to approximately EUR 2.6 billion because only those milestones had been sufficiently prepared by the previous administration to be completed.“There had already been a view in Brussels that Hungary had effectively lost this money,” Magyar said, adding that the government’s negotiations had helped keep access to the funding alive.“Not a single euro cent” will be left behindThe prime minister also outlined Hungary’s objectives in negotiations over the European Union’s next seven-year budget. “Not a single euro cent will be left here,” Magyar declared, stressing that the government intends to secure every euro available to Hungary.According to Magyar, preliminary discussions on the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework are still at an early stage, and member states remain far from reaching a final agreement.He noted that Hungary had already secured a significant increase in its projected allocation during negotiations under the Cypriot EU presidency, bringing the country’s expected funding package to approximately EUR 34-35 billion. The government is also seeking to recover EUR 3 billion in EU funds that Hungary lost under the previous administration.“I have the best neighbours at European Council meetings,” Magyar wrote on Facebook. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever. Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarArticle 7 procedure could end this yearMagyar said one of his key goals during talks with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was to bring an end to the long-running Article 7 procedure against Hungary. The procedure was launched by the European Parliament in 2018 over rule-of-law concerns but has remained largely stalled for years.According to the prime minister, recently adopted anti-corruption measures could provide sufficient grounds for ending the process. Hungary plans to formally request the procedure’s closure next week, and Magyar said it could potentially be terminated by October or November if discussions proceed smoothly.Migration policy still a key issueThe Hungarian prime minister also participated in a meeting of member states advocating stricter migration policies. Magyar said leaders from 19 EU countries had signed a joint letter calling for stronger measures against illegal migration, including the creation of return centres outside the European Union and more effective deportation procedures.He argued that attitudes within the EU have shifted significantly in recent years and claimed several national leaders now consider Hungary’s EUR 1 million-per-day migration-related fine imposed by the EU Court of Justice increasingly difficult to justify under current circumstances. “We need new solutions, we need to stop the flow of illegal migration into Europe,” Magyar said after the summit.Discussions on Ukraine and regional cooperationOn Ukraine, Magyar said Hungary had worked to ensure that the summit conclusions did not commit the EU to accelerating Ukraine’s accession process beyond the opening of the first negotiation chapter cluster. He also confirmed brief discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reiterated his preference for a bilateral meeting in Berehove (Beregszász), home to a large Hungarian minority community in western Ukraine.The prime minister additionally held talks with the leaders of Slovakia, Croatia, Czechia and Poland ahead of next week’s Visegrád Group summit in Hungary. Among the issues discussed was the long-term proposal for a high-speed rail connection between Budapest and Warsaw.Have you heard? Hungary lifts ban on Ukrainian news websites blocked by Orbán governmentFidesz criticises summit outcomeOpposition party Fidesz sharply criticised Magyar’s performance at the Brussels summit. In a statement sent to the Hungarian News Agency, the party accused the prime minister of abandoning key Hungarian interests “in exchange for a few pats on the back and smiles”.Fidesz claimed Magyar had weakened Hungary’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war, migration and Ukraine’s EU accession process, describing the summit as a “gloomy beginning” for the new government. The government has rejected such criticism, arguing that constructive negotiations are a more effective way to defend Hungarian interests while maintaining influence within the European Union.If you missed it: EU leaders welcome Péter Magyar’s debut summit: ‘Hungary has chosen a pro-European path’ --- ### Hungarian father of three savagely murdered in Toronto – shocking details about suspects’ identity and age URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-father-murdered-in-toronto-suspect Published: 2026-06-17 16:54:00 Language: English Categories: Crimes Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Canada Tags: Canada, Police, crime, murder A Hungarian father-of-three was brutally killed after confronting revellers outside his Toronto home when his children were unable to sleep, in a case described as shockingly savage — and all the more disturbing for who was involved. A Hungarian father-of-three was brutally killed after confronting revellers outside his Toronto home when his children were unable to sleep, in a case described as shockingly savage — and all the more disturbing for who was involved.The gruesome killing risks casting a shadow over Toronto’s Hungarian community, as it has emerged that not only the victim but also the alleged attackers were Hungarian. Two suspects have already been arrested, while a Romanian woman remains at large. There appears to be no rational explanation for the violence: the victim was left with no intact bones, his body repeatedly run over by a car after his head had been smashed. Reports suggest drugs may have played a role in the senseless brutality.Three attackers set upon himWhat began as a commonplace neighbourhood dispute — one not unfamiliar even in Budapest — rapidly escalated into scenes akin to a horror film in Canada, ending in tragedy.Two young Hungarian men have been identified as suspects in the killing of the 32-year-old father, whose death under brutal circumstances has deeply shocked Toronto’s Hungarian community. According to local accounts, the ferocity of the attack was such that even seasoned investigators were shaken.The victim, identified as S. E., had lived in Canada for more than a decade and had obtained citizenship. He resided with his family in North York, described as a quiet and orderly neighbourhood of houses, flats and restaurants, Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, wrote.According to reports, the incident began in the early hours when his children were unable to sleep due to loud music outside. The father went out to ask those responsible to lower the volume. A verbal altercation followed, quickly spiralling out of control.Witnesses say several individuals attacked him, beating him before striking him with a vehicle. The driver did not stop after the initial impact; instead, the car was reportedly driven over the victim multiple times as he lay on the ground. His injuries were so severe that he died at the scene. Locals described the extent of the damage as comparable to a fall from a twenty-storey building, with no chance of survival.Photo: depositphotos.comFears of a targeted killingToronto police initially treated the case as a targeted attack. Early in the investigation, several possible motives were considered, including personal or business disputes, though authorities did not disclose further details.Some experts suggested the level of brutality pointed to a calculated act of retribution rather than mere rage or intoxication. Others, however, maintained that drugs alone could not fully explain the violence. In the immediate aftermath, the victim’s family sought police protection, fearing retaliation from suspects still at large. For many, the killing appeared to carry the hallmarks of a message.Police car in Toronto: everybody was searching for the perpetrators. Illustration. Source: depositphotos.comThe investigation took a rapid turn within a day, with two Hungarian men — aged 18 and 23 — arrested in a police operation on suspicion of murder, Blikk wrote in a separate article. A Romanian woman believed to have been involved remains on the run. Proceedings for homicide have been initiated against the suspects.Have you read this one? Wealthy British businessman has vanished from BudapestCommunity in shockThe killing has deeply shaken the local Hungarian community. Balázs Zanati, a Hungarian-born police officer serving in Toronto and responsible for the safety of tens of thousands of residents, had initially suspected that Hungarians might be involved, though he had hoped this would not prove to be the case given the reputational damage it could cause. Click and read more about the Hungarian hero of Canada.Hungarian cop serving in Toronto – with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Photo: Facebook/Balázs ZanatiThe victim leaves behind three children. Those who knew him say he had no prior dealings with the law.Police continue to investigate the full circumstances and motive behind the killing. One detail, however, appears increasingly certain from multiple reports: the perpetrators were under the influence of drugs.If you missed it: Record cocaine haul seized at Budapest’s “hidden” portFeatured image: depositphotos.com --- ### Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 opens with major investor pledges from Uzbekistan URL: https://reportary.com/article/tashkent-international-investment-forum-2026-opens-mirziyoyev Published: 2026-06-17 07:29:00 Language: English Categories: International Affairs Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Uzbekistan Tags: Trade, Uzbekistan, taskent, investment The Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 officially opened on Wednesday with an address by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who presented Uzbekistan as a fast-growing reform economy seeking deeper partnerships with global investors, financial institutions and regional allies. The Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 officially opened on Wednesday with an address by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who presented Uzbekistan as a fast-growing reform economy seeking deeper partnerships with global investors, financial institutions and regional allies.Held under the theme “Investment Resilience: New Frontiers, New Partnerships”, the fifth edition of the forum brought together nearly 4,000 foreign guests from more than 100 countries, according to the president’s opening remarks. Senior officials from Albania, Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan were among those attending, alongside major international financial institutions.Uzbekistan seeks to strengthen investor confidenceIn his speech, Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan remained open to investors interested in “equal and mutually beneficial partnership”, pointing to what he described as the growing international confidence in the country’s reforms.The president said Uzbekistan had attracted more than USD 150 billion in foreign investment in recent years, including USD 123 billion over the past five years. He also highlighted last year’s 7.7 percent GDP growth, USD 43 billion in foreign investment and international reserves exceeding USD 70 billion.For foreign readers, Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s most populous country and has become increasingly visible as a regional investment destination since launching broad economic reforms under Mirziyoyev. These reforms have included currency liberalisation, privatisation efforts, capital market development and a stronger push to attract international finance.Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 highlights legal reformsA central announcement at the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 was the planned establishment of the Tashkent International Financial Centre.According to Mirziyoyev, the centre will operate under a special legal regime based on English common law principles. Its legal foundations are to be set out in a dedicated constitutional law, while participants would benefit from a highly favourable tax system. Corporate income tax, VAT, property tax and customs duties are planned to be set at zero percent.The president also promised guarantees for the free movement of capital and the ability to conduct transactions in any currency. An independent financial regulator and a Tashkent International Commercial Court, staffed by foreign judges and international experts, are also planned.Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan intended to join the United Nations Singapore Convention on Mediation, presenting the move as part of a broader effort to offer investors stronger international legal protection inside the country.Capital markets, privatisation and Islamic financeThe Uzbek leader also placed strong emphasis on capital market development. He said Uzbekistan had placed bonds worth more than USD 16 billion on international markets and had introduced corporate Eurobonds denominated in the national currency.He also referred to the listing of 30 percent of the National Investment Fund’s shares on the Tashkent and London stock exchanges, describing it as the largest IPO on the London Stock Exchange in the past five years.Further reforms are planned through new laws on the capital market and alternative investment funds. Uzbekistan also intends to launch sovereign Islamic bonds, known as sukuk, as part of efforts to diversify investment flows.This year, assets worth USD 6 billion are expected to be put up for auction under the privatisation programme, including real estate, state-owned stakes in companies and land plots.Green energy, AI and regional connectivityThe president identified green energy and artificial intelligence as key future sectors. Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of green energy in total electricity generation to 54 percent in the coming years.Mirziyoyev invited investors to take part in solar and wind projects, energy storage systems, grid modernisation and data centres powered by renewable energy. He also said foreign experts expected at least USD 10 billion in added value to be created in Uzbekistan’s artificial intelligence sector over the next five years.A special zone for AI projects and data centres is being created in Karakalpakstan, where investors are promised tax and duty exemptions until 2040, state-financed infrastructure and a preferential electricity tariff.Regional connectivity was another major focus. Mirziyoyev referred to the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the Trans-Afghan Corridor and the Middle Corridor through the Caspian Sea as strategic routes linking Asia and Europe.Tourism, housing and regional developmentUzbekistan’s demographic growth was also framed as an investment opportunity. The country’s population is approaching 40 million, and the government plans to raise the urbanisation rate from 51 percent to 65 percent by 2040.The president said housing construction could provide a guaranteed market volume of at least USD 10 billion annually, while public-private partnership projects in infrastructure development worth USD 27 billion were also being prepared.Tourism was presented as another growth driver. Mirziyoyev said foreign tourist arrivals had risen by 27 percent in the past five months, reaching 5.5 million, while Uzbekistan had the potential to welcome 15–20 million foreign tourists annually.Concluding his speech, Mirziyoyev said investment was “far more than a source of capital”, describing it as a catalyst for technology, knowledge, jobs and development. His message at the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 was clear: Uzbekistan wants to position itself as one of Central Asia’s main gateways for international capital.If you missed it: Ancient spring festival of Navruz celebrated in BudapestHungarian-Uzbek relations add a European dimensionThe Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 also has clear relevance for Hungary, as relations between Budapest and Tashkent have become increasingly active in recent years. In May 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán signed a joint declaration in Budapest establishing an expanded strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Hungary, covering areas including climate policy, science and innovation, disaster management and peaceful nuclear cooperation.Economic cooperation has also become more concrete. During the 2025 talks, the two sides discussed raising bilateral trade to EUR 500 million and preparing new investment projects worth EUR 1.5 billion. The Uzbek side also highlighted the entry of Hungary’s OTP Bank into the Uzbek financial market as an important signal for Hungarian and European businesses, while cooperation was discussed in transport infrastructure, logistics, textiles, construction materials, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies and aquaculture.For Hungary, Uzbekistan is an increasingly important Central Asian partner and a potential gateway to wider regional markets, while Tashkent sees Budapest as a useful bridge to European investment, technology and regulatory know-how. This gives the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 an added Hungarian angle: the sectors promoted by Mirziyoyev in his opening speech — from finance and green energy to transport, agriculture and industrial production — broadly overlap with the areas in which Hungarian-Uzbek cooperation is already being expanded.Uzbekistan is expected to maintain good relations with the new Hungarian government as well, since recent years have shown that it is worthwhile to maintain a very close relationship even despite such a great distance.Reporting from the venue: Alpár KatóTashkent International Investment Forum 2026 – Alpár Kató, CEO of Daily News HungaryGet more details about Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026What’s next?Amir Temur’s diplomacy: how Samarkand connects Europe, Asia --- ### Slovak President: Magyar’s rhetoric does not foster good neighbourly relations URL: https://reportary.com/article/slovak-president-magyars-rhetoric-does-not-foster-good-neighbourly-relations Published: 2026-06-14 15:04:00 Language: English Categories: Geopolitics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Slovakia Tags: Hungarian government, Hungary, Slovakia, péter magyar, peter pellegrini Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has criticised Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar over comments he made during Hungary’s National Cohesion Day commemorations, saying the rhetoric does not contribute to good neighbourly relations between the two countries. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has criticised Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar over comments he made during Hungary’s National Cohesion Day commemorations, saying the rhetoric does not contribute to good neighbourly relations between the two countries.Speaking on Sunday in a political programme on Slovak news channel JOJ 24, Pellegrini addressed several domestic issues as well as current developments in Slovak–Hungarian relations.Pellegrini warns against divisive rhetoricThe Slovak president took issue with Magyar’s recent statement that “Hungary is perhaps the only country in the world that borders itself,” a remark made during a speech marking the anniversary of the 1920 Treaty of Trianon and the National Cohesion Day.According to the Slovak president, he does not want Slovak–Hungarian relations to become a political issue that could damage bilateral ties or further polarise Slovak society ahead of upcoming elections.“I do not consider it rhetoric that leads to good neighbourly relations,” Pellegrini said, according to the Slovak news agency TASR. His criticism also referred to Magyar’s previous comments concerning Felvidék, the historical Hungarian name for parts of present-day Slovakia.Hope for a constructive Fico–Magyar meetingPellegrini said he hopes Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Péter Magyar will be able to find a way to calm tensions during their planned meeting.The comments are the latest reaction from Slovak officials to Magyar’s controversial statement. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár had previously rejected the remark, arguing that it was inappropriate in the context of bilateral relations.Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarThe statement that sparked criticismDuring National Cohesion Day commemorations, Magyar reflected on Hungary’s international position and stressed the importance of maintaining strong alliances and being a predictable partner on the global stage.He argued that Hungary needs good relations with all neighbouring countries, adding that this has not always been the case in recent years, including within the regional cooperation framework of the Visegrád Group.It was in this context that he made the remark that Hungary is “perhaps the only country in the world that borders itself,” a reference widely interpreted as alluding to ethnic Hungarian communities living beyond Hungary’s present-day borders following the signing of the Treaty of Trianon.If you missed it: Slovak FM slams PM Magyar’s “Hungary borders itself” remark, warns against irredentist rhetoric --- ### Nieuwe peiling: Nederlanders hechten veel waarde aan inspraak URL: https://reportary.com/article/nieuwe-peiling-nederlanders-hechten-veel-waarde-aan-inspraak Published: 2026-06-12 07:45:00 Language: Dutch (Nederlands) Categories: Politics Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Netherlands Tags: holland, consumer choice center, poll Een ruime meerderheid van de Nederlanders vindt dat burgers het recht hebben om hun mening te geven tijdens openbare consultaties. Een ruime meerderheid van de Nederlanders vindt dat burgers het recht hebben om hun mening te geven tijdens openbare consultaties. Dat blijkt uit een recente peiling waarover de Consumer Choice Center heeft bericht.Volgens het onderzoek is 82 procent van de ondervraagden van mening dat iedere burger het fundamentele recht heeft om gehoord te worden bij beleidsconsultaties. Daarnaast vindt 85 procent dat mensen gebruik moeten kunnen maken van hulpmiddelen, zoals voorbeeldteksten of ondersteuning van maatschappelijke organisaties, om hun standpunt kenbaar te maken.De resultaten laten zien dat Nederlanders veel belang hechten aan burgerparticipatie en transparantie in het besluitvormingsproces. Ook vindt een meerderheid dat bijdragen van burgers gelijkwaardig moeten worden behandeld, ongeacht of zij zijn gemobiliseerd door een maatschappelijke organisatie of een bedrijf. --- ### Modi shines; dark shades remain URL: https://reportary.com/article/modi-shines-dark-shades-remain Published: 2026-06-12 05:12:00 Language: English Categories: Opinion Columns Author: Surya Sarathi Ray Type: News Article Location: India Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, became the longest-serving democratically elected head of the nation earlier in the week. The article talks about his achievements and criticisms. Modi shines; dark shades remainBy Surya Sarathi RayIndian Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi became the longest-serving democratically elected head of the country earlier in the week, surpassing the first Prime Minister, the late Jawaharlal Nehru, whose uninterrupted tenure of 4,398 days at the helm ended with his death in May 1964. Mr Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) stormed into power in 2014 with a landslide victory over the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Since then, the Modi-led NDA has grown from strength to strength, spreading its footprint from just seven to 22 states and union territories. Now, the BJP is the world’s largest political party by membership.Congratulations from world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, poured in for Mr Modi on the momentous occasion, as did those from his cabinet colleagues and heads of state. While a comparison between the two stalwarts of Indian politics is not desirable, it is, nonetheless, inevitable. Mr Nehru inherited a newly liberated nation plagued by poverty and a lack of infrastructure in health and education. Industrial wherewithal was limited, so were the funds to finance the development of critical infrastructure. Agriculture, on which most of the people were engaged for survival, was at the mercy of God; no rains or famine were frequent. Liberalisation in 1991 provided the economy a much-needed fillip; it also fanned the aspiration of the people. A series of subsequent reforms ensured that India was on a high-growth trajectory. The Congress-led UPA’s two consecutive terms - 2004-2009 and 2009-2014 - were plagued by a series of scandals involving corruption, favouritism and nepotism, which snowballed into public unrest. Mr Modi took the opportunity with both hands and vowed to eradicate rampant corruption, and voters responded by voting for him en masse. Immediately after taking over, Mr Modi pushed the reform pedal hard, emboldened by a clear majority. The results are there for everyone to see, and the benefits reach one and all. India’s economy has more than doubled in the last 12 years to $4.15 trillion; per capita income has nearly doubled to $2,810; and over 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty. More than 580 million people have been brought into the formal banking system, and the country has undergone an infrastructure revolution. Friends with the world’s most powerful leaders, Mr Modi has managed the West Asia crisis reasonably well for his countrymen, though he receives flak from the West for continuing to buy oil from Russia. But, like other leaders, he has pursued a nation-first strategy that has benefited the country and its people. India’s external trade, thanks to several trade agreements, is also on the rise. His pro-manufacturing policies have borne fruit. Today, one in four Apple phones is made in India. The country’s steel production doubled in the last 12 years. India is now the world’s second-largest steel producer.Overall, while Mr Modi has been instrumental in taking the country to a new height, some pain points still However, Mr Modi’s regime is not free from criticism. Critics argue that while the country has made significant strides on the economic front, his staunch Hindutva ideology has created an uneasy atmosphere for the minority Muslim community, which comprises 14.2% of the country’s population, as per the 2011 census (1). He is also accused of suppressing dissent and muzzling free speech. Reporters Without Borders (2), which placed India in 157th rank among 180 nations in its World Press Freedom Index in 2026, writes, “With a rise in violence against journalists, highly concentrated media ownership, and outlets with increasingly overt political alignment, press freedom is in crisis in “the world’s largest democracy,” ruled since 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and embodiment of the Hindu nationalist right.”Though the government rejects RSF’s criticism, it would be prudent to recognise that the world’s largest democracy can’t survive without a free press.   Modi shines; dark shades remain --- ### End of an era: Wizz Air unveils game-changing plan that could transform every flight URL: https://reportary.com/article/wizz-air-unveils-game-changing-plan Published: 2026-06-09 06:04:00 Language: English Categories: Uncategorized Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: travel, Wizz Air For decades, air travel came with one unavoidable reality: passengers were effectively cut off from the digital world as soon as the aircraft doors closed. Messages went unanswered, emails remained unsent, families lost contact, and sports fans missed live events. Taking off meant disappearing. That For decades, air travel came with one unavoidable reality: passengers were effectively cut off from the digital world as soon as the aircraft doors closed. Messages went unanswered, emails remained unsent, families lost contact, and sports fans missed live events. Taking off meant disappearing. That is what Wizz Air aims to change soon.Wizz Air now says that era is coming to an endThe Hungarian low-cost airline has announced plans to introduce Starlink connectivity across its fleet beginning in 2027. With the move, the Hungarian low-cost airline is set to become the first European ultra-low-cost carrier to offer Starlink’s advanced in-flight internet technology, bringing high-speed onboard connectivity to millions of travellers, wizzair.com wrote in a new statement.The airline describes the development as a major milestone not only for Wizz Air itself but also for the future of affordable air travel. While premium onboard internet services have traditionally been associated with higher-priced tickets, the airline says it intends to make advanced connectivity available within the ultra-low-cost segment.Photo: Facebook/Budapest AirportAffordable fares and reliable internet“Ultra-low-cost travel has always been about making opportunities accessible to more people,” said Ian Malin, Chief Commercial Officer of Wizz Air. “In 2027, we’re taking that philosophy into the space era. Our customers shouldn’t have to choose between affordable fares and reliable internet onboard to stay connected to the people, work, and moments that matter most. We’re proud to lead that change by collaborating with Starlink to bring maximum benefit to Wizz Air!”According to the announcement, installation of the new technology will begin in 2027. Passengers will be able to access high-speed, reliable, low-latency internet at cruising altitude, while every new-generation Wizz Air aircraft is expected to be equipped with Starlink technology, ensuring a consistent onboard experience across the network.If you missed this one: Hungary’s Wizz Air suspends flights to this countryJason Fritch, Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales at SpaceX, welcomed the partnership. “We’re thrilled to bring Starlink onboard Wizz Air and transform the travel experience for millions of its customers. Keeping passengers and crew seamlessly connected at 30,000 feet is exactly what this technology was built to do. We look forward to delivering reliable, high-speed internet from departure to arrival.”Wizz Air says the purpose of travel is to bring people closer together rather than disconnect them. If the airline’s plans proceed as announced, passengers could soon stay connected from take-off to landing without sacrificing the low fares that have become the carrier’s trademark.Could Wizz Air be forced to close a base? Hungarian airline threatens to leave European capitalFeatured image: Facebook/Csibi Attila --- ### Trump government gives MOL one more week to acquire key Serbian refinery URL: https://reportary.com/article/trump-mol-serbian-refinery-acquisition Published: 2026-06-08 11:04:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungarian economy, MOL, Serbia, trump, mol Hungarian oil and gas company MOL has announced an extension by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury of a deadline for winding up talks on the acquisition of a majority stake in Serbian peer NIS until 16 June, 2026. Hungarian oil and gas company MOL has announced an extension by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury of a deadline for winding up talks on the acquisition of a majority stake in Serbian peer NIS until 16 June, 2026.MOL made the announcement late Saturday, an earlier extended deadline for finishing the talks. “Negotiations have progressed materially and the current additional license extension allows for the finalization of transaction documentation,” MOL said.Earlier this June, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, Serbia’s energy minister told Serbian public television in Saint Petersburg that “intensive negotiations” between MOL and NIS majority owner Gazprom Neft on the transformation of the ownership structure were underway.Serbian energy minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic and previous Hungarian FM Péter Szijjártó. Photo: Facebook/Szijjártó PéterAlso that day, Serbia’s Finance Minister, Siniša Mali, said “progress” had been made in talks over Hungarian oil and gas group MOL’s acquisition of a controlling stake in its Serbian counterpart, NIS. Mali said a response from MOL to Serbia’s latest proposal was expected later that day or the following day. He added that a further round of talks had been expected to conclude successfully by the end of the previous week. According to Mali, the latest Serbian proposal centres on the Pančevo refinery.In May, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said talks with Hungarian oil and gas company MOL on the acquisition of a controlling stake in Serbian peer NIS were “not going well”, MTI’s correspondent in Belgrade reported. Vucic said he was “not too optimistic” about the chances of a deal being reached by the May 22 deadline set by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). In that regard, he was right, but good news is that MOL got an extension to conclude the deal.Former PM Orbán and Serbian President Vucic. After Orbán losing his seat, the negotiations halted. Photo: Facebook/VucicMOL signed a heads of terms agreement in January on the acquisition of a 56.15pc stake in NIS from Russia’s Gazprom Neft which was targeted by United States sanctions. The state of Serbia holds a 29.87pc stake in NIS.Read also:Huge explosion at MOL plant in Hungary leaves one dead, several injured --- ### Popular Hungarian spa town bans certain micromobility devices after mounting concerns among residents URL: https://reportary.com/article/micromobility-devices-banned-in-spa-town Published: 2026-06-08 14:34:00 Language: English Categories: Travel Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: baths, travel, hotel, hungary, mobility From July, the use of several micromobility devices – including electric scooters – will be significantly restricted in Hajdúszoboszló. Local authorities in the bustling resort town say fast-moving riders have increasingly caused problems in crowded central and leisure areas, prompting the int From July, the use of several micromobility devices – including electric scooters – will be significantly restricted in Hajdúszoboszló. Local authorities in the bustling resort town say fast-moving riders have increasingly caused problems in crowded central and leisure areas, prompting the introduction of new curbs. The decision is driven not only by local complaints but also by deteriorating accident statistics nationwide. The Tisza government has also pledged action to regulate the rapidly spreading use of such devices.Riders “speeding past pedestrians” as accidents riseThe municipality will ban the use of electric scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards and Segways – in effect, electrically powered personal transport devices – across several busy zones. The aim is to reduce friction between pedestrians and riders, and to limit the risk of accidents during the peak summer tourist season.Town officials say the number of high-performance electric scooters has risen sharply in recent years, with riders often travelling at considerable speed in close proximity to pedestrians. While their use will remain permitted on cycle paths, elsewhere they must be pushed or carried by hand, including along promenades, in markets and in the vicinity of schools and nurseries.Source: Prtscr/RTL Klub híradóMayor Gyula Czeglédi said action had become unavoidable in light of rising accident numbers and inadequate regulation. Locals complain that riders “go like lightning” and “pay no attention to anything”. Young people interviewed by RTL News, however, suggested the new rules would have little deterrent effect.The mayor speaking to RTL News:Record-level accidents nationwideThe clampdown comes as Hungary sees near-record levels of scooter-related accidents. Data from the Dr Jenő Manninger Accident Centre in Budapest show that in the first five months of 2026 alone, two children under 14 have died in scooter accidents, while a 13-year-old boy has been in a coma for months following a serious crash. Between January and May, 745 adults and 449 children were injured in such incidents – a marked increase on the same period last year.E-scooters at Astoria in Budapest. Photo: Wikimedia CommonsSeveral serious cases have attracted national attention in recent months. In February, an intoxicated rider suffered severe injuries, while police continue to highlight the frequent absence of protective gear and widespread rule-breaking. Reports from multiple cities have detailed life-threatening injuries, including incidents in which pedestrians were struck by electric scooters.Legal uncertainty blamedBehind the rising accident figures lies rapid growth: while 367 personal injury accidents involving scooters were recorded in Hungary in 2024, the number rose to nearly 600 in 2025, and could climb further in 2026. Experts warn that the involvement of children and young people is particularly troubling.If you missed: Electric scooter regulations in chaos in Hungary: here is a rundown of certainties to ensure safe travelThe government has promised a nationwide response. Draft revisions to the Highway Code (KRESZ) would classify electric scooters into distinct categories based on performance and top speed. Faster models could face stricter rules, including mandatory protective equipment, clearer speed limits and more precisely defined zones of use. Officials argue that the current regulatory ambiguity is contributing to the surge in accidents.Transport Minister Dávid Vitézy has indicated that regulation of scooters could be introduced even before the new Highway Code is formally adopted, warning that the issue admits of no delay.Hajdúszoboszló’s decision may yet set a precedent for other tourist hubs. While electric scooters offer a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transport, mounting accident data suggest that, without proper regulation, the micromobility revolution may come at a considerable cost.Higher speed limits, new scooter and bike rules – fresh Highway Code comes into force soon in Hungary --- ### Slovak FM slams PM Magyar’s “Hungary borders itself” remark, warns against irredentist rhetoric URL: https://reportary.com/article/slovak-fm-slams-pm-magyars-hungary-borders-itself-remark-warns-against-irredentist-rhetoric Published: 2026-06-05 08:54:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Slovakia Tags: Hungarian government, Magyar government, Péter Magyar, Slovakia, Tisza Party, Treaty of Trianon A fresh diplomatic dispute has emerged between Hungary and Slovakia after Prime Minister Péter Magyar made remarks about Hungary’s historical situation during a speech marking the Day of National Cohesion. A fresh diplomatic dispute has emerged between Hungary and Slovakia after Prime Minister Péter Magyar made remarks about Hungary’s historical situation during a speech marking the Day of National Cohesion.Speaking on Budapest’s Kossuth Square on Thursday, Magyar said Hungary was “perhaps the only country in the world that borders itself”, a reference commonly used in discussions about Hungarian communities living beyond the country’s current borders following the 1920 Treaty of Trianon.According to Új Szó, the comments triggered a response from Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, who accused the Hungarian prime minister in a Facebook post of promoting a historical interpretation that could call into question internationally recognised borders.Remarks made during Trianon commemorationDuring the National Cohesion Day ceremony, which commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Trianon and the loss of roughly two-thirds of Hungary’s territory after the First World War, Magyar stressed the importance of maintaining strong relations with neighbouring countries.He argued that Hungary should be a reliable partner and ally in the region, adding that this was especially important because Hungary was “perhaps the only country in the world that borders itself”.The prime minister also said that dialogue with several regional partners, including the Visegrád Group, had deteriorated in recent years and should be rebuilt.Photo: Anadolu AgencySlovak minister rejects statementIn a statement issued by Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry, Blanár firmly rejected Magyar’s comments.“No, Mr Prime Minister of Hungary,” he said. “Your borders, and therefore ours, were clearly established by the Trianon peace negotiations after the First World War and reaffirmed after the Second World War, when Hungary was on the defeated side.”The Slovak foreign minister stressed that Slovakia rejects any questioning of its borders, territorial integrity or sovereignty.He added that friendly and constructive relations between Hungary and Slovakia could only continue without what he described as “false irredentist tones” and attempts to challenge historical facts.Beneš decrees also raised in speechAnother sensitive issue mentioned by Magyar concerned the Beneš decrees, a series of post-war measures that affected ethnic Hungarians and Germans in former Czechoslovakia.The Hungarian prime minister said Hungary must stand up for ethnic Hungarians in Slovakia who, according to him, still face property confiscations based on the decrees. He claimed that such cases continue to occur and criticised legislation that prevents the decrees from being challenged.These remarks were also noted in Slovak media coverage of the speech.If you missed it: Hungary marks Day of National Cohesion, leaders reflect on Treaty of Trianon and national unityA phrase that has sparked controversy beforeThe expression that Hungary “borders itself” is not new in Hungarian political discourse and has been used by politicians across the political spectrum when referring to Hungarian communities living in neighbouring countries.According to Slovak media reports, similar wording has previously caused diplomatic tensions between Budapest and Bratislava. In 2010, then Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák also criticised the phrase, according to Telex.Despite the strong reaction to Magyar’s comments, Slovak officials did not object this time to his use of the term “Felvidék” (Upper Hungary), which has also been a recurring source of controversy in bilateral relations.What’s next? Péter Magyar breaks major news: sweeping deal struck with Ukraine – veto on Ukraine’s EU accession may be lifted --- ### Hungary may yet admit new guest workers as government seems to waver on promised June ban URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungary-may-yet-admit-new-guest-workers-as-government-seems-to-waver-on-promised-june-ban Published: 2026-06-03 12:14:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Guest workers in Hungary, Hungarian economy, inpr, Magyar government The Tisza government, led by Péter Magyar, had intended to suspend the arrival of new guest workers to Hungary from 1 June. However, the necessary legislation has yet to materialise. The prime minister’s office has now addressed the prospect of a ban, while business leaders have offered their own The Tisza government, led by Péter Magyar, had intended to suspend the arrival of new guest workers to Hungary from 1 June. However, the necessary legislation has yet to materialise. The prime minister’s office has now addressed the prospect of a ban, while business leaders have offered their own assessment.Reliance on foreign labour remains strongThe planned restriction—promised during the election campaign—which would have prohibited the employment of non-Hungarian guest workers from outside the European economic area, did not come into force on 1 June.According to Economx, approximately 100,000 guest workers are currently employed in Hungary. Around 20,000 originate from Serbia and Ukraine, many of them ethnic Hungarians who speak the language, while a significant number arrive from the Philippines and other southeast Asian countries.Previous Orbán administrations argued that such labour was indispensable, as the domestic workforce could not meet the demands of a growing number of investments. These roles are largely manual positions that attract limited interest locally. In sectors such as livestock farming and seasonal agricultural work, guest workers are widely regarded as irreplaceable.Previous Orbán government was against illegal migration, but supported guest workers to come to work in Hungary. Photo: Facebook/Orbán ViktorThe Magyar government, by contrast, has signalled its intention to prioritise higher value-added jobs, which may explain its earlier pledge to halt the inflow of new guest workers. Even so, most of these workers were never eligible for permanent residency or citizenship, typically being required to return home within two to three years. In some cases, individuals were compelled to leave despite having formed families in Hungary—an outcome critics have described as unduly harsh.No decision yet from the Tisza governmentThe prime minister’s office, headed by political analyst Bálint Ruff, has confirmed that no final decision has been taken. For now, the employment of foreign workers remains permitted.Péter Magyar holding a press conference. Photo: MTI/Hegedüs RóbertLabour market participants have greeted this development with relief. Magdolna Mihályi, managing director of Jobtain HR services, stressed the importance of avoiding abrupt tightening, arguing that it allows both policymakers and businesses time to prepare well-founded measures. A sudden, externally driven restriction, she warned, could cause serious short-term disruption across several sectors.Hungarian smes also depend on foreign workersMihályi noted that while third-country nationals still represent a relatively small share of Hungary’s workforce, they play a critical role in certain industries. Manufacturing, logistics and construction in particular rely on their contribution. A previous international comparison cited in the statement found that foreign workers accounted for just 2.6 per cent of Hungary’s labour force—lower than in several neighbouring countries.Cover photo: Pix4freeTamás Horváth, owner and managing director of Menton Jobs, likewise pointed out that Hungary’s reliance on guest workers remains modest by international standards. He added that foreign labour is not confined to large industrial investments—often criticised in public debate, such as battery plants—but is also vital to many domestically owned small and medium-sized enterprises. Roughly half of the workers his firm places are employed by such companies.Is there sufficient domestic labour?At the heart of the debate lies a key question: can Hungary’s domestic labour reserves genuinely replace foreign workers, as Tisza claimed during the campaign?Many guest workers would remain in Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.comThe government’s position is that these reserves should be mobilised, alongside efforts to attract higher value-added employment and equip workers through training. Yet Mihályi argues that persistent labour shortages continue to affect multiple sectors, with some vacancies remaining unfilled for months. Recruitment, she notes, imposes significant organisational and administrative burdens, while also threatening operational continuity.Have you read this one? Why more digital nomads are choosing Budapest over Western EuropeEconomx, citing data from the Hungarian central statistical office, reports that although some 318,000 individuals fall within the category of potential labour reserves, this does not mean they can be readily deployed. The group includes those not actively seeking work, those unable to start in the short term, and those content with part-time employment due to personal circumstances.Mihályi goes further still, estimating that there is no immediately mobilisable reserve of 300,000 to 400,000 workers. In her view, only around 8 to 10 per cent of this group can reliably perform consistent, value-creating work. Increasing domestic participation, she argues, will require gradual measures, including training, mobility support and targeted programmes. While Hungarian workers already enjoy priority under existing regulations, certain roles simply cannot be filled from local sources.Fears of economic disruptionBusiness leaders warn that a sudden ban could reduce production capacity. Mihályi suggested that some firms might lose workers more quickly than domestic replacements could be found, potentially leading to downsizing. For international companies, this could even result in production being relocated abroad—ultimately costing Hungarian jobs and reducing tax revenues.For now, the fact that the promised immediate tightening has not taken effect is seen as positive news. The arrival of new guest workers remains possible, though uncertainty persists as the government’s final decision is awaited. In the meantime, economic actors are calling—understandably—for predictable and gradual regulation. Professional organisations have already initiated consultations with the new government, hoping that future measures will strike a balance between protecting Hungarian workers and maintaining business viability.If you missed: Bloodbath in Debrecen: guest worker nearly beheaded --- ### Multiple zebras owned by Hungary’s wealthiest man and Orbán ally, Lőrinc Mészáros, have died URL: https://reportary.com/article/orban-hatvanpuszta-lorinc-meszaros-zebras Published: 2026-06-01 10:26:00 Language: English Categories: Pets Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: animals, Hungary, Viktor Orbán The zebras were owned by a hunting association within Lőrinc Mészáros’s business empire. The zebras were owned by a hunting association within Lőrinc Mészáros’s business empire.Zebras, the Orbán family’s luxury estate, and Lőrinc MészárosLőrinc Mészáros became the wealthiest Hungarian within just a few years after winning a large share of public procurement contracts across a wide range of sectors, from agriculture to road construction. Mészáros is a close friend of Viktor Orbán and owned only a small company before Orbán came to power in 2010. They both live in the same small village in Fejér County, Felcsút.Orbán and Mészáros. Photo: Facebook/MészárosLőrinc-vállalkozóMészáros is one of Hungary’s largest landowners and kept zebras on one of his properties near Hatvanpuszta, a luxury estate owned by the father of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The Hungarian press has repeatedly reported that it is unlikely that the multi-billion-forint investments in the Hatvanpuszta estate were financed solely by Orbán’s father. Hungarian media outlets and opposition politicians have suggested that the developments were carried out to satisfy Viktor Orbán’s personal preferences, including the creation of a so-called “contemplative path”.Check out a video about how the luxury estate was constructed:The Hungarian Chamber of Architects found that the chief architect of the Hatvanpuszta project, Dániel Taraczky, violated both legal and ethical standards when he ordered the complete demolition of the original stables, which were under heritage protection. Hatvanpuszta was once an estate of Archduke Joseph of the Habsburg family, which is why the original stables were protected.Source: YouTube/TELEXTaraczky was banned from practising as an architect for one year by the Chamber, and former independent MP Ákos Hadházy stated that he would file a police report over the deliberate destruction of a heritage site, as well as alleged fraud and forgery of official documents.Have you read this one?Putin’s surprising message to PM Péter Magyar about UkraineWhat about the zebras?Just a few metres from the Orbán family’s Hatvanpuszta estate lies a plot of land owned by Lőrinc Mészáros. A hunting association within his business empire, Vál-Völgye Vadásztársaság, kept zebras on this land. The Hungarian press has frequently reported on these exotic animals.The latest news is that, according to the Fejér County Government Office, three of the zebras died on 4 May. Official records indicate that seven remain on Mészáros’s property.The government office’s statement did not specify which animals had died. The original ten zebras were named as follows: Zsebi, Pilla, Szuszi, Pizsi, Pulcsi, Bolka, Bendegúz, Tihamér, Lolka and Pacsi.Other exotic animals on the plot of land of Mészáros include bison and antelopes.Here is a video of the zebras and the bison:Ákos Hadházy has reported the case to the police, who are now investigating the circumstances of the animals’ deaths.If you missed it:Putin’s surprising message to PM Péter Magyar about Ukraine --- ### PM Magyar introduces newest member of government: she will be the PM's chief of staff URL: https://reportary.com/article/pm-magyar-introduces-newest-member-of-government-she-will-be-the-pms-chief-of-staff Published: 2026-05-26 07:34:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungarian government, Hungary, Magyar government, Péter Magyar, Tisza Party Claudia Sümeghy, an economist specialising in international relations and a film producer, has been appointed the prime minister’s chief of staff, the PM announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Claudia Sümeghy, an economist specialising in international relations and a film producer, has been appointed the prime minister’s chief of staff, the PM announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday.Magyar appoints chief of staffMagyar wrote that Sümeghy speaks English and Italian at a high level and is currently a participant in the University of Oxford’s executive leadership programme.She has worked in finance for nearly a decade, where she became Europe’s best regional leader with her 200-strong sales team.He added that the new chief of staff has been an entrepreneur and a manager since her university days, and since 2016, she has been a producer and communications director at the film production and distribution company she co-owns with her husband, film director Tamás Yvan Topolánszky.As one of the creators of the documentary Spring Wind, Sümeghy “has followed and thus knows well the prime minister’s work and the Tisza community, their decision-making processes and value choices,” he said. As chief of staff, “she will create a leadership environment driven by pure intentions, strategically coherent and people-centred”, in which decisions “serve the building of a functional, future-proof and humane Hungary”, he added.Addressing the new chief of staff, Magyar thanked Sümeghy for taking on “this challenge-filled task”.Magyar thanked György Velkey for his work so far as chief of staff and wished him much success as an MP and state secretary at the foreign ministry.What does the PM’s chief of staff do in Hungary?In Hungary, the prime minister’s chief of staff is a senior government official responsible for coordinating the PM’s daily work, managing strategic and political communication, and overseeing cooperation between ministries and government institutions.The role typically includes preparing decisions, supervising the prime minister’s schedule and administration, and ensuring that government priorities are implemented effectively. Depending on the government structure, the chief of staff may also act as a key adviser to the prime minister and serve as an important link between political leadership and the state administration.What’s next? PM Magyar: Government to target concessions, battery industry and presidential shake-upFeatured image: Facebook/Péter Magyar --- ### Eine rechenschaftspflichtige Kommission kann Olivér Várhelyi nicht halten URL: https://reportary.com/article/eine-rechenschaftspflichtige-kommission-kann-oliver-varhelyi-nicht-halten Published: 2026-05-25 08:25:00 Language: German (Deutsch) Categories: Politics Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Brussels, Belgium Tags: várhelyi, kommission, viktor orbán, kommissionspräsidentin, van der leyen, robert kennedy jr Ob EU-Kommissar Olivér Várhelyi im Amt bleibt, hat weniger damit zu tun, ob er der Mann des abgewählten ungarischen Ministerpräsidenten Viktor Orbán war oder ist, sondern vielmehr damit, ob es sich die Europäische Union leisten kann, ihn zu behalten. Ob EU-Kommissar Olivér Várhelyi im Amt bleibt, hat weniger damit zu tun, ob er der Mann des abgewählten ungarischen Ministerpräsidenten Viktor Orbán war oder ist, sondern vielmehr damit, ob es sich die Europäische Union leisten kann, ihn zu behalten. Angesichts eines schweren Spionageskandals, der Enthüllung, dass die Regierung, die ihn ernannt hat, Informationen an den Kreml weitergab, und einer mageren politischen Bilanz sollte Ursula von der Leyen der neuen Regierung in Budapest erlauben, einen neuen Kommissar zu benennen.Die Wähler in Ungarn haben ihren Teil dazu beigetragen, indem sie in einer klaren Wahlentscheidung gezeigt haben, dass sie mehr Rechenschaftspflicht von ihren politischen Führern erwarten und die lange Herrschaft Viktor Orbáns beendet haben. Welche Botschaft sendet es an diese Wähler, wenn ein zentraler Beauftragter einer Regierung, die NSO-Spyware zur Überwachung von Journalisten und politischen Gegnern eingesetzt hat, im Amt bleibt? Brüssel wird von vielen Skandalen erschüttert, doch dieser ist sowohl aktuell als auch relevant – umso mehr, als die Orbán-Regierung der Kommission nie klargestellt hat, ob sie auch vertrauliche Informationen an Russland weitergegeben hat.Zwischen 2012 und 2019 führten die ungarischen Geheimdienste Überwachungsoperationen gegen die Europäische Union durch. Sie versuchten, EU-Diplomaten anzuwerben, während sie von der Ständigen Vertretung Ungarns aus operierten, die zu dieser Zeit von Várhelyi geleitet wurde. Auch wenn die Kommission Várhelyi kürzlich von Fehlverhalten freigesprochen hat, untergräbt allein die Tatsache, dass ein solches Netzwerk in Brüssel operieren konnte, die wahrgenommene Vertrauenswürdigkeit jedes Kommissars, der mit diesem politischen Umfeld verbunden ist. Die Enthüllung, dass Fidesz als Informationsbrücke zum Kreml diente, dürfte kaum ein Zufall sein; sie könnte sogar der Grund gewesen sein, warum die Regierung die entsprechende Technologie überhaupt beschaffte. Wie effektiv kann ein Gesundheitskommissar sein, wenn andere Kommissare und Generaldirektionen gut beraten wären, ihm keine sensiblen Informationen anzuvertrauen? Als ein Mitarbeiter eines deutschen Europaabgeordneten wegen des Verdachts festgenommen wurde, sensible Informationen an China weitergegeben zu haben, wurde er umgehend suspendiert. Was für Parlamentsmitarbeiter gilt, sollte erst recht für eine der höchsten Positionen in der Europäischen Union gelten.Wäre das Gesundheitsressort außergewöhnlich gut geführt, würde es der Kommissionspräsidentin von der Leyen leichter fallen, Várhelyi im Amt zu halten. Doch in einer Zeit, in der wir den Zugang zu lebenswichtigen Medikamenten verbessern, Lieferengpässe bekämpfen, Lieferketten diversifizieren und Innovationen im Gesundheits- und Biotechnologiebereich fördern müssen, hat sich der ungarische Kommissar mit deutlich weniger innovationsfördernden Themen beschäftigt.Jüngste Vorschläge zur Besteuerung von Zucker und bestimmten verarbeiteten Lebensmitteln wirken eher wie der Versuch, sich an die Agenda von Robert Kennedy Jr. anzunähern, als im Interesse der Europäer zu handeln. Auch wenn solche Maßnahmen in das Narrativ der öffentlichen Gesundheitsförderung passen, führen sie ohne einen soliden Plan lediglich zu höheren Preisen und einer geringeren Auswahl für die Verbraucher.Europa steht gleichzeitig vor einer Wettbewerbsfähigkeitkrise, hohen Lebenshaltungskosten und einer Innovationslücke. Die EU-Gesundheitspolitik darf nicht in eine reflexhafte Reaktion auf jedes gesellschaftliche Problem mit neuen Steuern, Verboten, Überregulierung oder Einschränkungen verfallen. Dies entspricht weder dem politischen Kurswechsel, den diese Kommission anstrebt, noch ist es etwas Neues: Es war auch ein wiederkehrendes Muster der vorherigen ungarischen Regierung, die Maßnahmen im Bereich der öffentlichen Gesundheit nutzte, um ihren Einfluss auszubauen. Als Viktor Orbán die Tabakkontrollmaßnahmen verschärfte, unter anderem durch die Einführung eines staatlichen Monopols im Einzelhandel mit Nikotinprodukten, um die Gesundheit der Ungarn zu verbessern, führte dies letztlich vor allem zur Bereicherung politisch vernetzter Akteure.Bei der Ernennung eines Kommissars reicht es nicht aus zu prüfen, ob sein Programm akzeptable politische Vorschläge enthält, sondern auch, ob er seinem Ressort eine kohärente Richtung geben kann. Várhelyis Ernennung begann mit Unsicherheiten und Unklarheiten hinsichtlich seiner Haltung zu Impfstoffen und reproduktiver Gesundheit, seiner Unparteilichkeit sowie seiner Glaubwürdigkeit in Fragen der Rechtsstaatlichkeit. Es fällt schwer zu argumentieren, dass europäische Verbraucher und Patienten seit seiner Bestätigung etwas erhalten haben, das die weiterhin erforderlichen Untersuchungen rechtfertigt, um ihn im Amt zu halten.Das häufig vorgebrachte Argument gegen eine Abberufung Várhelyis lautet, dies würde einen gefährlichen Präzedenzfall schaffen. In Wirklichkeit könnte das Gegenteil zutreffen: Ein gefährlicher Präzedenzfall entstünde, wenn Brüssel signalisiert, dass ein Kommissar im Amt bleiben kann, selbst wenn seine politische Glaubwürdigkeit erschüttert ist und seine politische Leistung kein fortgesetztes Vertrauen mehr rechtfertigt.Die Kommission wird nicht dadurch gestärkt, dass sie ihre Mitglieder um jeden Preis verteidigt. Sie wird stärker, wenn sie klarstellt, dass Kommissare nicht unantastbar sind. Wenn eine anhaltende Vertrauenskrise eine Person umgibt und sie nicht in der Lage ist, ihr Ressort in eine Richtung zu lenken, die den Bürgern klar zugutekommt, dann steht ihr Verbleib nicht für Stabilität, sondern für Stillstand. --- ### Hungary condemns brutal Russian strike on Kyiv as missile and drone barrage hits civilians URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungary-condemns-russian-strike-kyiv-ukraine Published: 2026-05-24 18:44:00 Language: English Categories: War Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Ukraine Tags: Hungarian government, Hungary, Magyar government, Russia, Ukraine, War in Ukraine Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán has strongly condemned Russia’s latest large-scale assault on Kyiv, calling the overnight strikes a “horrifying reminder” of the human cost of the war in Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán has strongly condemned Russia’s latest large-scale assault on Kyiv, calling the overnight strikes a “horrifying reminder” of the human cost of the war in Ukraine.In a post shared on X on Sunday morning, Orbán reacted to the massive Russian missile and drone attack that targeted Kyiv and surrounding regions overnight. According to Ukrainian authorities, residential buildings, civilian infrastructure and even a school were damaged during the assault, while, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at least 4 people were killed and around 100 others were injured.“Russia’s brutal overnight attack on Kyiv is another horrifying reminder of the human cost of this war,” Orbán wrote. “Civilians should never wake up to missiles, drones, explosions, and fear for their lives.”Photo: Facebook/Anita OrbánShe added that destroyed homes, torn-apart families and the deaths and injuries of innocent civilians were “unacceptable”, concluding that Hungary “strongly condemns the attack and stands by the victims and the people of Ukraine.”Hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles were launched against KyivThe attack reportedly involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles striking Kyiv and nearby regions in one of the largest overnight assaults in recent months. Explosions were reported across several districts of the Ukrainian capital, while fires broke out in multiple locations after debris and direct hits damaged civilian infrastructure.A view of destruction after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine on 24 May 2026. Photo: UKRAINIAN INTERIOR MINISTRY / HANDOUTAccording to Ukrainian officials, around 40 buildings suffered damage, including residential apartment blocks and at least one educational institution. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry building was also reportedly hit, marking the first time since the Second World War that the ministry’s headquarters sustained damage.Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to remain in shelters during the attacks as air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming projectiles.If you missed it: Zelensky rejects “debatable” offer from the EU, aims for full membership while citing Viktor OrbánZelensky warns of hypersonic missile strikeJust hours before the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia was preparing a major strike involving the “Oreshnik” intermediate-range hypersonic missile system.Following the assault, Zelensky confirmed that Russian forces had indeed used an Oreshnik missile against the Kyiv region. Russian President Vladimir Putin first announced the deployment of the Oreshnik system in November 2024, when it was reportedly used against a missile-production facility in Dnipro. The missile was later used again in January this year.What’s next? PM Magyar: After Ukraine war, EU will return to Russian gas, FM Orbán meets Ukrainian counterpart --- ### An accountable Commission cannot keep Olivér Várhelyi URL: https://reportary.com/article/an-accountable-commission-cannot-keep-oliver-varhelyi Published: 2026-05-21 09:31:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Tags: european union, european commission, oliver várhelyi, hungary Whether or not EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi stays in his post has less to do with whether he was or still is the man of the ousted Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán, but rather if the European Union can afford to keep him. Whether or not EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi stays in his post has less to do with whether he was or still is the man of the ousted Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán, but rather if the European Union can afford to keep him. In the face of a serious spy scandal, the revelation that the government that appointed him traded information to the Kremlin, and a meager policy track record, Ursula Von der Leyen should allow the new government in Budapest to appoint a new commissioner.Voters in Hungary have done their part in overwhelmingly demonstrating that they want greater accountability from their leaders, by ending the long rule of Viktor Orbán in a decisive election. What message does it send to those voters that a key appointee of a government that used NSO spyware to surveille journalists and political opponents, remains in his post? Brussels is shaken by many scandals, but this one is both recent and relevant – even more so since the Orbán government never got to "clarify" to the Commission whether it was also passing confidential information to Russia.Between 2012 and 2019, the Hungarian intelligence services carried out surveillance operations against the European Union. They were trying to recruit EU diplomats while operating from the Permanent Representation of Hungary, which at the time was led by Várhelyi. Even though the Commission has cleared Várhelyi of wrongdoing recently, the very fact that such a network could operate in Brussels undercuts the perceived trustworthiness of any commissioner associated with that political environment. The revelation that Fidesz has served as an information bridge to the Kremlin is unlikely to be an unrelated factor, it may even be the reason the government acquired the technology in the first place. How effective can a Health commissioner be when fellow commissioners and DG staff would be ill-advised to disclose sensitive information to him? When a German European Parliament staffer was arrested on charges of passing sensitive information to China, its bureau immediately suspended the assistant. What counts for Parliament assistants should be even more relevant for one of the most senior positions in the European Union.  If the health portfolio were to be extraordinarily well-managed, it would make it easier for Commission president Von der Leyen to justify keeping Várhelyi on. And yet, in a time when we need to improve access to critical medicines, address drug shortages, diversify supply chains, and promote health and biotech innovation, the Hungarian commissioner has busied himself with far less innovation-causing topics. European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Oliver Várhelyi Speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Photo credit: FacebookRecent proposals to tax sugar and certain processed foods appear as more of an attempt to appeal to Robert Kennedy Jr.'s agenda rather than working for Europeans. While these measures still fit into the narrative of public health improvements, without a proper plan they do nothing but translate into higher prices and reduced choice for consumers.Europe is simultaneously facing a competitiveness crisis, high living costs, and an innovation gap. EU health policy cannot slip into a reflexive response to every social issue with new taxes, bans, overregulation, or restrictions. Not only is that not the political mandate shift this Commission sought to engage in, it has also consistently been the approach of the previous Hungarian government, who used public health measures as a way to further expand its influence. When Viktor Orbán tightened tobacco control measures, including through making nicotine product retail a state monopoly, to improve the health of Hungarians, all it really achieved was to enrich politically connected individuals. When appointing a commissioner, it is not enough to see whether his platform includes acceptable policy proposals, but whether he can give his portfolio a coherent direction. Várhelyi's appointment began with uncertainty and ambiguity over his stance on vaccines and reproductive health, his impartiality, and his credibility when it comes to the rule of law. It is hard to argue that since his confirmation, European consumers and patients have gotten something that justifies the hours of investigations that continue to be needed to keep him in his post.The argument we often hear against Várhelyi’s removal is that it would set a dangerous precedent. In reality, the opposite may hold: the dangerous precedent would be if Brussels signaled that a commissioner could remain in office even when their political credibility is shattered, and their policy performance no longer justifies continued trust.The Commission is not strengthened by defending its members at all costs. It becomes stronger by making it clear that commissioners are not untouchable. If a prolonged crisis of confidence surrounds someone and they are unable to steer their portfolio in a direction that clearly benefits citizens, then their staying represents not stability but inertia.The original article was published in Romanian here: https://adevarul.ro/blogurile-adevarul/o-comisie-responsabila-nu-l-poate-pastra-in-2531003.html --- ### FM Anita Orbán recalls Hungarian ambassador to Warsaw, signals shift in foreign policy URL: https://reportary.com/article/anita-orban-recalls-ambassador-poland-visit Published: 2026-05-19 11:14:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Diplomacy, Hungary, Magyar government, Poland, orbán anita According to a Facebook post published by Hungary’s new foreign minister, Anita Orbán, the Hungarian ambassador to Warsaw will be recalled to Budapest and replaced by someone else. According to a Facebook post published by Hungary’s new foreign minister, Anita Orbán, the Hungarian ambassador to Warsaw will be recalled to Budapest and replaced by someone else.New era of cooperation between Poland and HungaryIn the post, Anita Orbán stated that Polish–Hungarian relations are entering a new era. As part of this, Prime Minister Péter Magyar will pay an official visit to Poland with a large delegation to place bilateral cooperation on a new footing. “A new era requires a new approach,” the foreign minister wrote, adding that she had decided to recall Hungary’s ambassador to Warsaw, as a new appointee would be a more suitable representative of this renewed partnership in the coming years.Anita Orbán’s ministerial hearing. Photo: MTI/Tamás PurgerHungary’s relationship with Poland deteriorated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Poland continued to support Kyiv in every possible way, fearing a potential Russian attack — an event last seen in 1939, when the Soviet Union seized the country’s eastern territories while the Polish army fought Nazi forces in the west. Between 1944 and 1990, Soviet troops remained in Poland, ensuring Warsaw’s dependence on Moscow and maintaining a pro-Soviet government.Meanwhile, former prime minister Viktor Orbán adopted a different approach to Ukraine’s war for freedom. He argued that President Zelensky should accept Putin’s terms, agree to a ceasefire, and begin peace negotiations as soon as possible.Polish official: Hungarian PM’s visit ‘symbolic’Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is starting a two-day visit to Poland on Tuesday, a symbolic gesture “indicating Hungary’s return to the European mainstream”.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk delivers a speech as he confirms that Polish forces shot down Russian drones, which violate the country’s airspace, in Warsaw, Poland on 10 September 2025. Photo: POLISH PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE / HANDOUTMagyar is scheduled to meet his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, whose pro-European coalition has restored ties with the EU and facilitated release of community funding frozen over European concerns regarding the rule of law in Poland. According to news agency Reuters, Magyar, who won a landslide victory in Hungary over nationalist Viktor Orbán, has similar goals.Warsaw and Budapest have previously been at odds over Orban’s stand on Ukraine and his close ties with Russia. A Polish government official said Magyar’s visit could be seen as a symbolic resumption of virtually frozen relations, providing an opportunity to restart dialogue on European issues and Ukraine, the Hungarian News Agency wrote.“It is very clear that they want to restore relations with Poland to a very good level,” the official added. “These are, I would say, gestures showing a return to the best traditions of strong bilateral ties.”Magyar continues his official visit in AustriaThe Hungarian government is seeking Poland’s support in talks to unlock EU funds, as both countries have had similar rule of law disputes.Following his visit to Poland, Magyar will travel to Vienna on Thursday to restart bilateral relations with Austria, which also became highly tense in the last years of Orban’s government.The Hungarian prime minister, whose goals include reviving cooperation within the Visegrad Group, which includes Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, has proposed extending it to other countries in the region, including Austria. Cooperation between the V4 countries has been frozen for all intents and purposes, primarily due to disagreements over Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Austrian news agency APA noted.Have you read this? Reckoning: What has emerged so far in the pardon scandal that ultimately brought down Orbán and Fidesz?Delegation already departed for PolandThe delegation has already departed for Kraków. It was Péter Magyar’s decision to begin the official visit in the former seat of the Kingdom of Poland, out of respect for Pope John Paul II, who served as the city’s archbishop. They travelled there on scheduled flights with a transfer in Vienna. Magyar said they would continue their journey from Kraków to Warsaw by train.Photo: Facebook/Magyar PéterThis in itself marks a significant difference compared with the Orbán governments, which regularly travelled everywhere by plane and made use of Hungarian Air Force aircraft for that purpose.The current delegation consists of Minister for Economy and Energy István Kapitány, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Anita Orbán, Minister of Transport Dávid Vitézy, Minister of Defence Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, Minister of Culture Zoltán Tarr, and Minister of Agriculture Szabolcs Bóna. In Poland, Magyar is set to meet the Polish prime minister, the president, and the speakers of both parliament and the senate.Magyar said he would travel from Warsaw to Vienna on Thursday morning to meet the Austrian chancellor and president. In the afternoon, he will return home by train from Austria.Magyar has also appointed Bálint Ruff as Hungary’s second deputy prime minister.If you missed: Magyar government to decide on the fate of non-EU guest workers next week, but outlook is not promising --- ### New store opening: UK retail chain launches first franchise in Hungary URL: https://reportary.com/article/retail-chain-launches-franchise-store-2026 Published: 2026-05-18 06:04:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: economy, Hungary, shopping Following the opening of its first store in Csepel, the British-style convenience chain, Premier is now launching another shop in Budapest, this time in the city’s 13th district. Following the opening of its first store in Csepel, the British-style convenience chain, Premier is now launching another shop in Budapest, this time in the city’s 13th district. The move marks the company’s first-ever franchise expansion outside the United Kingdom — and it is happening in Hungary.Premier chain enters a new phaseOn 21 May, the first Premier store operated by an official franchise partner will open on Hegedűs Gyula Street in Budapest’s 13th district. This is not only a milestone for Hungary, but also a significant international step, as it will become the first franchise-operated Premier shop outside the UK.Behind the expansion stands the Booker wholesale network, which has successfully operated the Premier convenience chain across Britain for years. The latest opening clearly signals that Tesco could be planning to turn the concept into a major retail player in Hungary over the long term.The Csepel store was only the beginningPremier’s story in Hungary began last autumn, when a former Tesco Express store in Csepel was quietly transformed into a Premier convenience shop, according to Pénzcentrum.While the Csepel branch is expected to remain company-operated, the new shop in the 13th district will launch under a franchise model. This is particularly important because franchising allows for faster expansion with lower investment risks. As a result, the Premier chain could appear in several Hungarian cities within just a few years.What shoppers can expect Premier shops are primarily designed for quick and convenient everyday shopping. Customers will find essential groceries, fresh bakery products, drinks, ready meals, snacks and household necessities. The concept is essentially a modernised version of the traditional corner shop, tailored to fast-paced urban lifestyles.With this move, Tesco appears to be responding directly to the growing dominance of discount supermarkets and changing consumer habits. More and more shoppers are looking for smaller, easily accessible stores instead of large hypermarkets, especially in densely populated urban areas.A new competitor on the marketHungary’s retail sector has undergone major changes in recent years. Alongside chains such as Aldi, Lidl, Penny and Spar, a completely new retail model is now emerging. Rather than targeting large weekly grocery shops, the Premier chain focuses on immediate daily shopping needs. We previously covered how fuel prices could change in the coming months, here.According to analysts, the franchise-based model could also prove highly attractive to smaller entrepreneurs, as it allows them to join a retail system backed by a well-known international company. If the concept proves successful, dozens of Premier stores could open across Hungary in the near future.If you missed it:Former government’s last hit is a HUF 1.3 trillion deal with Orbán-affiliated company, documents show --- ### PM Magyar: Shredded documents and Fidesz campaign materials found in former ministry building – video URL: https://reportary.com/article/magyar-shredded-documents-fidesz-building Published: 2026-05-17 16:54:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungary, Magyar government, Orbán government, Péter Magyar, fidesz Péter Magyar said his team had discovered shredded documents and campaign materials linked to János Lázár and Fidesz inside the basement of the former Ministry of Construction and Transport, now part of the Prime Minister’s Office. Péter Magyar said his team had discovered shredded documents and campaign materials linked to János Lázár and Fidesz inside the basement of the former Ministry of Construction and Transport, now part of the Prime Minister’s Office.In a video published on Facebook on Sunday, Magyar said colleagues alerted him to “strange things” found during the handover process at the building previously overseen by Lázár. According to the prime minister, staff uncovered at least 15 to 20 sacks filled with shredded documents, alongside boxes of campaign-related items.Among the materials shown in the footage were leaflets and signs bearing the slogan “Fidesz, the safe choice”, Hungarian flags allegedly used at DPK events, “Lázár Info” promotional materials, and Christmas greeting cards featuring the Lázár family.Allegations of multiple offencesMagyar argued that the discovery raises suspicion of several potential criminal offences, including illegal party financing. He said authorities should investigate whether state resources or public employees were used to produce, store or distribute party campaign materials inside a government institution.“The State Audit Office should have examined these matters, and naturally, the police will also investigate,” Magyar said in the video.The prime minister added that a formal complaint would be filed, and promised to provide updates once police questioning or other investigative actions begin.Questions over the use of government propertyAccording to Magyar, investigators should determine who ordered the storage and possible production of campaign materials in the ministry building and whether civil servants were instructed to participate in such activities.The footage released online reportedly shows numerous bags containing shredded paper, as well as stacks of Fidesz-related campaign equipment stored in the basement area.The allegations have not yet been independently verified, and no official response from Lázár or Fidesz had been published at the time of writing.Handball match in Veszprém after the announcementAt the end of the video, Magyar said he would travel to Veszprém to support the Hungarian men’s national handball team in their World Championship qualifier against Serbia. Hungary lost the first leg 31–29, according to Index.If you missed it: Former Orbán minister accuses PM Magyar of unconstitutional attempt to influence Hungary’s courts --- ### Hungary the “poorest and most corrupt country” in the EU, says PM Magyar URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungary-poorest-most-corrupt-country-eu Published: 2026-05-16 18:14:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: European Union, Hungarian economy, Hungarian government, Hungary, Magyar government, Money, Orbán government Hungary has become the “poorest and most corrupt country” in the European Union, the Prime Minister said on Saturday in response to remarks made by his predecessor. Hungary has become the “poorest and most corrupt country” in the European Union, the Prime Minister said on Saturday in response to remarks made by his predecessor.Orbán strikes on FacebookFollowing a press tour of the ministerial buildings in the Castle District, Péter Magyar was asked to comment on a Facebook post by Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, in which he wrote that Magyar was “talking nonsense” and that the previous government had not looted the country but had instead lifted it up, writes MTI.The former premier also announced that, like the members of his former cabinet, he would donate the severance payment due to him to a children’s home in Transcarpathia. In response, Magyar said that the Hungarian people could see the reality and the European statistics, and that they could see Hungary had become the “poorest and most corrupt country”.Magyar attacks back with statisticsCiting figures from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (Központi Statisztikai Hivatal, KSH), he said that 400,000 children and nearly one million pensioners were living in deep poverty, while almost three million people were living below the subsistence level.He added that there had been virtually no economic growth for four years, that Hungary had recorded Europe’s highest increase in food prices, and that between 700,000 and 800,000 people had been forced to seek work abroad.“It is worth facing reality,” he said. He stressed that developments had taken place, which was only to be expected over a 16-year period, during a decade-long global economic upswing and after the arrival of such large amounts of EU funding.Magyar claims an insane amount of money to have been stolen by the former governmentHowever, he said that if one looked at Poland, Slovenia, Czech Republic and the Baltic states, it was also clear how far Hungary could have progressed “if a significant portion of the money had not been stolen”. Addressing Viktor Orbán, he added: “You do not have to convince me, but the Hungarian people.”He added that their task was to govern far better and more honestly, to safeguard public funds much more carefully, and to ensure that “if anyone does dip into the honey pot, there are consequences — immediate, visible and severe consequences”.In case you missed it: Péter Magyar showed the Carmelite Monastery to the press, where he unexpectedly met Orbán’s former press chiefOrbán can’t get severance pay, so he offers the amount for charityPéter Magyar described the former prime minister’s offer regarding the severance payment as commendable and said they would accept it. However, as with the former ministers, he asked Orbán to provide the relevant bank account details so that the money could be transferred centrally.He also asked Viktor Orbán to speak to his former press chief, Bertalan Havasi, Deputy State Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office — at least up until today —, who reportedly does not wish to waive the payment and is even prepared to take legal action over it. Earlier this evening, Magyar dismissed Havasi from his position.The Prime Minister said they were prepared for litigation, but asked the “outgoing captain of the chief accountants’ team” to persuade his team members not to sue the state.Hungary’s new government dismisses top Orbán-era administrative officials with immediate effectFeatured image: Magyarország Kormánya/Facebook --- ### Hungarian supermodel Barbara Palvin expecting first child with husband Dylan Sprouse URL: https://reportary.com/article/barbara-palvin-pregnant-first-child Published: 2026-05-14 19:14:00 Language: English Categories: Celebrities Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: celebrity, children, family, Hungary Hungarian supermodel Barbara Palvin is expecting her first child with her husband, American actor Dylan Sprouse, the couple has confirmed through a joint social media post. Hungarian supermodel Barbara Palvin is expecting her first child with her husband, American actor Dylan Sprouse, the couple has confirmed through a joint social media post.The announcement became public after the pair appeared at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where Palvin was visibly pregnant for the first time in public.The couple later shared intimate Instagram images showing Palvin’s baby bump, along with an ultrasound image of their unborn child, including a clear view of a tiny fist. A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon Barbara Palvin (@realbarbarapalvin) által megosztott bejegyzésFrom wedding bells in Hungary to parenthoodPalvin and Sprouse’s relationship has been closely followed since the actor proposed in June 2023. The couple married shortly afterwards in July 2023, holding a traditional ceremony in Hungary.The wedding took place in Albertirsa, while the celebration continued at the Palvin family estate in Ceglédbercel. The festivities reflected Hungarian traditions, including a classic “menyecsketánc” where the bride changed into a red dress, as well as pálinka, folk music, and a lively reception rooted in local customs.Health struggles and endometriosis diagnosisThe model has also previously spoken openly about her health challenges. In 2025, she revealed that she had long suffered from severe menstrual issues and persistent pain, which were later diagnosed as endometriosis following specialist examinations.Palvin underwent surgery after her diagnosis and later reported significant improvement in her symptoms. She has since encouraged others experiencing similar issues to seek medical evaluation, stressing the importance of early diagnosis in preventing long-term complications.A new chapter aheadThe pregnancy marks a major milestone for the couple, who have been together for several years and married since 2023. Fans have widely shared their announcement following weeks of speculation.If you missed it: Hollywood scare for Hungarian supermodel: intruder confronted at Barbara Palvin’s home! --- ### Hungary’s 6-year state of emergency officially ends: what changes now? URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungary-6-year-state-of-emergency-ends Published: 2026-05-14 07:34:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungarian government, Hungary, Magyar government, Orbán government, parliament, Péter Magyar, Tisza Party, Viktor Orbán Hungary’s state of emergency, first declared in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and later in 2022 over the Russia-Ukraine war, has officially ended after six years. Hungary’s state of emergency, first declared in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and later in 2022 over the Russia-Ukraine war, has officially ended after six years.In the past four years, the Orbán government passed over 170 government decrees under the state of emergency “with regard to the armed conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine”.Key emergency measures preservedAfter the Tisza Party’s victory in the 12 April general election in Hungary, Tisza leader Péter Magyar asked the outgoing government to extend the state of emergency until 31 May to allow the incoming government time to change relevant laws. Instead, parliament passed a new law on 9 May converting emergency decrees into permanent legislation, which took effect on 14 May as the state of emergency lapsed.The law preserves key emergency measures, including payment moratoriums for farmers hit by frost, drought, or African swine fever, with deadlines extended to 30 November 2026 for most cases and 30 June 2027 for swine fever-affected farms.Protected fuel prices remain in HungaryThe law now formally requires the minister responsible for penal enforcement to oversee the management of correctional institutions. It also maintains capped fuel prices at HUF 595 (EUR 1.66) per litre for 95-octane petrol and HUF 615 per litre for diesel, as well as markup caps on certain products, with higher caps on drugstore products.The law extends deadlines for cold-weather energy subsidies and keeps the advertising tax at 0 percent indefinitely from 1 July. Stricter business regulations require anti-drug measures in commercial spaces, with police empowered to temporarily close venues linked to organised crime.The Orbán government’s 2020 Covid-19 state of emergency ended on 1 June 2022. Under Hungary’s Fundamental Law, the government can declare a state of emergency for 30 days in cases of armed conflict, humanitarian disasters or threats to life and property, with parliamentary approval required for extensions.If you missed it: This is how PM Orbán’s last 16 years look with the eyes of the EU --- ### Photos, video: New Hungarian PM Péter Magyar DJing to an ecstatic crowd on the night of his inauguration URL: https://reportary.com/article/pm-peter-magyar-djing-to-ecstatic-crowd Published: 2026-05-11 15:44:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungarian parliament, Hungary, Magyar government, Péter Magyar New Hungarian PM Péter Magyar in a new role: he was DJing for the crowd that gathered in front of the Hungarian Parliament to celebrate the end of PM Orbán’s 16-year-long regime and the inauguration of Magyar as the new prime minister. New Hungarian PM Péter Magyar in a new role: he was DJing for the crowd that gathered in front of the Hungarian Parliament to celebrate the end of PM Orbán’s 16-year-long regime and the inauguration of Magyar as the new prime minister.On Saturday, Péter Magyar was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Hungary. He had announced earlier that the event would be followed by a party in front of Parliament. As expected, tens of thousands of people gathered in the beautiful sunshine to listen to the new prime minister and celebrate together with him and the 140 other MPs of the Tisza Party, many of whom will soon serve as ministers or state secretaries in the new government.Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarAccording to Péter Magyar’s post, after signing the first documents in the Prime Minister’s office in Parliament, he descended from the first floor and went out to the cheering crowds to celebrate the end of the Orbán regime and the arrival of the new government.Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarFollowing the incoming health minister’s world-famous dance on stage and the spectacular reunion with the people who had gathered to celebrate their new “heroes”, the MPs of the Tisza Party, Péter Magyar stepped behind the DJ set, put on his headphones and played music for the crowd. One of the biggest Hungarian hits, Az éjjel soha nem érhet véget (“The night can never end”) by Soho Party, was played; it was the “official” anthem of the Hungarian football team when they emerged from the “group of death” at the 2016 European Championship.Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarCheck out the video and some more photos of the Saturday celebration:Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarPhoto: Facebook/Péter MagyarMeanwhile, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Ignacy Niemczycki said that the new Hungarian premier would travel to Poland on his first official foreign visit in May, Telex reported.Az éjjel soha nem érhet véget – check out the full song below:If you missed:Anita Orbán announces major foreign policy shift, discussing EU funds, migration, EU demands, Hungarian troops in UkraineTisza set to upend Hungarian economy: price caps, windfall taxes, VAT cuts, free competition, the Hungarian euro and Russian oil --- ### Former PM Orbán's MP arrested 48 hours after he lost his immunity URL: https://reportary.com/article/former-pm-orbans-mp-arrested-48-hours-after-he-lost-his-immunity Published: 2026-05-11 18:24:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Fidesz, Hungarian parliament, Hungary, Viktor Orbán Such a thing has not been seen before: within 48 hours of losing his parliamentary immunity, the former Fidesz MP was swiftly taken into custody. Such a thing has not been seen before: within 48 hours of losing his parliamentary immunity, the former Fidesz MP was swiftly taken into custody.The police acted with such remarkable speed that one can be certain all relevant evidence against the governing party’s former representative had already been assembled, allowing officers from the Central Investigative Office to arrive at his residence at dawn with a search warrant in hand. The MP was at home, despite having been aware since mid-April that he might soon face serious trouble.Zoltán Bóna, a former Fidesz MP, is believed to be involvedAlthough the Central Chief Prosecutor’s Office did not name the individual in its statement, information obtained by Telex, along with the circumstances made public, point to Zoltán Bóna, who has represented Halásztelek and its surrounding area continuously since 2014. According to well-founded suspicions, he exploited his entitlement to employ staff to assist in his parliamentary duties in order to generate additional personal income.He is alleged to have employed the 70-year-old mother of Halásztelek’s Fidesz mayor, Barnabás Nagy. However, the woman is suspected of having carried out no actual work, merely collecting a substantial salary, most of which she then passed on to her son. He, in turn, is believed to have redistributed a significant portion of these funds to Mr Bóna, the constituency’s Fidesz MP.Mayor Barnabás Nagy. Photo: Facebook/Nagy BarnabásA tidy sum changing hands each monthBetween 12 September 2024 and 22 April 2026, the employee received a total of 14,301,250 forints, equating to approximately 750,000 forints per month. All this occurred despite Barnabás Nagy having been elected mayor of Halásztelek with a confident majority in June 2024. The 30-year-old politician appeared to have a promising career ahead of him, having already served as a municipal councillor and deputy mayor at the age of 25 in 2019.Notably, prosecutors did not limit themselves to conducting a search: Zoltán Bóna was also taken into custody. He faces additional charges linked to the alleged corruption offences outlined above, including the use of falsified official documents. The mayor remains under criminal supervision at home, while his mother is defending herself at liberty.Photo: Facebook/Bóna ZoltánPhotos, video: New Hungarian PM Péter Magyar DJing to an ecstatic crowd on the night of his inaugurationOther high-profile arrestsThis is not the first instance of members of parliament being detained, even while in office. Roland Mengyi, a Fidesz–KDNP MP elected in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, was imprisoned in 2020 after it emerged that, following 2015, he had offered assistance to social cooperatives applying for European Union funds in exchange for between 50 and 90 per cent of the awarded subsidies being returned to him.Pál Völner, a former Deputy Minister of Justice, is suspected of having regularly accepted millions of forints from György Schadl, head of the Hungarian Chamber of Bailiffs, by abusing his supervisory and administrative powers. Völner is currently at liberty pending proceedings; his mandate ended in May 2022 after he did not stand in the election. Since last December, he has even resumed work as a lawyer, although this is now under review by the bar association.If you missed:Anita Orbán announces major foreign policy shift, discussing EU funds, migration, EU demands, Hungarian troops in UkraineTisza set to upend Hungarian economy: price caps, windfall taxes, VAT cuts, free competition, the Hungarian euro and Russian oil --- ### Shadows and Steps URL: https://reportary.com/article/shadows-and-steps Published: 2026-05-06 10:18:00 Language: English Categories: Uncategorized Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary Some nights are not truly slept through — they are simply survived. But every small victory becomes another step leading out of the darkness. Sometimes, the shadows come at night. They do not knock. They do not ask permission. They simply sit on a person’s shoulders with their full weight and pull them downward.There are periods in life when you no longer remember what real rest feels like. Days and weeks pass where a person does not truly sleep — they merely survive the night somehow. Yet morning still comes, and somehow, you stand up again. Again. And you keep moving forward.Because life has a strange way of always giving something back. Sometimes not much. Just a small stone. A sentence. A moment. A human glance. A small victory. A little silence.And without even realizing it, a person begins collecting those stones. At first, they do not understand what they are building from them.Then one day, the weight in your pockets is no longer a burden. It becomes a staircase. And you climb higher again.Life is hard. There is no point pretending otherwise. But perhaps these shadows are also what give it meaning.Because without depths, there would be nothing to rise from. Without hardship, there would be nothing to grow stronger through. And without darkness, perhaps we would never truly understand the value of light.A person does not grow when everything is easy. They grow when they believe they have no strength left to continue… and still take the next step.This one too. . --- ### The Line Between Two Dates URL: https://reportary.com/article/the-line-between-two-dates Published: 2026-05-06 10:13:49 Language: English Categories: Uncategorized Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary The true value of life is not measured by the number of years we live, but by what we leave behind within the small line between our beginning and our end. Most people look at a gravestone and see two dates. A birth, and an ending. Yet between those two dates, there is a small line. A tiny mark that seems insignificant. But in truth, that line is an entire life.That line is everything. Every decision, every failure, every time someone stood back up, every love, every battle, every sleepless night, every spoken word, and every silence. For some, that line is cut short. For others, it stretches a little longer. But on the scale of history, they are all the same: a moment.And yet most people spend that one single moment collecting things for themselves. Money. Possessions. Security. As if any of it could be taken with them in the end. Even though every human being leaves behind the same thing: two dates, and a line between them.But there are people in whom something else awakens. A realization that life is too short to revolve only around ourselves. That a person truly becomes alive when they begin building something greater than themselves. Something beyond them. Something that does not end when they do.Because the world was never moved forward by those who only wanted to possess. It was carried forward by those who left something behind. An idea. A system. A value. Something that continues to live even after their line finally reaches its end.And perhaps that is why I feel that the true weight of a human life cannot be measured by the number of years lived. But by whether a person was able to build something from their small line that could outlive time itself. Because in the end, the same small mark will stand beside all of our names. The only question is whether, while it lasted, it meant something to others too. . --- ### Exotic disease circulating in Hungary can even cause paralysis – here’s how to protect yourself URL: https://reportary.com/article/exotic-disease-circulating-in-hungary-can-even-cause-paralysis-heres-how-to-protect-yourself Published: 2026-05-04 09:54:00 Language: English Categories: Health Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungarian healthcare system, Hungary, useful DNH A 12-year-old boy was bitten by a mosquito six months ago; his legs later became paralysed, and he still attends physiotherapy today. It is a major achievement that he can now run again. The culprit is exotic West Nile fever, an exotic disease first identified in Uganda in 1937. The good news is tha A 12-year-old boy was bitten by a mosquito six months ago; his legs later became paralysed, and he still attends physiotherapy today. It is a major achievement that he can now run again. The culprit is exotic West Nile fever, an exotic disease first identified in Uganda in 1937. The good news is that the vast majority of those infected show no symptoms at all. Yet in rare cases, it can lead to extremely severe illness, as the above example starkly illustrates. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. But how can we protect ourselves?Exotic disease rarely causes extremely severe complicationsThe case highlighted by Blikk is, sadly, not unique. The mosquito bite suffered by 12-year-old Béla five years ago seemed utterly routine at the time, and no one paid it much heed. Trouble began later, however. The boy’s legs became completely paralysed after the infection triggered West Nile fever-induced spinal cord inflammation. The past months have been filled with therapy and physiotherapy; he can now walk—and even run—but he still requires leg braces.Photo: depositphotos.comBéla’s case is rare, but not isolated. Some 80% of patients endure West Nile fever without any symptoms whatsoever. Of the remaining 20%, severe signs may emerge, such as fever, headaches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and rashes. Some fare even worse, for reasons doctors cannot fully explain. In very rare instances, the virus of the exotic disease can provoke encephalitis, meningitis, or myelitis, bringing high fever, seizures, paralysis, or even coma. The greatest dangers fall to the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.You cannot avoid it in HungaryThough the illness sounds exotic, it has in fact been endemic in Hungary since the 1970s, with the first clinical cases recorded in 2003. Decades ago, our regular “illegal” migrants—the migratory birds—brought it here. It is not the tiger mosquito, now establishing itself in Hungary amid warming climes, but the common songbird mosquito native to our shores that spreads it. The rising incidence stems from warmer springs and summers, which favour booming mosquito populations. Documented cases in recent years number only a few dozen, but that figure is expected to climb.If you missed it: Major healthcare overhaul planned in Hungary; Tisza Party reforms could reshape patient careThis is a viral infection, so no specific drug therapy exists; hospital treatment is required for severe symptoms. Protection comes from eliminating standing water, where mosquitoes breed rapidly in warm, humid conditions. This is an individual responsibility, though local councils could do much to help through targeted programmes.The elderly and those with a weak immune system are especially endangered. Photo: depositphotos.comAvoiding foreign travel, then, offers little defence against infection. Fortunately, the virus spreads only via mosquito bites; it does not pass from human to human, save in cases of organ transplant or blood transfusion.If you missed from our health archives:Allergies in Budapest: What expats and travellers should knowDangerous virus sweeping through Europe, potentially reaching Hungary this year --- ### What will happen with Orbán's elite guard? Péter Magyar does not want their protection URL: https://reportary.com/article/what-will-happen-with-orbans-elite-guard-peter-magyar-does-not-want-their-protection Published: 2026-05-04 16:54:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungarian police, Hungary, Magyar government, Péter Magyar, Video The rapid-response unit of the Hungarian police is to take over the task of protecting the prime minister effective 9 May, Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar said on Facebook on Monday, adding that he had already notified the director of the anti-terrorism unit TEK, which had so far fulfilled the ro The rapid-response unit of the Hungarian police is to take over the task of protecting the prime minister effective 9 May, Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar said on Facebook on Monday, adding that he had already notified the director of the anti-terrorism unit TEK, which had so far fulfilled the role.Magyar informed Hajdu in phone call“I have notified General János Hajdu, the director of TEK, that from May 9, the personal protection of the prime minister will be taken over by the rapid-response unit of the police,” Péter Magyar said.TEK was founded by the second Orbán government in 2010. Before his nomination as director, Hajdu worked as Fidesz’s security chief.According to Telex, Magyar informed Hajdu in a phone call about his decision concerning the TEK. Magyar did not say anything about the future of the body, which was once visited even by the late Chuck Norris.Honest work, no personal protectionAfter the elections, Magyar said that he would not need personal protection because he had nothing to fear from anyone and wished to work towards a future where that would not be necessary. He expressed hope that under his governance, Hungary would be a place where no one who worked and lived honestly need fear for their safety. It seems that, as acting premier, his opinion has changed, although neither he nor the police have shared details of when and where they will protect the new Hungarian prime minister.Based on a 1996 (secret) government decree, the Counter-Terrorism Office (TEK) was responsible for the personal protection of the prime minister, the president, the chief prosecutor, and the foreign minister, as well as all their relatives sharing their household. It was also responsible for protecting foreign VIPs. Of course, anyone can renounce personal protection in an official document.Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarIf you missed our previous articles concerning the incoming Magyar government:What’s next? Political scandals unfold in Hungary as arrests, corruption allegations and resignations mountGovernment-close outlet Index posts correction over fake Tisza tax plan, Magyar demands front-page apology --- ### The Body as a Prison or the Form of Life? Plato and Aristotle on the Mystery of the Soul URL: https://reportary.com/article/the-body-as-a-prison-or-the-form-of-life-plato-and-aristotle-on-the-mystery-of-the-soul Published: 2026-05-04 15:02:00 Language: English Categories: Philosophy Author: Balázs Török Type: News Article Location: Athens, Attica, Greece Tags: philosophy, antiquity, soul, psychology, plato, aristotle, pythagoreans, ancientgreece, reincarnation, rebirth, immortality, kinesis Plato and Aristotle, the giants of antiquity, offered diverging views on the soul. While Plato saw the body as a prison, Aristotle viewed them as a unified biological partnership. This article explores their profound struggle to define immortality, human nature, and the secrets of the soul. At the heart of Plato’s philosophy lies the Theory of Forms (or Ideas), which posits that the material world surrounding us is merely a shadow of a higher-order, spiritual reality. In this system, the soul does not originate from the earth but belongs to the eternal world of Forms, to which it longs to return after the destruction of the body. For Plato, cognition is, in fact, recollection (anamnesis): the soul saw divine truths before its birth, and during its earthly existence, it attempts to bring these to the surface from the depths with the help of philosophy. Plato treated bodily perception with suspicion, believing that eyes and ears only distract the soul from pure thought. The soul is the principle of self-motion, which is older and nobler than all matter. To illustrate the complexity of the soul, Plato uses a memorable image in his work Phaedrus: he compares the soul to a winged chariot. In this metaphor, the charioteer is divine reason, whose task is to direct. The chariot is pulled by two horses, representing the duality of human nature. One is a noble, disciplined animal, willing to follow the driver’s instructions. The other horse, however, is stubborn, full of longing and unruly, constantly pulling the chariot toward the earth and sensual pleasures. Harmony is born only if reason can rule over this opposing tension. If the driver fails and the gravity of desires triumphs, the soul "falls" from heaven and takes on a body. For Plato, our fate depends on our justice. He believed the soul is immortal and, based on its deeds, migrates from body to body. Those who lived their lives with wisdom may return more quickly to the divine spheres, while the unjust can expect punishment or lower forms of existence; their souls might even move into animal bodies. According to his reasoning, the soul is indestructible because it is the principle of life, and just as snow cannot endure fire without melting, the soul cannot accept death. At the moment of death, the soul does not perish but simply withdraws from the material world. Plato’s idea of the soul was influenced by the Pythagoreans, who led an ascetic, vegetarian lifestyle. From them, he adopted and further developed the concept of the immortal, wandering soul that holds a higher rank than the body. Aristotle, although initially following his master's teachings, later embarked on a radically new path, linking the question of the soul with natural philosophy and biology. He was interested not in the distant world of Forms, but in the systematization of tangible nature. For him, the soul is no longer an alien entity trapped in a body, but the "form" and "actuality" of the organism. This means that the body and soul form a single indivisible unity, a substance; the soul is not a separate, superior entity. To use his example: if the eye were an independent living being, sight would be its soul. Just as sight cannot exist without the eye, the human soul cannot be separated from the body—the two together constitute the human being. Aristotle’s most general definition of the soul culminates in a single conclusion: the soul is the activity of contemplation, and contemplation is nothing other than progress toward ourselves and toward fulfillment. In the Aristotelian system, the functions of the soul are structured hierarchically, covering the entire living world. He divides all bodies found in nature into two large groups: the living and the non-living. A being possessed of a soul differs from the soulless in its capacity for motion and perception. The lowest level is the vegetative soul, responsible for nutrition and reproduction. Built upon this in animals is the sensitive and motive part of the soul, which already includes desires and memory. The uniqueness of humans lies in the fact that, above all these, they possess the capacity of reason and intellect. Aristotle, therefore, did not see an abstract, otherworldly wandering in the soul, but the highest-order organizing principle of biological life. Aristotle argues that thinking and emotion are not simply states of the soul, but states of the living being, which disappear along with the qualities of the deceased person when it perishes, as they are inseparable from the body. Interestingly, however, Aristotle also left a loophole for transcendence. Although he considered emotions and individual memory to perish with the body, he called the "active intellect" divine in origin and eternal. According to him, this spiritual part is not tied to physical sense organs, and thus may persist after death. At the same time, he resolutely rejected Platonic transmigration. He believed that since every soul is the unique form of a specific body, it would be impossible for a soul to "migrate" into another body, just as a person cannot change their body like a piece of clothing. He provides no concrete answer as to how or in what form this divine part of the soul continues to exist. Aristotle's position stands in contrast to both the materialists, who see the soul as entirely physical, and Plato, who views it as a divine individual. He maintains that since thought and perception are inextricably linked to physical sense organs, the individual entity cannot survive once those organs perish. The difference between the two philosophers also manifests in their interpretation of motion. For Plato, the soul is motion itself, a spontaneous, divine force that moves every living thing, even the stars. According to Aristotle, however, motion requires a moving subject: the soul is the cause and goal of the body's processes of motion, but both participate in the process. While Plato warns with the Allegory of the Cave that material reality is only a shadow and our true being is invisible, Aristotle, choosing the golden mean, proclaims that we can only acquire our knowledge through experience and our senses. Overall, the legacy of Plato and Aristotle outlines two different but equally profound images of humanity. In Plato, the soul is a celestial wanderer who has lost its dignity, whose task is purification and homecoming. In Aristotle, the soul is the pinnacle of nature, the organizing principle that elevates inanimate matter into a sentient, thinking being. Although their methods differed, both agreed that man is not merely flesh and bone: it is the spiritual activity dwelling within us that truly makes us human—and indeed, similar to the divine. This duality—bodily limitations and spiritual soaring—has defined how we think about ourselves and our place in the world ever since. --- ### 1500 Magyar Óriás #3 - 2024. évi Ágazatok helyzete Magyarországon URL: https://reportary.com/article/1500-magyar-orias-3-2024-evi-agazatok-helyzete-magyarorszagon Published: 2026-04-30 06:59:48 Language: Hungarian (Magyar) Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Bence Berkó Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: #hungary, #hungarianeconomy, #businesshungary Cikksorozatunk 3. részében megvizsgáltuk az 1500 legnagyobb árbevételű magyar céget szektorok és tevékenységi körök alapján. Katona József írása, Berkó Bence adatelemzése alapjánMagyarországon 2024-ben a pénzügyi szektor hozta az egyik legmagasabb árbevételt a tevékenységi csoportok összehasonlításában. Ebbe a szektorba tartoznak a bankok, biztosító társaságok, brókercégek és a számtalan formájú befektetési alapok. 9,3 %-t hozták az 1500 legnagyobb hazai cég összes árbevételnek. Ezek a cégek nem termelő vállalatok, így a tevékenységük az ország szempontjából másodlagos.Pénzügyi szektor teljesítménye a magyar 1500 legnagyobb árbevételű cégéhez arányítvaTekintse meg interaktív chartunkatHa árbevétel arányosan az első öt tevékenységi kört nézzük, az a Közúti Gépjárműgyártás (6,6%), a Gázkereskedelem (4,4%), a Kőolaj Feldolgozás (3,7%) és a Gyógyszer Nagykereskedelem (3%). Erősségünk a mezőgazdaság, a termálvíz, a vegyipar volt, a hajógyártás a teherjármű gyártás és az acélipari termékek gyártása volt. Amennyiben megfigyeljük észrevehetjük, hogy a jelenlegi kapacitások az olcsó összeszerelő üzemek felé tolódott el. Gondolatban ide kell értenünk még az akkumulátor gyártást is, ahol szintén csak az olcsó összeszerelő üzemig jutottunk el. Ezek mind rendkívül energia igényesek, környezetszennyezőek. Árbevétel alapján az autóipari, a pénzpiaci ágazatok kiemelkedő teljesítményűek, de az eredmény szempontjából a pénzpiaci szeplők a meghatározók míg az autópiaci szereplők a negyedik helyen állnak.Autóipar és pénzügyi szektorok teljesítményeRendkívüli eredményt mutat az árbevétel arányos nyereség (ROS) hiszen pénzpiac (28,4%-os) és a Gáz-Olajipar (18,8%-os) hozzák a legtöbbet mutatóikkal.Az elmúlt évtized gazdaságpolitikáját mérlegre téve azt láthatjuk, hogy a korábbi sikeres ágazatok továbbfejlesztése, korszerűsítése elmaradt, sőt megállt és leépült. A helyüket átvették az olcsó, kevés szakértelmet igénylő munkák amelyek az ország GDP-nek dinamikus fejlődése utjában áll.Magyarország 1500 legnagyobb cégének top 5 szektora alapján --- ### Matolcsy’s Intrigues URL: https://reportary.com/article/matolcsys-intrigues Published: 2026-04-27 13:05:00 Language: English Categories: Finance Author: Katona József Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: matolcsy, orbán, erste, simor andrás, hungary The Governor of the Hungarian National Bank (MNB) holds the highest institutional position in Hungary’s monetary and capital markets. András Simor was a widely respected leader of this institution. After the Fidesz–KDNP government came to power, he became a target of political attacks. When his mandate expired, György Matolcsy, then a minister in the Fidesz government, was appointed to lead the institution. This immediately transformed the bank’s operations: most of the previous leadership was dismissed, the 21st-century IT infrastructure was significantly altered, the bank’s building was reconstructed and renovated, the central bank law was amended, and a substantial portion of the bank’s funds was moved outside the direct oversight of the central bank. The former independent financial supervisory authority was also integrated into the MNB under the governor’s authority. These are just a few notable aspects characterizing Matolcsy’s tenure. But let us take a closer look at Matolcsy’s personnel policy. After his mandate ended, András Simor effectively disappeared from Hungary’s economic life. Unable to find employment in Hungary, he was forced to take a position at the Vienna headquarters of Erste Group Bank, where he became a member of the supervisory board. In recognition of his work, he was offered a second term, which he accepted.We are in December 2023. Simor’s activities in Austria did not reassure the leadership of the MNB. On the contrary, when he wrote a critical article about Matolcsy’s dealings and activities, it provoked the governor’s anger. One of his deputies was instructed to handle the matter. The deputy summoned Radovan Jelasity, the CEO of Erste Hungary, and in a closed room where the conversation could not be recorded, conveyed the following message: unless András Simor resigned from his supervisory board position at Erste Austria, Erste Hungary could face extraordinary supervisory investigations. This message was passed on to Simor, who was understandably taken aback. As it was the end of the year, he took time to consider the situation. In January 2024, Simor contacted the Hungarian CEO to inquire further. The CEO confirmed that, between Christmas and New Year, Erste Hungary had indeed been subjected to a supervisory inspection requesting unusual data and information.This was the moment when András Simor resigned from his supervisory board position, just three months after signing his contract. Subsequently, two board members of the European Central Bank approached him, and he explained the case in detail. They stated that they had never encountered a similar situation in Europe, finding it both shocking and incomprehensible. But Simor was not the only one affected. Júlia Király, a former deputy governor, was also forced to resign from her position on the board of the Belgian KBC Bank after supporting a candidate in the Hungarian parliamentary elections. She also had to leave Corvinus University of Budapest, where she had been a highly respected and popular lecturer.The list does not end here. Numerous senior professionals with decades of successful careers have been removed or sidelined. These methods raise serious concerns about the legal notion of “abuse of power.” Why have no formal complaints been filed so far? Those in power have ensured that direct evidence is difficult to obtain, conducting discussions in secure, closed rooms where recording was impossible. However, indirect evidence exists, including the unusual supervisory investigation that was initiated and the testimonies shared with representatives of the European Central Bank. On this basis, the case can be substantiated.! --- ### Report: Wealth of Hungary’s elite under Orbán ‘being flown out from Vienna’ after election defeat – UPDATE: tax authority URL: https://reportary.com/article/wealth-of-orban-elite-flown-out-vienna Published: 2026-04-27 07:34:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Austria, corruption, Hungary, Orbán government, United States, Viktor Orbán According to a report by The Guardian, private jets have been regularly departing from Vienna, allegedly carrying the wealth of individuals who prospered during the rule of Viktor Orbán. According to a report by The Guardian, private jets have been regularly departing from Vienna, allegedly carrying the wealth of individuals who prospered during the rule of Viktor Orbán.The British newspaper, citing unnamed sources linked to Hungary’s ruling party, reported on Sunday that these flights are part of an effort by members of the political and economic elite to relocate their assets abroad.Assets reportedly moved to the Middle East and beyondSources told The Guardian that some individuals are “rushing” to invest their wealth overseas, while certain former high-ranking figures in Orbán’s government are exploring opportunities to obtain US visas. These efforts are reportedly driven by hopes of securing positions within institutions associated with the political movement of Donald Trump.The report claims that since Hungary’s parliamentary election on 12 April, three members of Orbán’s inner circle have already begun transferring their wealth abroad.Two sources with ties to the ruling party told the newspaper that assets are being moved to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, while others are reportedly targeting Australia and Singapore as preferred destinations.Plans for extended stay in the United StatesAnother source described as having links to the outgoing governing party told The Guardian that Orbán is expected to travel to the United States around the start of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where he may remain for several weeks.According to the same source, the trip had been planned well before the election, which resulted in victory for the Tisza Party led by Péter Magyar.While the exact location of Orbán’s stay in the United States remains unclear, the newspaper notes that his daughter and son-in-law relocated to New York last summer.If you missed it: Why would outgoing PM Orbán stay in the United States for a prolonged time?UPDATE: Tax authority responds to claims of suspicious transfersHungary’s tax authority, National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), has reacted to claims by Péter Magyar that large sums linked to figures close to Antal Rogán may have been transferred abroad under suspicious circumstances, 24.hu reported.Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, said in a video statement that he had been informed that several high-value transactions associated with businessmen in the government’s orbit had been suspended following alerts from banks over suspected money laundering. He urged authorities to immediately freeze what he described as “stolen funds” and called on law enforcement leaders to take action.In response to media inquiries, NAV said it could not comment on specific cases due to strict confidentiality rules governing financial investigations.However, it confirmed that financial institutions such as banks are legally required to report transactions that raise suspicion of money laundering or links to criminal activity.Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarIn such cases, the reporting institution must simultaneously suspend the transaction, including the transfer of funds abroad, for up to seven working days. During this period, NAV’s anti-money laundering unit conducts an operational analysis, which may be extended if necessary.The authority added that the results of such investigations can only be shared with competent bodies and strictly for the purposes of combating financial crime.According to NAV statistics, the number of suspended transactions has risen sharply in recent years, increasing from 1,063 cases in 2022 to 3,185 in 2025. No data has been released regarding measures taken after the April election.If you missed it: Péter Magyar: previous PM Orbán’s close circle saving EUR ten millions abroad --- ### When You Don’t Chase Investors — They Find You URL: https://reportary.com/article/when-you-dont-chase-investors-they-find-you Published: 2026-04-26 12:13:00 Language: English Categories: Artificial Intelligence Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary For a year, I didn’t chase investors — I built the system. With my own capital, real risk, and sacrifices. Today, we operate a working beta and real projects. The difference: I’m not offering an idea, but proven execution — that’s why investors approached us. Over the past year, there has been one question that kept coming up again and again: if the idea is this strong, why didn’t I look for investors from the beginning?It’s a fair question. From a professional standpoint, it’s even logical. Building a system of this scale — one that is not just software, but a real, data-driven monitoring and predictive infrastructure built on top of physical networks — requires significant resources. Time, capital, and capacity. And in most cases, the obvious answer is external funding.But the reality is different. The investor market — especially in Hungary — does not invest in ideas. It does not invest in vision alone. It invests in proof.An idea can be brilliant, but without a working model behind it, it remains a claim. And claims don’t build trust. Execution does.That is exactly why I made a conscious decision not to take the easier path. Not to sit down with presentations and concepts, trying to convince others about something that did not yet exist in a tangible form. Instead, I chose to build first — and speak after.This decision, however, was far from romantic. It was not an inspiring, quote-filled journey. It was raw, demanding, and at times brutally difficult.There were periods when I could clearly see my available resources decreasing day by day. Not in theory, but in real numbers. Using your own capital changes everything. Every decision carries weight, and every step has a cost — one that you personally bear.One of the hardest moments is when it’s no longer about optimization, but about sacrifice. When you consciously reduce parts of your own life so the system can continue to evolve. This is not just financial — it’s structural. A complete reordering of priorities. Stepping out of comfort. And yes, making decisions like selling an already paid-off property to keep the development moving forward.These are the parts that remain invisible from the outside. What may appear as “just an idea” externally is, in reality, an operation under constant pressure internally.And the greatest challenge was not technological. Not the algorithms, not the data processing, not the architecture. It was maintaining the internal stability to keep going under these conditions.There were moments when every rational argument pointed toward stopping. When the risk felt too high. When the resources seemed too low. When continuing simply did not make sense.And yet, there was something stronger than that.The vision. The system I could already see functioning long before it physically existed. This was not about belief — it was about consistency. The ability to follow through on a path where the outcome exists internally long before it becomes reality.Now, one year later, the situation has changed.The beta version of the system is operational. Not in theory, but in real-world conditions. Data collection, processing, and interpretation are no longer separate elements, but a unified system. The first live project deployments are underway, and in a short time, results will be delivered that no longer require explanation — only interpretation.And alongside this shift, something else happened that clearly highlights the difference between approaches.I did not have to look for investors.Investors found us.This is the turning point. When you bring an idea to the market, you are the one trying to prove something. But when you present a working system, the system starts speaking for itself.And this is not just a matter of convenience. It is a matter of position.We have reached a stage where any discussion about investment is no longer about belief in a concept. It is about who wants to be part of scaling and expanding a system that already exists and operates.This past year was not easy. It was unpredictable. Many decisions had to be made alone, often without validation.But this is exactly what created the position we are in today.This is not about selling an idea.This is about building something real. Over the past year, there has been one question that kept coming up again and again: if the idea is this strong, why didn’t I look for investors from the beginning?It’s a fair question. From a professional standpoint, it’s even logical. Building a system of this scale — one that is not just software, but a real, data-driven monitoring and predictive infrastructure built on top of physical networks — requires significant resources. Time, capital, and capacity. And in most cases, the obvious answer is external funding.But the reality is different. The investor market — especially in Hungary — does not invest in ideas. It does not invest in vision alone. It invests in proof.An idea can be brilliant, but without a working model behind it, it remains a claim. And claims don’t build trust. Execution does.That is exactly why I made a conscious decision not to take the easier path. Not to sit down with presentations and concepts, trying to convince others about something that did not yet exist in a tangible form. Instead, I chose to build first — and speak after.This decision, however, was far from romantic. It was not an inspiring, quote-filled journey. It was raw, demanding, and at times brutally difficult.There were periods when I could clearly see my available resources decreasing day by day. Not in theory, but in real numbers. Using your own capital changes everything. Every decision carries weight, and every step has a cost — one that you personally bear.One of the hardest moments is when it’s no longer about optimization, but about sacrifice. When you consciously reduce parts of your own life so the system can continue to evolve. This is not just financial — it’s structural. A complete reordering of priorities. Stepping out of comfort. And yes, making decisions like selling an already paid-off property to keep the development moving forward.These are the parts that remain invisible from the outside. What may appear as “just an idea” externally is, in reality, an operation under constant pressure internally.And the greatest challenge was not technological. Not the algorithms, not the data processing, not the architecture. It was maintaining the internal stability to keep going under these conditions.There were moments when every rational argument pointed toward stopping. When the risk felt too high. When the resources seemed too low. When continuing simply did not make sense.And yet, there was something stronger than that.The vision. The system I could already see functioning long before it physically existed. This was not about belief — it was about consistency. The ability to follow through on a path where the outcome exists internally long before it becomes reality.Now, one year later, the situation has changed.The beta version of the system is operational. Not in theory, but in real-world conditions. Data collection, processing, and interpretation are no longer separate elements, but a unified system. The first live project deployments are underway, and in a short time, results will be delivered that no longer require explanation — only interpretation.And alongside this shift, something else happened that clearly highlights the difference between approaches.I did not have to look for investors.Investors found us.This is the turning point. When you bring an idea to the market, you are the one trying to prove something. But when you present a working system, the system starts speaking for itself.And this is not just a matter of convenience. It is a matter of position.We have reached a stage where any discussion about investment is no longer about belief in a concept. It is about who wants to be part of scaling and expanding a system that already exists and operates.This past year was not easy. It was unpredictable. Many decisions had to be made alone, often without validation.But this is exactly what created the position we are in today.This is not about selling an idea.This is about building something real. --- ### From Field Data to Predictive Decisions: First Live Deployment of Áramőr Delta URL: https://reportary.com/article/from-field-data-to-predictive-decisions-first-live-deployment-of-aramor-delta Published: 2026-04-25 10:55:00 Language: English Categories: Artificial Intelligence Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary A full-scale, real-world deployment begins: high-resolution mapping, GPS-based asset identification, and predictive AI analysis come together to deliver a transparent, data-driven overview of a municipality’s electrical infrastructure—turning raw field data into actionable decisions within 30 days. As promised, next Monday I will take on the first live assignment.This is no longer a test. Not a demonstration. Real field monitoring begins in a municipality, where we will carry out a full-scale survey of public lighting assets.Each individual lighting unit will be documented with precise GPS coordinates, high-resolution orthophotos, and detailed condition data. At the same time, we are not stopping at the lights: we will also assess network elements. We will identify critical points where vegetation interferes with the system, where overload or overheating risks are present, and where failures are likely without intervention.The data collected in the field will then be processed live through the Áramőr Delta system. Our proprietary, predictive AI—built on our own operational mindset—not only analyzes the current state but delivers a concrete action plan: where intervention is needed, what failures can be expected, and what steps are required to maintain safe and stable network operation.The goal is not a list.It is to deliver a complete, transparent system to the municipality—showing exactly what electrical assets exist within the designated area, their condition, and where decisions must be made—proactively, not reactively.Within 30 days, I will present a completed project. I will show exactly how this works in practice: what data is generated, at what level of quality, and whether it truly provides measurable value to a municipality.From this point forward, there are no more promises.Only results.As this is our first project in this digitalized system—and as I have been waiting for the opportunity to demonstrate it—I have decided to provide this initial engagement free of charge to the client..  --- ### Entering the Field: When the System Starts Getting Noticed URL: https://reportary.com/article/entering-the-field-when-the-system-starts-getting-noticed Published: 2026-04-23 15:55:00 Language: English Categories: Artificial Intelligence Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary A shift is underway. Real-world deployment, international technological interest from Seer Labs in Kazakhstan, early-stage cooperation signals from an Israeli electricity provider, and a global media feature request together mark a transition into a new operational dimension. The recent period has brought a clear shift in how progress can be interpreted.In the initial phase, everything was about proof. About whether the way of thinking behind Áramőr Delta could stand its ground in a real environment. Not in presentations, not in models, but where infrastructure operates, carries load, fails, and every decision has consequences.By now, another level is beginning to emerge.Not because something has been completed, but because external signals have appeared that no longer just observe, but examine, interpret, and seek connection.One such direction is Israel.An energy environment where supply security is a strategic matter. Not on a theoretical level, but in daily operation. The fact that from an Israeli electricity provider’s side the possibility of cooperation has begun to be examined is a clear indication that the system has not gone unnoticed. In such an environment, inquiries do not happen without foundation. Every step is backed by real professional evaluation.This process is ongoing, and the mere fact that it is being considered at this level represents a new position.At the same time, another direction has opened, from a completely different geographical and technological context.An inquiry arrived from Kazakhstan, from Seer Labs. This is a development team that focuses on compact predictive systems optimized for physically difficult environments. Their approach is not classical AI scaling, but the compression of physical processes into lightweight, fast-executing models, specifically for real-time forecasting and anomaly detection.The essence of their outreach was not a fixed proposal, but an open question: where could this capability connect to the Áramőr Delta system.This is a different type of signal.Not validation, but an intention for joint thinking. It means that the system is not only interesting, but can be interpreted as a platform that can be further developed together with other technologies.When a project reaches a point where actors from different countries, with different professional backgrounds, begin to connect to the same problem space, that is no longer random movement. That is the emergence of a field.In this field, operation and opportunity appear at the same time.This is exactly what defines the current situation.On one side, real-world operation has already begun in a live environment where failure has consequences. On the other side, at the same time, international connection points are forming that prepare the next stage.Together, these define the weight of the direction.This is not about a plan.This is about a system being built, already operating, while beginning to connect to other systems.The recent inquiries reinforce this direction.Not loud announcements, not campaigns, but concrete professional interest. From actors who carry real weight in their own domains.And into this sequence fits another signal, this time from media.An invitation has arrived from CIO Mogul Magazine for a dedicated cover story feature. This is not a traditional advertising opportunity, but a leadership and innovation-focused presentation, built around stories where real-world experience turns into system-level solutions.The basis of this invitation is the trajectory that Áramőr Delta has followed so far.This type of exposure represents a different kind of weight.Not direct business acquisition, but positioning. A confirmation that the story being built here is not only relevant in professional circles, but also interpretable and presentable within international business media.These three directions together form a clear picture.Real operation in a live environment. International technological collaboration intent from Seer Labs in Kazakhstan. And media-level visibility through CIO Mogul Magazine.This is no longer a beginning.This is an entry into a larger system.And from this point, the next steps will not be defined by what we want to achieve.But by what we do with whathas already started to find us. Foto 2 --- ### Outgoing Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó very ill: what we know so far URL: https://reportary.com/article/peter-szijjarto-mysterious-illness-health Published: 2026-04-23 09:26:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungary, Orbán government, szijjártó, orbán Péter Szijjártó has been tight-lipped about his serious illness, leaving the internet awash with speculation, tips, and amateur diagnoses. The outgoing Hungarian top diplomat has made clear, however, that he has already undergone several interventions and must now weigh what matters most: his fam Péter Szijjártó has been tight-lipped about his serious illness, leaving the internet awash with speculation, tips, and amateur diagnoses. The outgoing Hungarian top diplomat has made clear, however, that he has already undergone several interventions and must now weigh what matters most: his family or his public role.The example of Péter Szijjártó shows how important regular screening isIn yesterday’s interview with Telex, Péter Szijjártó, the departing Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, was wholly uncertain about any future public involvement. As he explained, he came at Viktor Orbán’s behest and has no desire to step into his shoes—thus, should Orbán be ousted from Fidesz’s helm after the party’s historic two-thirds election drubbing, Szijjártó certainly will not lead it. He could not even say whether he would take up his parliamentary seat. The outgoing Prime Minister put it thus: the first few dozen on Fidesz’s national list are fit for government; for opposition roles, let alone leadership, others are needed.Szijjártó also spoke of his illness from Telex’s studio. He had previously revealed only that, after repeated urging from former Economy Minister János Kóka, he underwent a screening that yielded devastating results. Kóka, a doctor in civilian life and once a fierce political rival, now joins Szijjártó’s overseas delegations regularly as an entrepreneur and expert.Photo: Facebook/Szijjártó PéterMultiple surgeriesIn January, Szijjártó recounted that the screening prompted an immediate procedure, though he hoped it had not shown in his work. To Telex, he now added that two further interventions followed the first—yet, by his words, the illness persists, hanging over him like the sword of Damocles.The departing Foreign Minister believes everyone must face such trials alone. He said nothing of whether he had informed the Prime Minister, received any dispensation on that account, or how his family is coping. The father of two did note, however, that over the past 11½ years he has rarely been at home—so, weighing his future public path against this illness, he must ponder the way ahead.Péter Szijjártó in Moscow with Russian President Putin in March. Photo: Facebook/Szijjártó PéterThe internet brims with theories on the Foreign Minister’s condition; we take no position whatsoever. We merely observe that every man has a right to a long and healthy life—and we wish as much to the outgoing minister.Szijjártó about the past 16 years“We have strived to make Hungary a liveable country”, Szijjártó told Telex, adding that the Fidesz government had “always worked to build a culture of cooperation.” Asked about the wealth of entrepreneur Lőrinc Mészáros, Szijjártó said he could not “take responsibility for other, grown up people”, adding that “foreign partners have always praised Hungary’s family support system, low taxes and utility prices.” He added that Orbán “does not get involved in business matters”.Szijjártó has always been a trustworthy ally of PM Orbán. Photo: Facebook/Orbán ViktorAsked about the ruling parties’ role in an increase in “hate politics” in Hungary in recent years, Szijjártó said “the blame is not on one side only” and suggested that both political sides were responsible for “hate overriding everything”.To a question concerning a contested speech by Orbán, in which the prime minister was referring to a “spring cleaning to remove surviving bugs” Szijjártó said he would not criticise Orbán’s speeches.If you missed our previous articles concerning healthcare in Hungary and how to remain healthy:Allergies in Budapest: What expats and travellers should knowToxic metals, unsafe devices – what are we really inhaling from illegal vapes in Hungary? --- ### Gastronomía española y húngara: dos formas de entender el sabor URL: https://reportary.com/article/gastronomia-espanola-y-hungara-dos-formas-de-entender-el-sabor Published: 2026-04-23 13:24:00 Language: Spanish (Español) Categories: Local News Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungary, lángos, Spain Tanto los mediterráneos como los magiares consideran la gastronomía una pieza fundamental en su cultura. No obstante, recibieron inspiraciones distintas. A lo largo de la historia ambos países han convivido con diferentes culturas, lo que ha dado lugar a influencias de varias civilizaciones. Adem Las diferencias entre España y Hungría residen en la manera de entender el sabor: la frescura mediterránea frente a la explosividad centroeuropea. Gastronomía española y húngara:Tanto los mediterráneos como los magiares consideran la gastronomía una pieza fundamental en su cultura. No obstante, recibieron inspiraciones distintas. A lo largo de la historia ambos países han convivido con diferentes culturas, lo que ha dado lugar a influencias de varias civilizaciones. Además, geográficamente están en posiciones distintas. Por una parte, los españoles se encuentran al suroeste de Europa, con salida al mar y un clima más caluroso. Por otra parte, los húngaros se encuentran en el centro.Influencias históricasA lo largo de la historia, las dos naciones han recibido influencias de varias culturas. Mientras la gastronomía española es el resultado de siglos de apertura al mundo, la húngara refleja una evolución más contenida, marcada por las dinámicas del centro de Europa y sus imperios. En España hay una mayor diversidad regional, con productos más ligeros y frescos, de modo que se orienta más hacia el mar y al mundo. En cambio, en el país magiar hay más intensidad y homogeneidad como consecuencia de los imperios regionales.Lángos in Siófok. Photo: Facebook, Balaton FlameLas bases de cada cocinaPara comenzar a cocinar ni España ni Hungría empiezan con los mismos ingredientes. El “pimentón (paprika)” es la especia húngara por excelencia que no puede faltar en cada receta. Le aporta su sabor característico a cada comida. Está especialmente presente en guisos y carnes húngaras para darle contundencia al plato. De hecho, los platos principales contienen carne y patatas.Photo: GlédaEn tierras ibéricas hay una mayor ligereza en la alimentación. La cercanía al mar favorece una dieta rica en omega 3. El marisco juega un papel fundamental. Aun así, en lo que respecta al pescado, Hungría también presenta ejemplos interesantes. Existen ejemplos estacionales: durante la Navidad se pueden ver muchas sopas de pescado en cada hogar, mientras que en verano, el pescadito frito procedente del lago de Balaton tiene bastante éxito en las comidas. No obstante, es menos relevante que en España.Los principales protagonistasEn esta sección revisaremos las principales recetas de cada país. En España no hay una sola propuesta por excelencia, sino varias. Empezando por la tortilla de patatas, la cual puede ser con cebolla o sin cebolla. Esta puede estar muy hecha o poco hecha. Mirando hacia levante, uno de los platos más representativos es la paella valenciana. En el sur, para combatir el calor es muy común el gazpacho.Todos estos son de origen humilde: por ejemplo, la tortilla de patatas nació en el siglo XVIII. La paella, dos siglos antes, fue creada por campesinos que cocinaban al aire libre con leña usando productos locales. Estos alimentos se suelen comer en familia o con amigos, favoreciendo la socialización. A diferencia de otros países europeos, se suele almorzar y cenar a un horario más tardío.En el caso de Hungría, hay dos recetas que destacan sobre el resto. El más famoso es el gulash. Es una sopa hecha con carne de vacuno, patatas, vegetales, pimentón y otras especias. En otras versiones se puede acompañar con unos ñoquis. El otro plato destacable es el lángos, muy contundente energéticamente. Está compuesto por una base de masa frita (similar a la de una porra) que se combina con una crema de nata “tejföl”. Cabe destacar la popularidad del paprikás csirke (pollo al pimentón).Illustration. Source: depositphotos.comA la hora de ir a la mesa las costumbres son más diferentes que en el país hispano. La cocina húngara se basa en sopas y guisos con comidas mucho más estructuradas. Asimismo, el horario y la manera de comer cambia mucho. Son propuestas focalizadas para una persona. En comparación con Madrid, hay una diferencia de una hora y media en sol, lo cual repercute en los horarios. Por ello, los húngaros suelen almorzar más temprano y con mayor peso funcional.Diferentes maneras de reflejar la identidad del puebloHay varios puntos en común entre ambas cocinas. Los dos países europeos comparten una potente industria vinícola y porcina. Gracias a la fertilidad de las tierras magiares y al clima continental vigente, en Hungría hay una fuerte presencia de carnes. Sin embargo, las gastronomías no son iguales. Mientras una es más abierta al mundo, ligera y sociable, la otra es más de interior, funcional e intensa. Aunque sean distintas, ambas cocinas reflejan la identidad de cada pueblo. --- ### Norway seeks quick agreement with new Hungarian leadership on unsettled funds URL: https://reportary.com/article/norway-agreement-new-hungarian-leaders Published: 2026-04-19 14:14:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungary, money, Norway, Péter Magyar, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, Tisza Party Norway is aiming to reach an agreement with Hungary’s incoming government by summer 2026 on the distribution of EEA grants worth around EUR 254 million (approximately HUF 92 billion). The funding, covering the 2021–2028 period, could mark a significant reset in relations after years of stalled n Norway is aiming to reach an agreement with Hungary’s incoming government by summer 2026 on the distribution of EEA grants worth around EUR 254 million (approximately HUF 92 billion). The funding, covering the 2021–2028 period, could mark a significant reset in relations after years of stalled negotiations.According to officials from Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, talks have been ongoing since spring 2025 and are expected to continue with Hungary’s new administration. The agreement could ultimately be signed by the country’s next prime minister, signalling a fresh political chapter.Focus on democracy and fundamental rightsNorway, alongside Iceland and Liechtenstein, provides EEA funding to reduce economic and social disparities across Europe. However, Oslo has made clear that it wants the funds to support projects that strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law, human rights, equality, and civil liberties, reports Norwegian outlet Panorama Nyheter.Norwegian State Secretary Astrid Bergmål emphasised that these core principles are currently “under pressure” in Hungary, making the funding “more necessary than ever”. A portion of the funds has already been earmarked for civil society organisations, managed by independent foundations supporting areas such as social inclusion, regional development, and environmental initiatives.Past disputes halted billions in fundingHungary did not receive any EEA funding during the previous cycle after negotiations broke down in 2021. The dispute centred on who should oversee the allocation of grants to civil society groups. The Hungarian government at the time insisted on state control, while donor countries demanded independent management.This disagreement ultimately led Hungary to forgo around HUF 75 billion (EUR 207.4 million) in support, as no compromise was reached. Earlier tensions had also included accusations from Budapest that Norway was backing politically biased organisations, while Oslo criticised pressure on NGOs.BREAKING: Hungary election 2026 – All votes counted as Tisza secures historic supermajority. Also, in case you missed it, civil reports claim “systemic inequalities” marked Hungary’s 2026 election.Signs of progress amid renewed talksThis time, negotiations appear more constructive. Reports suggest that Hungary has accepted key elements of the donor countries’ framework, including independent oversight of civil funding.As a result, part of the programme has already been launched. If a full agreement is reached, the funds could provide a substantial boost to Hungary’s development efforts while also reinforcing ties with Norway and its partners.Featured image: Péter Magyar/Facebook --- ### Hungarian drug trafficker arrested in Mexico URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-drug-trafficker-arrest-mexico Published: 2026-04-19 18:14:00 Language: English Categories: Society Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Mexico Tags: Hungarians abroad, Hungary, Mexico, Police Mexican authorities have arrested a Hungarian national wanted across Europe for drug trafficking, taking another step forward in the country’s ongoing crackdown on organised crime. Mexican authorities have arrested a Hungarian national wanted across Europe for drug trafficking, taking another step forward in the country’s ongoing crackdown on organised crime.The suspect, 48-year-old János Balla, had been living under the alias “Dániel Takács” before being detained in the tourist region of Quintana Roo. According to officials, Balla had been sentenced to six years in prison in Hungary for smuggling narcotics and psychotropic substances but disappeared before beginning his sentence. He subsequently became the subject of both a European arrest warrant and an Interpol red notice.International cooperation to catch Hungarian drug traffickerMexico’s Security Minister, Omar García Harfuch, confirmed that the drug trafficker’s arrest followed close cooperation with Hungarian authorities. Intelligence-sharing efforts enabled investigators to locate Balla in the municipality of Benito Juárez, where he was apprehended during a coordinated operation on Politécnico Avenue.Authorities emphasised that the joint effort between Mexican and Hungarian agencies was key to identifying his movements and securing his arrest. Following his detention, Balla was handed over to Mexico’s National Institute of Migration to assess his legal status and initiate deportation proceedings back to Europe, as reported by Al-Jazeera.A new anti-crime strategy in MexicoThe arrest comes as Mexico intensifies its fight against organised crime under President Claudia Sheinbaum. Her administration has adopted a tougher stance compared to previous policies, aiming to increase arrests and disrupt cartel-related activities. Recent operations have targeted high-ranking cartel figures, signalling a shift towards more aggressive enforcement. The government has pointed to a growing number of arrests as evidence that its strategy is yielding results.In case you missed it: Hungarian police probe suspected gangland killings linked to foreign drug mafias, some victims may never be found. Also, valuable silver items and embroidered prayer shawls stolen from Budapest synagogue.Outside pressure on Mexico to hunt down fugitivesMexico’s actions stem from the increasing international pressure mostly coming from the United States, to combat drug trafficking networks. Cooperation between countries has expanded in recent years, including intelligence exchanges and coordinated law enforcement efforts, which included Balla’s capture, who attempted to evade justice abroad.Featured image is illustration. Source: depositphotos.com --- ### The Cradle of Writing in the Carpathian Basin? The Mystery of the Tărtăria Tablets URL: https://reportary.com/article/the-cradle-of-writing-in-the-carpathian-basin-the-mystery-of-the-tartaria-tablets Published: 2026-04-13 13:30:00 Language: English Categories: History Author: Balázs Török Type: News Article Location: Tărtăria, Romania Tags: tartaria tablets, archaeology, history of writing, transylvania, neolithic, vinča culture, danube script, mesopotamia, sumerian pictograms, carpathian basin, radiocarbon dating, ancient artifacts, ritual burial, origin of civilization Could it be possible that the first written sentences in history were born not in Mesopotamia, but in the heart of Transylvania? Although thousands of fragments with incised symbols are known from the Neolithic in this region, the Tărtăria find has nevertheless become a global scientific sensation. In 1961, at Tărtăria in Transylvania, Nicolae Vlassa, an archaeologist from Cluj-Napoca, unearthed a sacrificial pit filled with ash. It contained the broken, burnt bones of a 35–40-year-old woman—likely a highly respected figure or a ritual sacrifice—alongside 26 clay figurines, two stone figures, a bracelet made of marine Spondylus shells, one fired clay disc, and two rectangular tablets. The latter two bore inscriptions and pictographic symbols. According to radiocarbon dating of the bones, the find is approximately 7,500 years old. This suggests that the symbols on the disc and the pictographic tablet are 1,000–1,500 years older than the earliest remnants of Sumerian writing found in the city of Uruk. These Transylvanian artifacts have captivated the scientific world ever since; the style of their pictograms bears an uncanny resemblance to Sumerian writing, yet because they significantly predate it, they fundamentally challenge our Near East-centered worldview regarding the origins of literacy.Does this point to a European literacy preceding Mesopotamia, or is a millennia-spanning cultural connection at play? Although the circumstances of the discovery—ranging from unprofessional conservation to documentation gaps—continue to generate heated debate, Tărtăria remains an inescapable focal point in the dialogue surrounding the dawn of civilization. The heart of the Tărtăria assemblage consists of the three aforementioned tablets made of sandy clay. The first is a circular tablet, six centimeters in diameter, with its surface divided by lines into four quadrants containing abstract signs and pictograms, which are symbols representing concepts. The second is a rectangular tablet covered in comb-like symbols. Both were drilled through their upper thirds, suggesting their owner may have worn them around the neck as amulets. The third piece has no hole, but its surface depicts two goat-like animals and a plant, presumably the "Tree of Life." A fascinating technical observation is that while in Mesopotamia usually only the drilled amulets were fired, here all three pieces underwent this process—though likely secondarily, in the heat of a funeral pyre. All were made from local Tărtăria clay.The pottery fragments found alongside the tablets are similar to the finds of the so-called Tiszadob group, which is a characteristic North Transylvanian branch of the Linear Pottery Culture of early farming communities. The site itself is part of the Vinča–Turdaș culture, one of the most advanced European civilizations of the Neolithic. This culture flourished in present-day Serbia and Transylvania and was famous for its urban-like settlements, its early knowledge of copper processing, and its unique, stylized clay figurines. The Mesopotamian character of the tablets was immediately apparent to Nicolae Vlassa, who noted that the signs were closely related to symbols found on Turdaș pottery and at the Vinča sites near Belgrade. Researchers have attempted to resolve the mystery through several primary theories. German Assyriologist Adam Falkenstein and English archaeologist M. S. Hood emphasized Mesopotamian influence. They suggested that Sumerian traders ventured into Transylvania in search of gold and copper deposits, and the locals—though they did not understand the script—regarded the signs as magical and copied them for their own religious rituals. Linguist-historian László Götz, the world-renowned excavator of Uruk Sir Leonard Woolley, and archaeology professor János Makkay held similar views. Conversely, surprising hypotheses have also emerged: if the tablets are truly older, then certain elements of Mesopotamian culture might have migrated southward from the Carpathian Basin. This line was represented by researcher Anna Walter Fehér, often criticized by mainstream science for her alternative prehistoric approaches, who argued that the cradle of literacy was actually in Transylvania. In her studies, she drew attention to the Turdaș discs found on the banks of the Mureș River in the late 19th century, which greatly resemble the Tărtăria finds. She also mentioned the Olt Valley disc, another similar Neolithic object with inscribed signs, proving that this was not an isolated case. These latter artifacts were originally discovered and published in the 19th century by Zsófia Torma. She is regarded as one of the world's first female archaeologists.Decipherment attempts often categorize the tablets as astronomical or calendrical tools, where the pictograms correspond to constellations visible 7,500 years ago. Some have even identified the symbol of the South Mesopotamian city of Larsa among the pictograms. However, "decoding" the Tărtăria tablets remains one of archaeology’s greatest challenges, as science currently knows of no language that can be unambiguously assigned to these ancient signs. Since we do not possess a guide similar to the Rosetta Stone (which aided the decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs) or the Behistun Inscription (which served as the key to Sumerian and Akkadian cuneiform), the phonetic values of the text or individual signs remain currently undecipherable. Furthermore, the authenticity of the discovery has faced rigorous professional scrutiny since its inception. Fearing the clay would crumble, Nicolae Vlassa immediately fired the tablets in the kiln of the Cluj museum. This unusual procedure destroyed the organic materials necessary for direct radiocarbon dating and the crystalline structures essential for thermoluminescence testing. Consequently, the exact age of the tablets can now only be determined indirectly from the surrounding soil layers and the female bones found beside them. Italian researcher Marco Merlini pointed out that since the tablets came from a dug-in pit, it cannot be ruled out that they were placed among deeper, older layers at a later date. Compounding the issue is that the lead archaeologist himself was not present at the moment of discovery, which significantly diminishes credibility in archaeology. Some Romanian researchers even speculated that Vlassa might have taken similar pieces from the museum's storage—from Zsófia Torma’s earlier collection—to make his own excavation sensational. Torma's finds were largely ignored at the time, even though she had described the potential connection between Turdaș signs and Mesopotamian literacy decades earlier.Ultimately, the mystery of the Tărtăria tablets, currently held in the National Museum of Transylvanian History in Cluj-Napoca, remains unsolved. If the finds are authentic, it means the Neolithic peoples of the Carpathian Basin were using a complex system of signs at a time when the river-valley civilizations were still in their infancy. This does not necessarily imply ethnic primacy, but rather proves an early peak in the universal development of the human spirit. Whether they were the amulets of Sumerian traders or the indigenous products of the Vinča culture, the Tărtăria finds remind us that the gates of written history may have opened much earlier than we previously thought. While the list of interpretations and critiques seems endless, the existence of the tablets forces us to constantly rethink our image of the dawn of human civilization. --- ### Who is the new premier of Hungary? Péter Magyar’s profile URL: https://reportary.com/article/new-premier-of-hungary-peter-magyar-profile Published: 2026-04-13 10:14:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungarian government, Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, Viktor Orbán In Hungary’s general election, opposition leader Péter Magyar has emerged victorious with a wide lead against incumbent Premier Viktor Orbán. Profile. In Hungary’s general election, opposition leader Péter Magyar has emerged victorious with a wide lead against incumbent Premier Viktor Orbán. Profile.Péter Magyar, a member of Orbán’s inner circlesMagyar, 45, is a conservative politician and member of the European Parliament who emerged as Orbán’s main rival after leaving the ruling Fidesz party in 2024. A law graduate, Magyar spent more than 20 years within Orbán’s political circle, though he remained relatively unknown for much of that time.He worked as a diplomat in Brussels and held senior posts in state institutions. Until 2023, he was married to Judit Varga, a prominent Fidesz politician. Magyar gained national attention in 2024 when he broke with Orban following a political scandal involving the pardon of a man convicted of concealing sexual abuse at a children’s home.Photo: Anadolu/Jakub PorzyckiLater that year, he founded Tisza, a new political movement that secured 30% of Hungary’s vote in the European Parliament elections. His rise has been driven largely by public frustration over corruption, especially allegations involving the misuse of billions of euros in EU funds, as well as concern over Hungary’s weak economic performance.Ties with European UnionHe has also pledged to repair ties with the EU, which has withheld development funding over claims that Orbán has weakened democratic institutions.Magyar has centered his campaign on everyday economic concerns, including living standards and the poor state of Hungary’s health care system.Although he condemned Orbán’s closeness to Russia by pointing to Moscow’s long record of pressuring Hungary, he has said little about the war in Ukraine. “I strongly call on the Russian leadership to refrain from any influence on the Hungarian parliamentary elections and from threatening Hungarians,” he said in a statement last month.He is also not the first conservative challenger to take on Orbán. In the 2022 general election, Orbán’s divided opposition united behind Péter Márki-Zay, a conservative and religious small-town mayor with seven children.That campaign failed badly, ending in a sweeping Fidesz victory after the ruling party used its media network to cast Márki-Zay as a warmonger who wanted to send Hungarians to fight Russia in Ukraine.If you missed:Who will Péter Magyar sack first as Hungary’s new premier? The first hit list already revealedHungary’s Orbán ousted after 16 years as Péter Magyar claims stunning election victory – world reacts, video, updated --- ### PM candidate Péter Magyar: We have reclaimed our homeland! – Hungary election 2026 – UPDATE URL: https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-we-have-reclaimed-our-homeland-hungary-election-2026 Published: 2026-04-12 20:56:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: election, Hungarian government, Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party “The Tisza Party not only won the election, but it appears it will hold a two-thirds majority for the next four years,” said Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party and Hungary’s next prime minister. “The Tisza Party not only won the election, but it appears it will hold a two-thirds majority for the next four years,” said Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party and Hungary’s next prime minister.My fellow countrymen, Hungarians, we did it. The Tisza and Hungary have won this election. Not just by a little, but by a lot—in fact, by a great deal—Péter Magyar began his victory speech late Sunday evening in Batthyány Square, across from the Parliament.He continued: “Together, we have ousted the Orbán regime and liberated Hungary; we have reclaimed our homeland.”Our victory is visible not from the moon, but from every Hungarian window. Whether it’s the smallest mud-brick house or a high-rise apartment building, in the city or the countryside, it’s visible from every window—he added.In the history of democratic Hungary, no party has ever received such a strong mandate as Tisza. He is talking about 3.3 million votes, which have given them a mandate to govern, and all signs point to them having a strong two-thirds majority in the new National Assembly. This mandate is what will allow the transition to be as efficient and peaceful as possible.Today you performed a miracle; today Hungary made history– he added, after which his supporters began chanting “Ria, Ria, Hungária.”He said that, despite facing a complete headwind, they managed to achieve such a great victory as millions of “Ludas Matyis,” even though the ruling party deployed its entire apparatus against them, attempting to destroy the Tisza in a manner reminiscent of a one-party state. The Hungarian people have spoken, and truth has triumphed over lies.If you missed - Orbán: We lost, and I congratulated the winner!We won today because the Hungarian people did not ask what their country could do for them, but rather asked what they could do for their country. And you did not just ask; you also found the answer and took the action demanded by the homeland—so said Magyar.Today, Hungarians said no to deception and betrayal. Two years ago, a few people set out, and in the end, love triumphed in the battle between David and Goliath, because in the end, love always triumphs. He expressed his gratitude that his voters had heeded the biblical advice: “Do not be afraid!”How many times and how many people told us that it wasn’t worth going to the countryside, that we couldn’t leave the capital. How many times did we hear that we had to come to terms with His Majesty’s opposition, that we had to make deals, because there was no other way. But of course there is—today you have proven that it is indeed possible!– he continued.He called March 15, 1848, October 23, 1956, and now April 12, 2026, moments of grace.“Let this too be a date inscribed in gold in the history of Hungarian freedom—not the victory of one party over another, but the victory of the Hungarians over those who betrayed them, the victory of freedom over those who betrayed them. Let this be a victory for all Hungarians today, for those who voted for Tisza and for those who did not,” he remarked.Every Hungarian feels in their heart that this is a wonderful, shared victory, because the homeland has decided and wants to live again, he added.He wants a country where citizens can count on their government, where everyone is entitled to proper healthcare, a carefree childhood, and a dignified old age. A country where what matters is not who knows whom, but who a person is and what kind of person they are. Let Hungary be a country where one can come home. He also thanked his compatriots abroad for the tens of thousands who voted and asked them to move back home, because every Hungarian is needed.The task is enormous, but we Hungarians love big challenges– he declared.In his view, it is a wonderful thing to be Hungarian today; everyone longs for the unification of the nation, and “we are setting out on this path today.” The Tisza government will represent all Hungarians, because we must not make distinctions between Hungarians, for that is a sin. For whoever divides the people must step down from power.He asked his voters to celebrate today and join them on this shared path. They will earn that trust every hour, every minute, he promises.I call on the prime minister to act as a caretaker government starting today and not to take any measures that would tie the hands of the next government— he told Orbán.“If any questions arise during the transition period, please contact me; you have my phone number,” he said, noting that Orbán had already congratulated him by phone.“I also call on the President of the Republic to ask me to form a government, then step down from office, and I call on all the puppets to do the same,” he stated, then listed who he was referring to:the President of the Supreme Court,the President of the National Judicial Office,the President of the Constitutional Court,the President of the State Audit Office,the President of the Hungarian Competition Authority,and the head of the Media Authority.He announced that the system of checks and balances will be restored, and Hungary will join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.They will rebuild and, if possible, expand the cooperation of the Visegrád Four.My first trip will take me to Poland to strengthen the thousand-year-old Polish-Hungarian friendship. My second trip will take me to Vienna. And my third will be to Brussels to secure the EU funds to which Hungarians are entitled– he said.He spoke by phone with the German chancellor, the Croatian prime minister, the NATO secretary general, the president of the European People’s Party and the European Commission, as well as the French president, but dozens of other European leaders are awaiting his call.Follow the latest Hungary election 2026 news:Hungary election 2026: TODAY – Tisza is close to two-thirds 🔴 --- ### Hungary’s Orbán ousted after 16 years as Péter Magyar claims stunning election victory: world leaders react – UPDATE URL: https://reportary.com/article/pm-orban-ousted-after-16-years-world-reacts Published: 2026-04-13 08:06:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: European Union, Hungary, NATO, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, Viktor Orbán Viktor Orbán, who swept to power in a landslide in 2010, has been unseated after 16 years as Hungary’s prime minister. Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party triumphed yesterday with a historically high voter turnout, securing a solid supermajority. Viktor Orbán, who swept to power in a landslide in 2010, has been unseated after 16 years as Hungary’s prime minister. Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party triumphed yesterday with a historically high voter turnout, securing a solid supermajority.International leaders were quick to congratulate Mr Magyar on his landslide victory.Table of ContentsThe EU and the European great powersGermanyEuropean CommissionEPPNATOPolandFranceItalyUKSpainZelensky’s message to Péter Magyar and HungaryHungary’s other neighboursRomaniaSlovakiaCroatiaPatriotic PM Babis also congratulated MagyarUS – Obama and ClintonUPDATE: Canadian premier, Israeli opposition leader also congratulatedHungarian parties in the Carpathian Basin congratulated MagyarVMSZRMDSZUPDATE 2 – PakistanThe EU and the European great powersGermany“Hungary has decided. Congratulations on the won election, dear Peter Magyar. I look forward to the cooperation for a strong, secure, and above all united Europe,” Merz said on X.European Commission“Hungary has chosen Europe,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X on Sunday, reacting to the results of the Hungarian election. Von der Leyen said: “Europe has always chosen Hungary.”EPPPresident of the European People’s Party Mandfred Weber said: “Tonight is the victory of the people of Hungary.” He added that “Hungary is back at the heart of Europe.”NATOMark Rutte, Nato’s secretary-general, telephoned Péter Magyar to offer his congratulations. Mr Magyar declined to disclose the details of their discussion.Poland“Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends! Ruszkik haza [Russians go home]!”, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X on Monday.France“I’ve just spoken with Peter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory in Hungary!” French President Emmanuel Macron said on the X social media platform. “France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the attachment of the Hungarian people to the values of the European Union and Hungary’s commitment to Europe.”ItalyI am confident that we will continue to work together in a constructive spirit for the benefit of our peoples and the shared challenges we face at the European and international levels,” Italian PM Giorgia Meloni wrote on X platform on Sunday after she thanked Orbán for his close cooperation.UKBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Tisza Party leader Peter Magyar on his election win on Sunday, saying his victory “is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy.”SpainThe Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also congratulated Magyar on the social media.Zelensky’s message to Péter Magyar and Hungary“Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an English and Hungarian-language post on X, in reaction to the results of the parliamentary election in Hungary. “Congratulations to Péter Magyar and the TISZA party on their resounding victory. It is important when a constructive approach prevails,” Zelensky said.“Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe, and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary,” he said. “Europe and every European nation must get stronger, and millions of Europeans seek cooperation and stability,” he added. “We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe,” he said.Hungary’s other neighboursRomania“Romania and Hungary are neighbours, partners and fellow EU and NATO members,” he said. “I look forward to building a new chapter in Romanian-Hungarian relations, based on mutual respect, open dialogue and our shared commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic values,” Romanian President Nicusor Dan wrote.SlovakiaThe Slovak prime minister Robert Fico said his government was striving for “friendly bilateral ties yielding mutual benefits” with regard to the Slovak and Hungarian ethnic minorities. He added that his government had an interest in reviving the Visegrád Group as well as in making joint efforts with Hungary to promote energy interests.CroatiaPéter Magyar revealed in a speech yesterday that he had already spoken with Croatia’s Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković.Patriotic PM Babis also congratulated MagyarThe high turnout in Hungary’s general election “represents a victory for democracy in itself”, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Sunday. “There is much to be done, not just for Hungary, but for all of us, whether in the European Union or NATO,” he added.Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš also lauded Péter Magyar’s landslide victory, noting that Hungarians have placed immense expectations on Magyar and that he must not disappoint them.US – Obama and Clinton“The victory of the opposition in Hungary yesterday, like the Polish election in 2023, is a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world. Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law”, former President Barack Obama wrote on Facebook.Former First Lady, Foreign Secretary and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also voiced her delight at Mr Orbán’s defeat.UPDATE: Canadian premier, Israeli opposition leader also congratulatedSaying that “the Hungarian people have chosen a new path,” Carney also expressed his readiness to work with the new Hungarian leader and other European allies “to deepen our cooperation in trade, defence, and security.” “The people of Hungary have made their choice in a decisive election, setting a new course for the country,” Foreign Minister Anita Anand said.Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Sunday congratulated Peter Magyar on his victory in Hungary’s general elections. “Congratulations to Magyar Péter and the Tisza Party on their victory in the Hungarian elections!” Lapid wrote on the US social media company X. “The relations between Israel and Hungary will continue to deepen and strengthen. Best of luck!,” he added.Hungarian parties in the Carpathian Basin congratulated MagyarVMSZPresident of the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (VMSZ) Bálint Pásztor congratulated the Tisza Party and party leader Peter Magyar “on their clear victory” on Sunday. In a Facebook post, Pásztor thanked all Hungarians from Vojvodina who exercised their right to vote. “This meant more than 60,000 votes; they stood behind Fidesz almost as one person,” he added.“I thank Fidesz and [outgoing Prime Minister] Viktor Orbán for the patriotic policy they have built over the past 16 years: that we can be citizens, that our institutions have developed, that we have been able to implement the economic development plan throughout the Carpathian Basin,” he said.Pásztor said that VMSZ was “the only Hungarian parliamentary party in Vojvodina, in Serbia, since 1996.” “The community can still count on us,” he added.RMDSZHunor Kelemen, leader of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), on Monday congratulated the Tisza Party and its leader, Péter Magyar, on their election victory. Kelemen noted in a post on Facebook that the Hungarian election took place with a record high turnout. Hungarians “both here and across the border” exercised their right to decide in large numbers, he added.He also noted that RMDSZ had supported Fidesz-KDNP in the Hungarian election campaign. In an interview with the Transylvanian news portal Krónika last week, he said the alliance’s support for Fidesz was based on its policy sea change towards the nation across the borders in 2010. He added in the interview that Tisza had been an unknown quantity in this respect, “and most people do not give up what they know for the unknown”.UPDATE 2 – PakistanShehbaz Sharif took to X to congratulate Magyar Péter on his victory in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, noting that Pakistan values its bilateral relations with Hungary and looks forward to strengthening them further in the future.If you missed:Hungary election 2026: TODAY – Tisza is close to two-thirdsPM candidate Péter Magyar: We have reclaimed our homeland! – Hungary election 2026 --- ### Hungary’s military mission to Chad leaked: “direct combat operations” were in plans URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungary-military-mission-to-chad-leaked Published: 2026-04-11 15:34:00 Language: English Categories: Geopolitics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Africa, election, elections, Fidesz, Hungarian Defence Forces, Hungary, military, Viktor Orbán Newly surfaced documents suggest that troops from Hungary could have been authorised to carry out direct combat operations in Chad at the request of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. The revelations stem from a letter sent in September 2023 to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, which has now Newly surfaced documents suggest that troops from Hungary could have been authorised to carry out direct combat operations in Chad at the request of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. The revelations stem from a letter sent in September 2023 to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, which has now been partially obtained by investigative journalists.The invitation letter provided the legal basis for a planned Hungarian military mission. Under international law, foreign troops may only operate on another country’s territory if formally invited by the host state. According to the leaked correspondence, the Chadian leadership explicitly asked for Hungarian military assistance — including, if necessary, armed engagement against terrorist groups.Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Source: Facebook/Szalay-Bobrovniczky KristófCombat tasks and independent operationsThe draft status agreement between the two countries reportedly outlined that Hungarian personnel could undertake “military tasks using military means” and could, in certain circumstances, operate independently of the Chadian armed forces. These tasks would have included offensive operations and the protection or extraction of designated personnel.The mission’s legal framework was meant to be clarified in a strategic agreement signed in September 2024 by Hungary’s foreign minister Péter Szijjártó and Chadian foreign minister Abderrahman Koulamallah. However, the agreement has not yet been ratified by either parliament.Have you heard? CNN highlights Hungary’s European Union-funded roundabout that goes to nowhere.A plan that never materialisedHungary’s parliament authorised the mission in late 2023, citing the Chadian president’s request. Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said at the time that Chad plays a key role in stabilising the Sahel region and curbing migration flows. However, the deployment never took place. Internal documents indicate that the Ministry of Defence was still working in November 2025 on extending the mandate and budgeting for the mission.According to leaked financial plans, Hungary expected to spend roughly HUF 4 billion on personnel and operational costs, HUF 21.8 billion on logistics, and HUF 1.1 billion on intelligence activities in 2026 alone. The extension proposal was ultimately not submitted to the cabinet after Orbán’s national security adviser reportedly deemed it “not timely.”In case you missed it: as Brussels trust crisis deepens, diplomats warn the next Hungarian government will inherit years of suspicion.Family connections and political controversyThe project has been controversial from the start, not least because of the involvement of the prime minister’s son himself, Gáspár Orbán, who reportedly attended multiple meetings with Chadian and Nigerien officials. Military officer Szilveszter Pálinkás, who recently gave a shocking interview to Telex, later claimed that Gáspár Orbán helped plan the mission and that projected casualties were estimated at up to 50% of the deployed force. The prime minister dismissed suggestions that junior officers designed the mission, saying such claims were “nonsense.”Final polls before Hungary’s election show various results.A fragile security backdropChad has faced years of instability. Former president Idriss Déby, who ruled from 1991 to 2021, was killed during fighting with rebels. His son, Mahamat Déby, took power afterwards amid ongoing insurgent violence. Islamist militant groups, including Boko Haram, remain active in the region, and attacks against the Chadian army have continued.With France having withdrawn its forces in 2025, Chad has sought new security partners — a context that helps explain the original outreach to Hungary. For now, the Hungarian government maintains that no mission is underway, but the leaked documents show how close the deployment came to reality — and raise new questions about Hungary’s foreign military ambitions and the transparency surrounding them. --- ### The life and legacy of Hungarian Princess Geraldine in Albania URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-princess-geraldine-albania-life-legacy Published: 2026-04-08 11:40:00 Language: English Categories: History Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Albania Tags: Albania, Hungary, europe On December 30, 1937, Countess Geraldine of Albania, known in European aristocratic circles as the “White Rose of Hungary,” arrived in Tirana, a city that at the time stood between tradition and the aspirations of a modern state. On December 30, 1937, Countess Geraldine of Albania, known in European aristocratic circles as the “White Rose of Hungary,” arrived in Tirana, a city that at the time stood between tradition and the aspirations of a modern state. Accompanied by Baron Rueling, custodian of the noble Apponyi family, her arrival was not merely a social visit, but an event that would soon acquire historical significance. The following evening, during a royal ball at the palace, she met Zog I of Albania. Their encounter, often described as providential, culminated in a marriage proposal that would transform Geraldine’s destiny. Within a matter of weeks, on January 27, 1938, the Royal Court officially announced their engagement, while the Albanian Parliament, under the leadership of Pandeli Evangjeli, convened in a special session to approve the union in accordance with the constitutional framework of the time. Shortly thereafter, a royal decree elevated Geraldine to the rank of Princess of Albania, marking her formal integration into the institutional and symbolic life of the Albanian state.From the “White Rose of Hungary” to Albania’s royal courtThis union, however, cannot be understood solely in personal or ceremonial terms. It must also be placed within the broader geopolitical context of Albania in the late 1920s and 1930s. The reforms and transformations undertaken by the Zogist regime between 1926 and 1938 were largely modeled on the Italian example, with Italy exerting considerable influence over Albania’s internal and external policies. Gradually, Fascist Italy extended its control over key sectors of the Albanian economy, while also gaining significant leverage over state institutions. This growing dominance intensified further after the appointment of Galeazzo Ciano as Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. His interest in Albania became evident following his first visit to Tirana in April 1937, after which the idea of consolidating Italian control over the country took clearer shape.Source: National Historical Museum of Hungary and National Historical Museum of AlbaniaItaly’s growing influence and Zog’s strategic choiceDuring these years, King Zog and his government became increasingly aware of the depth of Italian economic and political penetration, and began to seek ways to counterbalance this influence and avoid a possible fascist occupation. In this context, the decision of Zog I of Albania to marry a Hungarian countess rather than an Italian princess was not without political significance. The marriage to Geraldine Apponyi in April 1938 can be interpreted as a subtle but deliberate signal that Albania’s foreign policy might reorient itself toward Central Europe, with which it had maintained longstanding cultural and diplomatic ties since the period of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Thus, what appeared as a romantic royal union also carried within it a calculated diplomatic message, reflecting the delicate balance Albania sought to maintain in a rapidly changing European landscape.Queen Geraldine’s social mission beyond the palaceAs Queen, Geraldine did not remain confined within the ceremonial boundaries of court life. She embraced an active role in shaping the social and humanitarian landscape of Albania, at a time when the country was still grappling with deep-rooted patriarchal traditions and the challenges of modernization. Her daily activity at the Royal Palace in Tirana was marked by continuous engagement with institutions and organizations dedicated to education, hygiene, and the advancement of women. She understood the monarchy not simply as a symbol of authority, but as a platform for social responsibility. In this sense, her initiatives were both innovative and necessary, particularly in a society where the role of women was still limited by tradition.Red Cross leadership and grassroots humanitarian workAs head of the Albanian Red Cross, she extended her presence beyond the palace walls, visiting hospitals, orphanages, and rural communities, offering not only material support but also human warmth and attention. These gestures created a bond of trust between the Queen and the people, transforming her from a distant royal figure into a respected and empathetic presence. Her vision also extended toward the economic and cultural development of the country, including initiatives aimed at promoting tourism, such as the idea of establishing a winter sports center—an indication of her modern and forward-looking outlook.Two homelands, one identityGeraldine’s life unfolded between two worlds, each shaping her identity in distinct ways. Born into the refined cultural milieu of Hungary, she carried with her the values of European aristocracy—discipline, elegance, and a deep sense of duty. These qualities became evident in her role in Albania, where she adapted with sensitivity to a different social and cultural environment. Yet her connection to Albania gradually transcended the formal dimension of monarchy and became deeply personal. This transformation is perhaps best captured in the words of Ismail Kadare, who described her return to Albania as “a rare example of dedication and devotion in this century,” emphasizing that a homeland can be loved even when it is marked by hardship and difficulty.Exile after 1939 and a bond that enduredThe Italian invasion of Albania in 1939 abruptly interrupted this trajectory, forcing the royal family into exile and inaugurating a long period of displacement that would last more than six decades. For Geraldine, exile became a condition of suspended belonging, where memory and longing replaced lived experience. Yet distance did not weaken her connection to Albania; rather, it reinforced it. She remained a symbolic figure for Albanians, embodying continuity in a century marked by rupture and transformation. Her eventual return to Albania in the final years of her life was more than a personal decision—it was a historical gesture, reaffirming a bond that had endured beyond time and circumstance.If you missed it: How climate helped the conquering Hungarians settle in Central EuropeGeraldine’s legacy in Albania and EuropeThe legacy of Queen Geraldine lies not only in her role within the monarchy, but in her broader contribution to the social and cultural life of Albania. Her efforts in education, healthcare, and the empowerment of women represent early steps toward a more inclusive and modern society. At the same time, her life stands as a testament to the power of cross-cultural connection, demonstrating how identity can be shaped not only by origin, but also by choice, commitment, and lived experience.In this sense, Geraldine’s story transcends biography and becomes part of a wider European narrative, where personal destinies intersect with historical transformations. Her journey from Hungarian aristocracy to the throne and exile of Albania reflects the complexities of the twentieth century—a time of shifting borders, contested sovereignties, and fragile equilibria. Her life reminds us that belonging is not solely determined by birth, but can be shaped by loyalty and devotion. In choosing Albania, and in returning to it after decades of absence, she affirmed a profound truth: that a homeland is not only inherited, but also embraced. And it is precisely in this act of embracing that her legacy continues to live, as a quiet yet enduring testimony of commitment beyond borders.What's next? 1,100-year-old elite warrior burials discovered in HungaryGuest author: Dr. Dorian Koçi is an Albanian historian and author specializing in cultural history and national identity. He has served as Director of the National Historical Museum of Albania and has published widely on Albanian literature, history, and heritage, bridging academic research with public discourse.Who was Geraldine, the “White Rose of Hungary”?Geraldine Apponyi was a Hungarian countess who became Queen of Albania after marrying King Zog I in 1938. She was widely known in European aristocratic circles as the “White Rose of Hungary”.When did Geraldine meet King Zog I, and when did they become engaged?She arrived in Tirana on 30 December 1937, met King Zog at a royal ball the following evening, and their engagement was officially announced on 27 January 1938.Why was the marriage seen as politically significant?In the late 1930s, Italy’s influence over Albania was growing. Zog’s decision to marry a Hungarian countess rather than an Italian princess has been interpreted as a subtle signal of seeking closer links with Central Europe.What did Queen Geraldine do as queen?She took an active role in social and humanitarian life, supporting education, hygiene, women’s advancement, and leading the Albanian Red Cross with visits to hospitals, orphanages, and rural communities.What happened to Geraldine after the Italian invasion of 1939?The invasion forced the royal family into exile, beginning decades of displacement. Despite this, Geraldine remained a symbolic figure for Albanians and later returned to Albania in the final years of her life.Why did Geraldine’s story matter to Hungary?Because her marriage to King Zog I placed a Hungarian aristocrat at the centre of a European monarchy at a time of intense political realignment, creating a rare, high-profile Hungarian connection to the Balkans. It also strengthened cultural and diplomatic visibility between Hungary and Albania, and Geraldine’s “White Rose of Hungary” image became a symbolic point of national pride for Hungarians watching one of their own take on a prominent public role abroad. --- ### 4 days to Hungary’s election: two fresh polls point to a tight finish URL: https://reportary.com/article/4-days-to-hungarys-election-two-fresh-polls Published: 2026-04-08 09:04:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Democratic Coalition, Fidesz, Hungary, Mi Hazánk/Our Homeland, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, poll, Two-tailed Dog Party With Hungary voting on Sunday, 12 April 2026, two of the latest survey releases suggest a competitive end to the campaign — with Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party showing an advantage in one poll, while a separate measurement of prime-ministerial suitability puts Magyar narrowly ahead of Viktor Orbán With Hungary voting on Sunday, 12 April 2026, two of the latest survey releases suggest a competitive end to the campaign — with Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party showing an advantage in one poll, while a separate measurement of prime-ministerial suitability puts Magyar narrowly ahead of Viktor Orbán.Iránytű: Tisza leads across multiple voter groupsA new poll by the Iránytű Institute, published by Népszava, places Tisza at 41% and the governing Fidesz–KDNP at 34% among the total adult population. Smaller parties were measured far behind: Mi Hazánk and the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party at 3%–3%, while the Democratic Coalition (DK) was listed at 1%.The same survey indicates an even stronger Tisza lead among more engaged segments:Among those who can name a party preference, Tisza leads 50–41.Among certain voters, the advantage is 51–40.One of the most consequential figures in the poll is the share of people who did not disclose a party choice: 18% were either undecided or did not answer — a bloc that can still swing outcomes in a close race.Mood indicators: more want change, pessimism outweighs optimismBeyond party preference, the Iránytű poll also reports a strongly anti-incumbent mood. According to the published figures, 62% say Hungary is heading in the wrong direction, while 31% are optimistic.On government continuity, the numbers tilt toward change: 54% said they would like the Fidesz government to leave, while 38% would prefer it to stay.The survey also asked respondents who they think will win, regardless of personal sympathy. The published results show 43% expecting a Tisza victory and 40% expecting Fidesz to win, with 15% unsure.Methodology: what we know about the Iránytű pollIránytű’s poll was conducted via telephone interviews with 1,000 people between 31 March and 4 April, with a reported margin of error of up to ±3.1 percentage points (for a 50% result, at 95% confidence).Republikon: Magyar seen as slightly more suitable PM than OrbánA separate poll from the Republikon Institute, reported by 24.hu, did not measure party preference but asked which leader respondents consider more suitable for the position of prime minister.In this question, 41% chose Péter Magyar, while 38% chose Viktor Orbán.However, the data also suggests different levels of conviction. Among all respondents, 34% said it was clear Orbán is more suitable, while 24% said the same about Magyar — a sign that Orbán’s supporters may be more certain in their choice even if the overall preference is close.What the Republikon breakdown says about voter blocsThe party-based splits are also notable:Among Fidesz voters, 93% said Orbán is clearly suitable and 6% said rather suitable.Within the Tisza camp, 61% said Magyar is clearly suitable and 29% said rather suitable — suggesting a more mixed coalition.Among undecided voters, 60% could not answer; but those who did leaned toward Magyar (20%) over Orbán (10%).Republikon’s interpretation, as reported, is that the Tisza electorate appears more heterogeneous, while Fidesz support is tightly linked to Orbán personally.If you missed it yesterday: US VP JD Vance sends surprising message to Péter Magyar about what happens if PM Orbán loses the election – videoThe key caveat: polls measure different things, and turnout may decideTaken together, the two releases point in the same direction — a race in which Tisza’s momentum and anti-incumbent sentiment look substantial, but where voter turnout and late mobilisation could still prove decisive. At this stage, the most unpredictable variable remains the sizeable pool of people who either won’t state a preference or are hard to mobilise.For foreign readers: who’s who, and why Hungary’s election can be hard to predictIn Hungary, a 199-member parliament is elected, and at least 100 seats are required to form a government. Although opinion polls provide a snapshot of public opinion, the results can be influenced by voter turnout, the distribution of votes, and the specific rules of the electoral system.Viktor Orbán has led Hungary as prime minister for 16 consecutive years and remains a central figure in the ruling Fidesz–KDNP alliance. Péter Magyar, who once belonged to the ruling camp, is now the leader of the Tisza party, which has emerged as the strongest challenger in this election cycle. The international press considers the vote one of the most important events of the year in the EU, both in terms of Hungary’s domestic political trajectory and its European relations. Orbán persists in his constant confrontation with the EU, while Magyar promises better relations if he comes to power.The election is extremely close: will Fidesz, poised for its fourth victory, come out on top, or will it be the Tisza Party, which has existed for barely two years? Follow the latest election news here.As we wrote earlier, who will cheat in the Hungarian general election on Sunday? Here’s what the latest poll found --- ### Explainer: Why Péter Magyar became Hungary’s most formidable challenger to Orbán URL: https://reportary.com/article/explainer-peter-magyar-popular Published: 2026-04-05 17:04:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Explainer, Hungarian government, Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, Viktor Orbán Péter Magyar’s extraordinary rise from political insider to the most serious challenger to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in 16 years is rooted in a rare combination of timing, message discipline, and public frustration. Péter Magyar’s extraordinary rise from political insider to the most serious challenger to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in 16 years is rooted in a rare combination of timing, message discipline, and public frustration. What began as a protest vehicle has evolved into a large political movement that now draws support from former Fidesz voters, undecided centrists, younger urban voters, and long-disillusioned opposition supporters alike. Recent polling suggests Tisza has built a commanding lead among decided voters.1) Fatigue with the Orbán era created the openingThe first and most important factor behind Magyar’s popularity is the growing sense of exhaustion with the Orbán system after 16 years in power. As the IPG Journal analysis highlighted via HVG, more Hungarians increasingly feel the country has stagnated rather than progressed. Concerns over the deteriorating state of healthcare, education, public infrastructure and declining purchasing power after years of inflation have created fertile ground for a challenger.This frustration is no longer confined to traditional opposition circles. It now reaches former Fidesz supporters who feel the government has run out of ideas and no longer offers a convincing vision for the future. The sense that political and economic opportunities are concentrated around a narrow elite has only intensified this mood.2) Péter Magyar offered something the opposition lacked: credibilityWhat made Péter Magyar different from previous opposition figures is that he emerged from within the system itself. As a former government insider, he could not easily be dismissed as a “career opposition politician.” This gave him immediate credibility among conservative and centre-right voters who might never have considered backing the old opposition parties.His personal political style also helped. Magyar built Tisza around a tightly controlled, highly centralised communication strategy, turning himself into the face of a disciplined “one-man movement” without the internal infighting that often plagued earlier opposition alliances.This outsider-insider blend proved especially effective: he looked new, but understood exactly how the Orbán machine worked.3) He built a bridge for disappointed Fidesz votersOne of Magyar’s smartest political moves was refusing to force voters into old ideological camps. Rather than presenting Tisza as a traditional liberal opposition party, he deliberately positioned it as a broad centre-right, anti-corruption, anti-establishment movement.This matters enormously in Hungary, where many voters may be dissatisfied with Fidesz but remain culturally conservative.On key issues such as migration, national sovereignty and the war in Ukraine, Magyar has often used a pragmatic rather than ideological tone. This lowered the “psychological barrier” for former Fidesz voters to switch sides.In simple terms, he made it emotionally and politically easier for conservative Hungarians to vote against Orbán without feeling they had betrayed their broader values.Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarWhat did Péter Magyar actually promise?A major reason for his support is that voters increasingly feel he talks about practical, everyday issues rather than abstract political battles.His most resonant promises have included:Anti-corruption and asset recoveryMagyar repeatedly promised the creation of a National Asset Recovery Office to investigate major corruption cases and reclaim allegedly stolen public wealth. This is one of Tisza’s most powerful messages because corruption fatigue is now one of the strongest drivers of anti-government sentiment.Fixing healthcare and educationHe has strongly focused on the collapse of public services, especially hospitals, schools and roads. Tisza has promised major new funding for healthcare and broader public-sector modernisation. Reuters also notes that the party’s local campaigning frequently revolves around better healthcare, roads and jobs.Unlocking frozen EU fundsAnother major promise is to rebuild trust with Brussels and unlock EU funding that many Hungarians increasingly see as essential for economic recovery, transport upgrades and public investment.A government of expertsOne criticism has been that Péter Magyar himself is sometimes “light on policy detail.” However, his supporters increasingly see this as missing the point. His real political strength lies in surrounding himself with recognised experts in tax policy, agriculture, infrastructure and governance preparation.That has allowed Tisza to project something previous opposition projects often failed to communicate: not just protest energy, but governing readiness. Telex’s reporting on Tisza’s government-preparation team strongly reinforces this perception.An additional reason for his popularity: hope and emotional momentumBeyond policy, Péter Magyar has brought something emotionally powerful back into Hungarian politics: the feeling that change is possible.For years, many opposition-minded Hungarians felt elections were structurally unwinnable. Tisza changed that psychology.Young voters in particular have rallied behind him not necessarily because they agree with every policy point, but because he turned frustration into momentum, optimism and participation. Recent reporting by The Guardian suggests younger Hungarians increasingly see this election as a historic chance to challenge a system they have known all their lives.This may be Péter Magyar’s greatest political achievement so far: he transformed anti-Orbán sentiment into a credible, emotionally compelling governing alternative.If you missed it: Latest poll shows Péter Magyar could have 900,000 more voters – what this means for Orbán --- ### New analysis: did Orbán expect more from Trump? URL: https://reportary.com/article/analysis-orban-expected-more-from-trump-2026 Published: 2026-04-06 05:54:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: analysis, elections, Hungary, donald trump, usa Unusual developments, contradictory messaging, and increasingly strange campaign dynamics are shaping the final stretch of the elections. According to a recent analysis of Péter Krekó, not only are political power relations shifting unexpectedly, but there are also signs suggesting possible foreig Unusual developments, contradictory messaging, and increasingly strange campaign dynamics are shaping the final stretch of the elections. According to a recent analysis of Péter Krekó, not only are political power relations shifting unexpectedly, but there are also signs suggesting possible foreign influence.Campaign dynamics appear to be shiftingAs elections approach, it is typically the incumbent government that gains momentum. This time, however, the opposite seems to be happening. The more intense phase of the campaign has so far failed to deliver a breakthrough for Fidesz and Orbán, while the Tisza Party has managed to strengthen its position. This is particularly surprising, as Fidesz has traditionally been effective at mobilising voters towards the end of campaigns.“The end of the campaign is still ahead of us, but it is surprising that the more intense campaign period has so far favoured Tisza rather than Fidesz,” said Péter Krekó.It is also striking that previously effective fear-based messaging – particularly around war – now appears to be less impactful. Voters’ attention seems to be increasingly shifting towards everyday concerns.Foreign influence: more questions than answersAccording to the analyst, several signs suggest that foreign actors may be attempting to influence political developments. Although the background of such operations is difficult to prove, certain events – such as the interception of a Ukrainian cash courier – are highly unusual in the context of Hungarian political practice.“Such types of actions have not really been used by Russia beyond the post-Soviet region so far; this therefore indicates an escalation of Russian influence.”There is also speculation that certain campaign elements may be inspired by or modelled on Russian practices. These include AI-generated content and the use of fake profiles on social media platforms of Orbán to amplify specific narratives.Information chaos as a strategyOne of the most notable features of Orbán’s current campaign is the abundance of contradictory messages. Government communication often presents claims that are difficult to reconcile, which may appear to be a mistake at first glance – but could in fact be a deliberate strategy.According to the analyst, this is “information chaos”, where voters become overwhelmed by conflicting narratives:“This is information chaos, when you are completely lost in the abundance of information and contradictory narratives: the calculation is that the sense of uncertainty caused by this chaos will ultimately benefit the leader in power, because he becomes the only stable point in the world.”Why the anti-Ukraine narrative is not workingAlthough anti-Ukraine messaging is a central element of the campaign, it does not appear to be delivering the expected political gains. One reason may be internal contradictions in the communication: Ukraine is portrayed both as a weak, failing state and as a powerful threat.In addition, a significant portion of voters perceive the conflicts as being provoked by the Hungarian government itself. For the public, issues such as the cost of living, corruption, and healthcare remain the top priorities. Could there be a last-minute twist?Based on current trends, it is difficult to predict what could significantly alter the balance of power in the final phase of the campaign. Some believe that only an extraordinary event – such as the release of compromising material – could change the situation.“As they say, if a gun appears on stage, sooner or later it will be fired: the kompromat that is on the table will eventually become public.”It is also possible that narratives built during Orbán’s campaign could later be used to question the election results. Political tensions, therefore, may persist not only until election day but beyond, concluded the Political Capital analyst.If you missed it:Why record overseas and transfer voting registrations could boost Hungary’s Tisza Party --- ### Not Just a Gift from India: The Forgotten European Roots of Vegetarianism URL: https://reportary.com/article/not-just-a-gift-from-india-the-forgotten-european-roots-of-vegetarianism Published: 2026-04-04 20:00:00 Language: English Categories: History Author: Balázs Török Type: News Article Tags: anthropocentrism, teleology, ethics, vegetarianism, animal rights, empathy, karma, ahimsa, india, ancient greece, philosophy, history, classical philology, metempsychosis, reincarnation Vegetarianism is no mere Eastern import, as its roots run deep in the ancient Greco-Roman world. From Pythagoras and the Stoics to the ritual apology, this piece explores how sparing animals became a universal ethical dilemma across both Indian and Western cultures. When meat-free eating is mentioned, most of us first think of India, the law of karma in Hinduism, or the alms bowls of Buddhist monks. We tend to believe that the concept of "non-harming" (ahimsa) is exclusively the wisdom of the East, which only seeped into the Western world in our modern era. Historical research, however, suggests otherwise: vegetarianism has roots in ancient Greco-Roman civilization that are at least as deep as those in the Indus Valley.Belief systems regulating nutrition are likely as old as the awakening of human self-awareness. Although consistent vegetarianism cannot be proven in any indigenous people, the moral problem of killing animals created tension even in pre-literate times. According to the research of Swiss ethnologist Karl Meuli, early hunting peoples were not emotionless killing machines. Examining Siberian peoples, he pointed to a certain "hunter psychology" detectable in their customs. Ancient hunters regarded all life as sacred and felt guilt over the slaying of game. They attempted to resolve this anxiety through rites of escape and the feigned transfer of responsibility. This "ritual apology" later took shape in ancient Greek and Indian sacrificial cultures, where the animal’s "consent" was sought for its own execution. Among the Greeks, the animal's head was sprinkled with water so that it would "nod" by shaking it, while in Indian animal sacrifices, the killing was euphemistically called "procuring consent." In Athens, for example, during the festival of Buphonia, a formal murder trial was conducted after the killing of the sacrificial ox; the guilt was ultimately shifted onto the murderous axe and knife, and the tools were then thrown into the sea to be purified of the sin. The Areopagus, Athens' most prestigious judicial body, punished animal cruelty with iron discipline. It was recorded that they expelled a judge who wrung the neck of a fleeing sparrow, believing that someone so ruthless toward a defenseless creature would manifest similar cruelty in human judgments.Research in classical philology proves that in ancient Greek civilization—independently of India, yet showing striking parallels—a philosophical and practical system of sparing living beings was likewise born. This movement was fundamentally linked to the teachings of Pythagoras, Empedocles, and the Orphic communities. While in India vegetarianism gradually became a social ideal due to a complex game of class structure—where lower strata hoped to rise by adopting the pure, meat-free customs of the Brahmins (the priestly class)—the Greek world experienced a veritable philosophical explosion in the 6th century BCE. For Pythagoras, abstaining from meat was not merely a dietary matter but an ethical imperative based on the doctrine of transmigration of souls (metempsychosis). He believed that the soul migrates from body to body; thus, killing an animal is equivalent to destroying a relative or a friend. In contrast to popular belief, the causal link between transmigration and meat-free living was not so unequivocal in India. In the Laws of Manu (the cornerstone of the Hindu social order), for instance, transmigration appears more as a punishment: birth into an animal body is a degradation, rather than the elevation of the animal to a human level. Pythagoras and his followers, therefore, did not merely deal with mathematical formulas; based on the doctrine of transmigration, they proclaimed that killing animals is an injustice because every sentient being is a kin to man. This thought was later carried forward by such giants as Ovid or Plutarch. According to the latter’s famous argument, vegetarianism is not only about animals but about us, humans: "He who treats animals ruthlessly will be ruthless toward his fellow men as well." According to Ovid, the "first inventor" of meat-eating opened the path to sin when he envied the food of predators, abandoning man's primordial gentleness.The most influential school of the ancient world, Stoicism, was the primary defender of meat consumption. The Stoics drew a sharp line between man and animal. In their view, animals were created for human use: the peacock to delight us, wild beasts to temper our courage, and the bedbug to wake us up in time. This "utilitarian," extreme anthropocentric teleology later became deeply embedded in Christian philosophy, completely overshadowing Pythagorean views. It was during the age of Humanism that the writings of Plutarch and Ovid—who identified the Golden Age with meat-free living—began to be rediscovered. Leonardo da Vinci also became a vegetarian under their influence.It is also worth examining the actual contact between Indian and Greek cultures. Following the campaigns of Alexander the Great, the Greek and Indian worlds came into close contact; one need only think of the Greco-Bactrian kingdoms that existed for centuries in the territory of present-day Afghanistan. During the Hellenistic period, the Greeks admired the asceticism of the Indian "gymnosophists" (naked philosophers) and Brahmins, who consumed neither meat nor wine. When Indian envoys arrived in Rome during the time of Emperor Augustus, they brought letters in the Greek language, proving a deep cultural intertwining. Vegetarianism, therefore, is not a process originating from a single source, but a multi-rooted idea resulting from the universal development of the human spirit.In summary, it can be stated that the history of vegetarianism is not the Western expansion of an Eastern export product, but the parallel evolution of human empathy and sense of justice. It is a multi-rooted idea that appeared in the world's great civilizations independently and then through mutual influence, yet springing from similar ethical dilemmas. For the ancient Greeks, meat-free living was not just a diet but a test of justice and self-restraint, just as it was for the Indian sages. They maintained that human progress lies not in the unscrupulous exploitation of nature, but in the respect for life and in temperance. Together, the two cultures laid the foundations of that universal ethic which views sentient beings capable of suffering not as objects, but as entities toward whom humans have a responsibility. --- ### Insider bombshell from Hungary’s military: Defence Forces officer on morale collapse and mass exits URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-defence-forces-officer-issues Published: 2026-04-02 18:14:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Fidesz, Hungarian Defence Forces, Hungarian government, Hungary, military In a rare and highly critical public appearance, Captain Szilveszter Pálinkás, an officer in the Hungarian Defence Forces, has given a lengthy video interview in which he paints a bleak picture of the military’s current state. In a rare and highly critical public appearance, Captain Szilveszter Pálinkás, an officer in the Hungarian Defence Forces, has given a lengthy video interview in which he paints a bleak picture of the military’s current state.Hungarian Defence Forces officer speaks about the armed forces’ situationSpeaking openly and under his own name for the first time, Pálinkás claims the Hungarian Defence Forces are experiencing an unprecedented moral low point, widespread dissatisfaction among personnel and a growing desire to leave service.He previously served as the face of the army’s national recruitment campaign, and he chose to speak out because, he thinks Hungarian citizens have a right to understand the reality of an institution funded by taxpayers. His decision to give the interview without prior approval is likely to result in disciplinary action and may ultimately end his military career.Hungarian Defence Forces officer Captain Szilveszter Pálinkás. Screenshot: Telex/YouTubeFrom model soldier to outspoken criticPálinkás joined the military in 2017 and served in the elite Special Operations Brigade in Szolnok. Over time, he undertook advanced training, including international courses, and built a promising career. His trajectory changed when he was personally selected to become the public face of a government-backed recruitment drive, working closely with the Ministry of Defence.However, he later became increasingly uncomfortable with what he describes as a widening gap between the optimistic image presented in official communications and the reality experienced by soldiers. According to Pálinkás, many troops were already disillusioned, with large numbers preparing to leave the service. His attempt to resign last year was rejected, officially due to the ongoing “state of war danger,” leaving him effectively unable to exit the military despite his objections.In case you missed it: Hungarian Defence Forces soldier shot down by the Russians laid to rest in Kyiv as Ukraine’s hero.Strong opinion on leadership and reformsAt the heart of Pálinkás’s criticism lies the leadership of Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky. He argues that recent reforms have undermined both morale and professionalism, going so far as to claim that the current minister is the worst in the history of the Hungarian Defence Forces, who has “destroyed the military vocation” over the past four years.Among the most contentious changes are alterations to soldiers’ legal status and compensation. Pálinkás highlighted the removal of overtime pay and allowances, which has significantly reduced incomes for many personnel. Additionally, new pay structures and the centralisation of decision-making power in the hands of commanders have, in his view, created uncertainty and opened the door to arbitrary treatment.He also described deteriorating working conditions, including inadequate equipment and poor living environments in barracks, contrasting sharply with the polished image used in recruitment campaigns.Have you heard? Hungary left out of NATO-linked military drills.He warned of mass departuresOne of the most striking claims in the interview is Pálinkás’s warning that Hungary’s defence capabilities could be severely weakened if current trends continue. He suggested that many soldiers are only remaining in service due to legal constraints tied to the emergency situation and may leave en masse once restrictions are lifted. According to him, this could result in a dramatic decline in operational readiness, raising serious concerns about the country’s long-term defence capacity.Controversial international and political issuesThe captain also addressed Hungary’s position within NATO, alleging that the country’s political messaging—particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine—has created unease among allies. He claimed that Hungarian soldiers have faced questions from other NATO members about where Hungary’s loyalties lie.In addition, Pálinkás made controversial remarks about a proposed Hungarian military mission in Chad, which he associates with Gáspár Orbán, the prime minister’s son. He criticised the idea as lacking clear national interest and warned of potentially high casualty rates, although such claims remain unverified.A deeply divided institutionBeyond specific policies, Pálinkás portrayed a military increasingly affected by internal divisions, political tensions, and declining trust in leadership. He criticised what he sees as the politicisation of the armed forces, arguing that soldiers should remain neutral and not be drawn into partisan conflicts. Despite the severity of his claims, Pálinkás expressed hope, suggesting many within the Hungarian Defence Forces want a change of political scenery. --- ### Freudian slip on post-victory blueprint? FM Szijjártó talks of Hungary leaving the EU URL: https://reportary.com/article/szijjarto-freudian-slip-huxit-european-union Published: 2026-03-30 15:54:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: European Union, Hungarian government, Hungary, inpr, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, szijjártó Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó used a forum to explain why Ukraine should be kept out of the European Union. At one point, however, he appeared to suffer a slip of the tongue, saying Hungary instead of Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had previously justified why Hungary ought to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó used a forum to explain why Ukraine should be kept out of the European Union. At one point, however, he appeared to suffer a slip of the tongue, saying Hungary instead of Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had previously justified why Hungary ought to quit the EU.Magyar: We must reinforce our place in the WestAccording to Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, Hungary must be kept outside the European Union. “Everyone knows that if we win, that’s how it will be,” he added at a residents’ forum in Nagykáta. News reports suggest Szijjártó’s gaffe drew no dismay from the audience or the fellow politicians on the platform with him; nor was it corrected. Péter Magyar, leader of the poll-topping Tisza Party, responded at once.Magyar claimed Szijjártó had admitted the government wishes to take Hungary out of the European Union, when what the country needs, he argued, is to shore up its battered position in Western alliances. “There is much we can debate,” Magyar said, “but one foundation must not be questioned: Hungary’s place in the European Union and NATO.”Will Fidesz join forces with EU foes?János Lázár, the Minister for Construction and Transport, spoke last week at a residents’ forum in Úrhida about whether his party, Fidesz, should team up with the radical Mi Hazánk movement. “There are sovereignty advocates there too. We must consider whether we can think and work together in future—and others might join,” he said.Mi Hazánk has campaigned since its founding for Hungary to leave the EU via referendum. Lázár sees this as the biggest obstacle to cooperation: Fidesz wishes to stay in.János Lázár in Csepel, Budapest’s 21st district. Photo: Facebook/János LázárOrbán and the Hungarians on a possible ‘Huxit’As we reported, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed the issue a fortnight ago on the government-friendly HírTV’s Bayer Show, outlining why Hungary should abandon the EU. The bloc is weak, he argued, capable only of lecturing those stronger than itself—who mock and despise it. He posed the question of whether membership in such a club makes sense, replying with a tentative “yes”.A Eurobarometer survey from autumn 2025, published only in February this year, found 55 per cent of Hungarians back EU membership—below the EU average of 62 per cent. Some 46 per cent hold a positive view of the EU, against 49 per cent across Europe. Yet only 7 per cent of Hungarians deem membership outright harmful, compared with 11 per cent EU-wide, according to Privátbankár.If you missed:Péter Magyar sends message to Austria about stricter border control, family allowances, and Vienna visitIf these new polls are accurate, PM Orbán is in deep trouble: is that why black-clad minders shadow his every move? --- ### Millions take to the streets across the US in unprecedented No Kings protests against Trump URL: https://reportary.com/article/millions-take-to-the-streets-across-the-us-in-unprecedented-no-kings-protests-against-trump Published: 2026-03-29 07:34:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: United States Tags: demonstration, Ukraine, United States, US-Iran conflict, war Coordinated protests against President Donald Trump and his administration swept across the United States on Saturday, as millions of Americans joined the latest “No Kings” demonstrations in what organisers describe as one of the largest protest movements in recent years. Coordinated protests against President Donald Trump and his administration swept across the United States on Saturday, as millions of Americans joined the latest “No Kings” demonstrations in what organisers describe as one of the largest protest movements in recent years.According to organisers, rallies were announced at around 3,100 locations nationwide, spanning major cities and rural communities alike. Participation is expected to surpass the estimated 7 million people who took part in similar protests last October, which shows the scale and persistence of public discontent.Minneapolis at the heart of the movementThe central event of the protest series took place in Minneapolis, chosen for its symbolic significance following a fatal confrontation earlier this year involving federal immigration authorities. Two activists were killed during a January protest linked to immigration enforcement, an incident that has since become a rallying point for demonstrators.Organisers anticipated between 80,000 and 100,000 participants in Minneapolis alone. The event also featured a performance by Bruce Springsteen, who debuted a song inspired by the events, titled “Streets of Minneapolis”.Protests spread from major cities to rural AmericaLarge crowds gathered in cities such as New York City and Washington, D.C., where thousands marched through downtown areas carrying anti-Trump signs and chanting slogans. Some demonstrators called for systemic political change, with demands ranging from immigration reform to broader institutional reforms.Protesters voiced concerns over a range of issues, including the use of federal immigration enforcement agencies, rising living costs, foreign policy decisions, and proposed changes to voting procedures.Organisers emphasised that the geographical spread of the demonstrations shows dissatisfaction is no longer confined to traditionally liberal urban centres, but is increasingly visible in smaller towns and rural regions.White House dismisses protests as politically drivenAccording to Telex, the White House responded critically to the demonstrations, describing them as the product of a “left-wing funded network” with limited genuine public backing (do millions mean limited backing? – ed.). Officials also downplayed their significance, portraying the events as politically motivated rather than reflective of widespread societal concern.Despite the political pushback, the largely peaceful protests (aside from a handful of minor arrests in cities such as Los Angeles and Dallas) show a growing mobilisation across the country.A nation increasingly polarisedThe “No Kings” movement is the sign of a deepening divide within American society, with millions taking to the streets to express frustration over governance, policy direction, and democratic norms.If you missed it:Bipartisan US push for sanctions on Hungary over Orbán’s Ukraine aid blockade --- ### “Many want change”: Former intelligence officer of Hungary speaks out on behalf of security forces URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-former-intelligence-officer-speaks Published: 2026-03-28 12:34:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: elections, Fidesz, Hungarian government, Hungarian police, Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party A former captain of Hungary’s Constitutional Protection Office has publicly spoken about the political attitudes of those working within the country’s security services. A former captain of Hungary’s Constitutional Protection Office has publicly spoken about the political attitudes of those working within the country’s security services.Intelligence officer speaks about atmosphere in the security servicesBálint Tóth, who left the agency in October 2025, shared his views in a video, emphasising that his decision to speak out was not motivated by resentment. Tóth explained that he resigned voluntarily due to personal reasons and departed on good terms.Since leaving, he has re-emerged under a different name as a lifestyle influencer. He stressed that his comments were intended to defend the reputation of colleagues in both intelligence and law enforcement, writes 444.Screenshot from TikTok via Reddit.“Many want change”According to Tóth, a significant number of professionals within Hungary’s police and intelligence community hold opposition-leaning views. He argued that these individuals are committed to protecting the country rather than serving any political party.“They are just as much hoping for political change as anyone else,” he said, adding that the public often misunderstands the motivations of those in uniform. Tóth also clarified that he would not disclose classified information, noting that his aim was to provide perspective rather than reveal secrets.He harshly criticised the campaign rhetoricThe former officer criticised what he described as the use of war-related fears in political campaigns in Hungary, calling such tactics “disgusting,” despite acknowledging genuine global security concerns. He pointed to the role of organisations such as NATO and the European Union, arguing that their strategic planning reflects real threats posed by Russia rather than reckless provocation.Did the government use spyware on Tisza Party’s IT infrastructure?Hungary’s political landscape is fiercer than ever after fresh allegations from Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, who claims that sophisticated spyware was deployed against his movement.According to Magyar, the software in question is Candiru, an Israeli-developed surveillance tool widely regarded as a successor to Pegasus. In his statement on Thursday, Magyar alleged that Hungarian intelligence services not only relied on infiltration, coercion and intimidation, but also used advanced cyber tools to monitor political opponents.He further suggested that the operation may have involved cooperation with “eastern powers”, raising concerns about potential international dimensions. We recently wrote about the plot that police refused to investigate. --- ### 1500 Magyar Óriás #2 - Autóipari változások és székhely szerinti profit URL: https://reportary.com/article/1500-magyar-orias-2-autoipari-valtozasok-es-szekhely-szerinti-profit Published: 2026-03-28 09:19:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Bence Berkó Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: economics, hungarian economy, automotive, carindustry Változások az autóiparban, kiugró értékek a székhely szerinti egy főre eső profitban Katona József írása, Berkó Bence adatelemzése alapjánMagyarországon két régióban új gyárakat avattak. A Hajdú-Bihar vármegyei Debrecenben, ahol a kínai CATL akkumulátorokat, a német BMW AG. A legújabb BMW személygépkocsikat gyárt. A másik nagy beruházás a kínai BYD autógyár lesz Csongrád vármegyében. Ez a három nagy beruházás várhatóan felboríthatja a vármegyék közti sorrendet és a debreceni beruházásokkal Hajdú-Bihar vármegye is bekerül az élen állók közé. A BYD járművek összeszerelése és gyártása is javíthatja Csongrád vármegye helyzetét, sőt a vezető vármegyék közé emelheti. Ezzel a 2025. évi beruházással az ország keleti fele jelentősen erősödhet, és újabb beruházásokat vonzhat Magyarországra.Tekintse meg interaktív chartunkatItt érdemes megjegyezni, hogy mind az akkumulátor gyártás, mind a gépjármű ipar további erősítése olyan iparágak dominanciáját jelenti, amelyek erősen gyengélkednek és azt a kérdést veti fel, hogy Magyarországnak ilyen összeszerelő üzemek kellenének-e a magas értéket teremtő tevékenységek helyett.Analizisünk során megvizsgáltuk, hogy az 1500 nagyvállalat teljesítménye milyen összefüggésben van az adott térség népesség számával. Ennek a vizsgálata során rendkívül érdekes dologra lettünk figyelmesek.Kicsit mélyebbre ásva megvizsgáltuk a cégek teljesítményét azon bejelentett székhelyük alapján és azt, hogy milyen profittermelő képességgel rendelkeznek. Az egy lakosra jutó vállalati nyereséget figyeltük. Az országban a legmagasabb 1 főre eső eredmény Felcsúton volt. Felcsút lélekszáma 2014 fő, és a 11 helyi vállalat 473,884 milliárd árbevételt, és 121,201 milliárd Ft nyereséget realizált. Ez a teljesítmény 60,18 millió Ft nyereséget eredményezett minden egyes felcsúti lakosnak. Ez az országban a legmagasabb lakosra jutó eredmény. Megvizsgáltuk az adott székhellyel rendelkező cégek árbevétel arányos nyereségét (ROS) ami ott is az országos felső kvartilisében van. Az 1500 legnagyobb cégének átlagos 8,23%-hoz képest, 25,58% volt, amivel a 55. helyen szerepel a székhelyek ROS alapú sorrendjében.További részleteket a későbbiekben mutatunk. --- ### Refugees landed on the island of Lesbos, 4th October, 2015 URL: https://reportary.com/article/refugees-landed-on-the-island-of-lesbos-4th-october-2015 Published: 2026-03-26 15:25:00 Language: English Categories: Geopolitics Author: Béli Balázs Type: Photo Gallery Location: Aegean, Greece Tags: #refugees, migrants, greece, #lesbos Refugees landed on the island of Lesbos, 4th October, 2015. --- ### Leaked information confirms date of JD Vance’s Budapest visit URL: https://reportary.com/article/leaked-date-jd-vance-budapest-visit Published: 2026-03-26 08:34:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: diplomacy, election, Hungarian government, Hungary, United States, Viktor Orbán, j d vance JD Vance, Vice President of the United States, is expected to visit Hungary on 7–8 April, just days before the country’s parliamentary elections on 12 April, according to multiple sources cited by Reuters. JD Vance, Vice President of the United States, is expected to visit Hungary on 7–8 April, just days before the country’s parliamentary elections on 12 April, according to multiple sources cited by Reuters.The timing of the visit is particularly significant, as it comes ahead of what is widely expected to be the most competitive election faced by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán since he returned to power in 2010. Polling suggests a close contest, with Orbán’s party reportedly trailing the centre-right challenger Tisza Party.Visit seen as show of support from WashingtonAccording to sources familiar with the plans, Vance’s trip is intended as a clear signal of support from the administration of Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly endorsed Orbán in recent weeks, describing him as “a truly strong and powerful leader” and urging Hungarian voters to back him.Vance’s planned visit would follow an earlier trip to Budapest by Marco Rubio in February, which was also interpreted as a diplomatic gesture backing the Hungarian government.While speculation had previously suggested that Trump himself might visit Hungary, this has so far not materialised beyond public statements and messages of support.Global tensions, uncertain scheduleDespite the reports, officials caution that the visit is not yet finalised. Developments related to the ongoing US–Israeli war in Iran could still affect the schedule, according to sources speaking on condition of anonymity.If confirmed, the visit would mark Vance’s first trip to Hungary as vice president.Hungary’s political landscape under scrutinyHungary’s upcoming election is being closely watched both domestically and internationally. Orbán’s government has faced growing challenges, including economic pressures, rising energy costs, and the emergence of a credible opposition.At the same time, Budapest’s strained relationship with the European Union is still a key issue. Orbán has frequently clashed with Brussels over topics such as support for Ukraine and relations with Russia, maintaining a foreign policy stance that sets Hungary apart from many EU partners. --- ### Investigator goes public over alleged operation targeting Tisza Party – house search follows, video URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungary-tisza-party-investigator-house-search Published: 2026-03-25 16:44:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: cybercrime, Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, secret services, national security A police investigator has come forward publicly about an alleged operation targeting Hungary’s Tisza Party, offering a rare inside account of a controversial case. Shortly after speaking out, authorities conducted a search at his home and workplace, and an investigation was launched against him. A police investigator has come forward publicly about an alleged operation targeting Hungary’s Tisza Party, offering a rare inside account of a controversial case. Shortly after speaking out, authorities conducted a search at his home and workplace, and an investigation was launched against him.The investigator, Bence Szabó, is a senior officer in the cybercrime division of Hungary’s National Bureau of Investigation (NNI). In a video interview recorded in late February and published by investigative outlet Direkt36, he described how the case unfolded from within the police.Alleged intelligence-linked operation targeting Hungary’s Tisza PartyAccording to Szabó, the case began with what appeared to be an attempt to infiltrate the Tisza Party’s IT systems. For those who are not familiar with the background, we have previouslyreported on the case in detail. The Direkt36 investigation described an infiltration attempt resembling intelligence-style operations targeting the Tisza Party.During this attempt an individual using the alias “Henry” allegedly approached IT specialists linked to the party, attempting to persuade them to create backdoor access to internal systems.The attempt ultimately failed, as the targeted individuals pretended to cooperate while trying to uncover who was behind the approach.Not long afterwards, police including Bence Szabó received a detailed anonymous report alleging child exploitation offences involving the same individuals. The report prompted a rapid response, officers carried out searches and seized multiple data storage devices.However, the original allegations were not substantiated. Instead, investigators reportedly found large amounts of communication data suggesting the existence of a separate operation aimed at accessing – and potentially disrupting – the party’s IT infrastructure.In the interview, Szabó said the investigation showed signs of unusual external pressure from the outset. While he acknowledged there was no direct proof, he indicated that investigators suspected involvement by intelligence services.“In an ideal system, I wouldn’t be sitting here. I would probably be in my office or out in the field, working to help as many children as possible. But in the summer of 2025, a case came to our unit that made it necessary for me to speak out,” Szabó said at the beginning of the interview.He also claimed that the direction of the investigation was influenced by factors beyond professional considerations, stating that it appeared to have been conducted “along party-political lines”.Szabó said he eventually decided to go public because he felt the case was not being properly pursued, despite multiple agencies being aware of it.“Where can I turn? This case has already been with the Constitution Protection Office, with the National Security Service, and with us at the NNI. Yet none of them are doing anything to find out who ‘Henry’ is,” he said.“There is nothing I can do with this information, either within the organisation or outside it, without it causing problems for me. So in the end, the only option left was to go public.”Vogel Evelin’s name resurfacesSzabó also referred to claims previously reported by Direkt36, suggesting that Evelin Vogel – the former partner of Tisza Party leader Péter Magyar – may have been linked to individuals working against the party.According to Szabó, information circulating within the NNI indicated that Vogel had allegedly been reporting to contacts in a Budapest apartment and may have received substantial monthly payments. Vogel denied the claims in a statement to Direkt36, saying that “none of it is true”.Magyar also commented on the case in a recent Facebook post, citing internal police documents. He claimed the material pointed to connections between Vogel and figures linked to Hungary’s governing party, and argued that the case may involve a coordinated political campaign. He further alleged that authorities had failed to take meaningful investigative steps despite being aware of the potential implications.House search follows publication of Direkt36 reportFollowing the Direkt36 report, authorities conducted searches at Szabó’s workplace and home, seizing several data storage devices. The search reportedly concluded in the early hours of the morning.He was later questioned by the Central Investigating Prosecutor’s Office on suspicion of misconduct in office. According to his lawyer, Szabó declined to make a statement.The timing of the search – shortly after the report was published – has raised further questions about the handling of the case, which remains unresolved in several key aspects.The developments come against the backdrop of other recent incidents involving the Tisza Party, including a case in which the party’s vice president was reportedly targeted in a knife attack.Check out the full interview:Cover image: Youtube / Direkt36 --- ### Trump Tower to be built in Transylvanian city populated by tens of thousands of Hungarians URL: https://reportary.com/article/trump-tower-in-transylvanian-city Published: 2026-03-25 05:34:00 Language: English Categories: Real Estate Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Romania Tags: Hungarians abroad, Romania, Transylvania, United States, trump, trump tower The Trump Organisation plans to build its first Romanian project after acquiring the first permission for a luxury property development in Kolozsvár (Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, Romania). The Trump Organisation plans to build its first Romanian project after acquiring the first permission for a luxury property development in Kolozsvár (Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, Romania).New Trump tower in KolozsvárAccording to 444.hu, which referred to Bloomberg, Eric Trump, Donald Trump’s eldest son, is due to travel to Romania in the next few months to start work in Kolozsvár. The project involves a golf course, a 30-storey Trump hotel, and premium properties, and may cost more than USD 500 million, according to local press.In Bucharest, another Trump Tower could be built, and the Trump Organisation plans to start that project this year as well. The company refused to comment on Bloomberg’s information.Trump Tower NYC. Illustration. Source: depositphotos.comAdditional Trump-projects in the regionMeanwhile, Affinity Partners, the investment company of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, plans a luxury property development in Albania. Another Affinity project was planned for Belgrade, but due to local resistance, they abandoned the plans for a new luxury hotel and apartment complex in the Serbian capital.The mayoral office of Kolozsvár issued the first permissions for the Trump Tower project. The construction permission will be submitted in a later phase. Neither the chief architect nor the mayor commented to Bloomberg on the issue.The New York Times wrote last week that there were investment and judicial concerns, but Ștefan Berciu said they were working on a project not involved in any judicial disputes. “Everything is going according to plan,” the manager of the local partner of the Trump Organisation said on the phone.If you missed:President Trump can thank a Hungarian model for meeting his wife, MelaniaHungarian minister: We’d consider sending soldiers if Trump asked us to, Orbán: This is nonsense --- ### Assassination-style secret service plot targeted Tisza Party—but police refuse to investigate URL: https://reportary.com/article/assassination-like-secret-service-tisza-party Published: 2026-03-24 10:10:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: Hungarian government, Hungarian police, Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, péter magyar An operation clearly modelled on a classic spy‑style covert action sought to destroy the Tisza Party from the inside – yet the police have opened no investigation into the core of the case. An operation clearly modelled on a classic spy‑style covert action sought to destroy the Tisza Party from the inside – yet the police have opened no investigation into the core of the case.A data leak and the “Henry” approachLast November, outrage erupted when the personal email addresses of almost 200,000 Tisza supporters were revealed. The government then blamed the Tisza Party itself for carelessness, while Péter Magyar spoke of a Russian‑style hacking attack. Now, the investigative outlet Direkt36 has exposed a recruitment attempt so close to a secret‑service operation that it could have come straight from a thriller: an agent, operating under the codename “Henry”, endeavoured to penetrate the Tisza’s inner circle and, with the help of technically skilled insiders, to build secret back‑doors into the party’s IT systems.According to Direkt36’s findings, as reported by the Telex news site, Henry tried to recruit two computer engineers who had worked for, or were closely associated with, the Tisza Party. Their role was to prepare these back‑doors so that Henry and his network could move in and out at will and quietly siphon data, while leaving no trace on the logs. The operation ultimately failed when the Tisza engineers, alarmed by Henry’s advances, banded together and tried to turn the tables on him.Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarA suspicious tip‑offShortly afterwards, Hungary’s elite investigative arm, the National Bureau of Investigation (NNI), received an anonymous report claiming that the same two IT staff were preparing to film child‑sexual‑exploitation material using a modified belt and then upload it to the internet. The tip‑off was unusually detailed, including specific information about the engineers’ movements, which raised red flags even among the NNI’s cyber‑crime specialists. What is more, the report was preceded by a formal alert from the Internal Security Service (the civilian “Államvédelmi Hivatal”, or ÁH) under Minister Antal Rogán, instructing the police that the forthcoming allegation must be treated as a matter of urgency.The case was pushed forward with such speed that there was no time for proper background checks. Just seven days after the anonymous tip, police executed home searches on the two IT professionals, but found nothing on their digital devices to support the allegations.Secret‑service orders to the policeAlthough the Hungarian legal order formally separates the police (NNI) from the secret services (ÁH), in this instance the ÁH appears to have issued direct instructions to the NNI – including what to focus on during the searches. In particular, the ÁH signalled that the investigators should pay close attention to a modified belt, which the two Tisza engineers had altered in order to expose the agent Henry and his handler.The officers of the NNI inverstigating. Photo: police.huThe engineers, using the pseudonyms “Gundalf” and “Buddha”, had tried to trap Henry. Gundalf, then just 19 and working for the Tisza Party, was first approached by Henry on 9 February 2025 and coyly cultivated as a potential insider. Gundalf appeared to go along with the approach, but instead contacted his older colleague, Buddha, and the pair decided to unmask the agent. They transformed an ordinary belt into a covert device, embedding a hidden camera capable of recording both images and sound, hoping to gather decisive evidence of Henry’s activities.At the ÁH’s explicit request, the NNI then redirected the investigation towards possible misuse of a “military or technical device” – the belt, as defined by an NNI expert – effectively turning the table on the whistleblowers.Who is Henry? The police does not investigateWhat the police have not opened an inquiry into is the central question: who exactly is Henry, whose orders he was following when he tried to recruit both the 19‑year‑old Gundalf and the older Buddha, and why. Nor are officers investigating a possible link between the November data leak and the undercover operation that ran from February to July. Yet Henry’s messages to Gundalf leave little room for ambiguity: he describes himself as working for a large, all‑seeing organisation, and says that several teams have been infiltrating the Tisza at central command, because the party is now seen as a far greater threat than hitherto reckoned by the “top brass”.This April, PM Orbán faces his biggest challenge in the last 20 years. Photo: Facebook/Orbán ViktorOne of Henry’s associates, known only as “Mos4ik”, even claimed to have exposed Evely Vogel, a former partner of Péter Magyar, saying in an April message that she and her team had secretly worked for his network before being uncovered. Mos4ik also spelled out the ultimate goal of the operation: to gain total control over the Tisza’s IT architecture by installing back‑doors everywhere, thus securing a bird’s‑eye view of all party data.​Why was the police involved?The deeper puzzle remains: why bring in the police at all if the two engineers had already been under surveillance using methods that more closely resemble a secret‑service operation than a normal criminal investigation? The answer, according to Direkt36, lies in Hungary’s national‑security law, repeatedly criticised by the European Court of Human Rights. That legislation allows anyone to be monitored on the mere authorisation of the Justice Minister, but does not empower the secret services to carry out house searches; that power remains with the police. In this case, the police’s role was apparently to provide the legal veneer for what those inside the NNI – as Direkt36’s sources suggest – already recognised as a covert intelligence operation targeting a political rival.Péter Magyar: Orbán-gate“The end is here. A false world has fallen apart. The Hungarian secret services, following direct orders from Orbán and his government, worked on Tisza to prepare for a government change. This case is the Orbán-gate, reminiscent of the worst Communist era— even more severe than the American Watergate scandal that resulted in President Nixon’s resignation,” said Péter Magyar, head of the Tisza Party, about the issue.If you missed:PM Orbán: Hungarian FM Szijjártó tapped; threads lead to Péter Magyar’s top diplomatRussian disinformation network spreads fake assassination and coup claims about Orbán --- ### 1500 Hungarian Giants URL: https://reportary.com/article/1500-hungarian-giants Published: 2026-03-24 11:12:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Bence Berkó Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: hungary, business, hungarian economy, economics How did Hungary's 1,500 most significant companies (by revenue) perform in 2024? By József Katona and Bence BerkóWe have attempted to map the performance of the Hungarian economy ahead of the 2026 general elections. Utilizing official data from Opten and leveraging the tools of data science, we selected the 1,498 most significant companies by revenue. The aggregate revenue of these companies amounted to HUF 94,752.111 billion, while their profits reached HUF 9,749.917 billion. Their average Return on Sales (ROS) stood at 8.23%. Detailes are the followingDue to the country’s structural characteristics, the county (administrative division) with the highest revenue and associated profitability was, naturally, the capital, Budapest. Budapest accounted for 57.5% of this total performance, while the remainder was distributed among the other 19 counties. Among these, the most productive regions were Pest, Győr-Moson-Sopron, Bács-Kiskun, Fejér, Komárom-Esztergom, and Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén counties. At the bottom of the ranking were the final five: Tolna, Baranya, Zala, Békés, and Nógrád counties. The disparity between the top-performing and the lowest-performing county was 912-fold.Interactive Map Chart of County Ranking Based on RevenueWhen examining the performance of the nearly 1,500 selected companies, the highest-revenue sectors include other monetary intermediation, road vehicle manufacturing, gas trade, petroleum refining and fossil fuel product manufacturing, electricity trade, and the wholesale of pharmaceutical and medical goods.The revenue gap between the two leading regions, Budapest and Pest County, is 5.9-fold, which clearly illustrates that Hungary remains a monocentric country in terms of industrial output. If we exclude Budapest’s performance, the two most significant regions are Pest and Győr-Moson-Sopron counties, where performance exceeds that of the next three counties by 14.4%. And this only represents the output of the highest-performing regions.The performance of the following eight counties is roughly equivalent to the revenue of the aforementioned three, while the remaining counties show negligible results by comparison.However, our comparison based on profitability reveals further distinctions. Budapest generates ten times more profit than the runner-up, Pest County. Pest County leads Fejér County by 71% and produces more than 2.5 times the results of Győr-Moson-Sopron. Meanwhile, the city of Győr maintains its national significance in automotive manufacturing.revenue of these companies amounted to HUF 94,752.111 billion, while their profits reached HUF 9,749.917 billion. Their average Return on Sales (ROS) stood at 8.23%. --- ### 1500 Magyar Óriás URL: https://reportary.com/article/1500-magyar-orias Published: 2026-03-23 20:03:00 Language: Hungarian (Magyar) Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Bence Berkó Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: #hungary, hungarian economy, business Hogy teljesített Magyarország 1500 legjelentősebb árbvételű piaci szereplője 2024-ben? 1500 Magyar Óriás - 2024-ben Magyarország Gazdasági TeljesítménytérképeMegkíséreltük a magyar gazdaság teljesítményét felrajzolni a 2026-os országgyűlési választások előtt. A Opten hivatalos adatai alapján az 1498 legjelentősebb árbevételű cégét választottuk ki és segítségül hívtuk az adattudományt. A cégek összes árbevétele 94 752.111 milliárd Ft, a nyereségük pedig 9 749.917 milliárd Ft-ra rúgott. Átlagos nyereségük (ROS) 8.23% volt. A legmagasabb árbevétellel és a hozzá kapcsolódó eredményességgel teljesítő vármegye, az ország sajátosságából adódóan természetesen a főváros, Budapest volt. Budapest ennek a teljesítménynek az 57.5%-át hozta, míg a fennmaradó rész a maradék 19 megye között oszlott meg. A legeredményesebb területek ezek közül Pest vármegye, Győr-Moson-Sopron vármegye, Bács-Kiskun vármegye, Fejér vármegye, Komárom-Esztergom és Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén vármegyék voltak míg végül az utolsó öt vármegye, Tolna, Baranya, Zala, Békés és Nógrád vármegyék, melyek a rangsor végén kullogtak. Az első és az utolsó megye teljesítménye között különbségi 912-szeres volt.Árbevétel alapú megyei sorrendAmennyiben az általunk kiválasztott közel 1500 cég teljesítményét vizsgálja, a legnagyobb árbevételű cégek között az egyéb monetáris közvetítőket, a közúti járműgyártást, a gázkereskedelmet, a kőolaj feldolgozás és fosszilis tüzelőanyag termék gyártást, a villamosenergia kereskedelem és a gyógyszer és gyógyászati termék kereskedelmet találjuk.A két vezető vármegye, Budapest és Pest vármegye közti árbevétel különbség 5.9-szeres ami világossá teszi, hogy Magyarország az ipari termelés szempontjából egy központú ország. Ha a Budapesti teljesítmény nem vesszük figyelembe, akkor a két legjelentősebb vármegye Pest és Győr-Moson-Sopron vármegyét látjuk, ahol a teljesítmény meghaladja 14.4%-kal a következő 3 vármegyét. És ez csak a legeredményesebb vármegyék teljesítménye.A következő 8 vármegye teljesítménye közel azonos a korábbi 3 árbevételével a többi vármegye pedig elenyésző ezekhez képest. Az eredményesség szempontjából végzett összehasonlításunk alapján viszont már látunk különbségeket. Budapest 10-szer több profitot termel mint a második helyezett Pest vármegye. Pest vármegye 71%-kal vezet Fejér vármegye előtt és több mint 2.5-szer több eredmény produkál Győr-Moson-Sopronhoz képest. Győr város pedig országos jelentőségű a gépjármű gyártásban. --- ### part 10 : When It’s No Longer About If, But Where It Begins URL: https://reportary.com/article/part-10-when-its-no-longer-about-if-but-where-it-begins Published: 2026-03-29 18:23:09 Language: English Categories: Uncategorized Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary We’ve reached the point where multiple paths are opening at once. International interest, strong industrial backing, and active EU directions are all aligning. The question is no longer if the system works, but which direction it will take as it steps into the world. When It’s No Longer About If, But Where It Begins There is a point where the story shifts. Not through a single decision, not through a visible breakthrough, but through the moment when multiple directions begin to turn into reality at the same time. This is where we are now. In the past period, connections that once existed only as possibilities have started to take on real movement. Not from one place, not from a single direction, but from multiple spaces at once. From a Middle Eastern direction, we connected with a professional environment that is already thinking in systems. They operate on centralized grid data, while we build on field data. Each works on its own, but together they represent a higher level. What they expect from us now is a material that will determine whether these two worlds can merge into a shared system. On a Western European line, an earlier network has reopened. Not from zero, but from an existing foundation of trust. The presentation is now happening in a space where there has already been shared thinking before. The question remains the same: do they see what we have built? In Hungary, the story has moved to another level. The background that had to be built for consortium conditions is no longer a search, but an existing cooperation supported by industrial and technological capacity. A partner thinking in systems, with whom the development of a shared structure is already in progress. At the same time, the academic direction has also reached a decision point. The intention to support is there, but now the question is in what concrete form they will step in. The system has evolved in the meantime, it now exists as software, it is under protection, and it is no longer a concept, but an operational direction. On the domestic institutional side, the mapping of funding opportunities is ongoing. The conditions are met, and the next step is for these opportunities to take concrete form. Alongside all of this, the European level is also running in parallel. The first material is completed, under review, and ready for submission. The next step is a presentation where not only the system speaks, but also the people standing behind it. From this point, the story is no longer theoretical, but a real attempt to enter a higher-level environment. This is the point where things are no longer happening one after another, but side by side. There is not one direction, but many. Not one opportunity, but multiple systems opening in parallel. And with that, a different question emerges. It is no longer about whether it works. It is no longer about whether there is a need for it. It is about which direction it will take first. The coming weeks will be about this. About which of these open doors will become a real entry point. For me, this is also a closing point. This is where I stand right now in this story. And from here, it is no longer only up to me where it goes next, but also how these directions come together into reality. If someone asked me now whether I am under massive pressure, my answer would be yes. But I would also add that I need this. This is what an exciting life means to me. This is what it feels like to know you are in the right place. And sometimes you need days when you are not living in your comfort zone, but moving on a high-intensity track, because it reminds you that you can truly live every day, and work on what you once imagined. And now it will be decided which direction it begins toward the world. Ábra --- ### part 9 : When Directions Recognize Each Other URL: https://reportary.com/article/part-9-when-directions-recognize-each-other Published: 2026-03-27 10:04:11 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary There comes a point when aligned minds find each other without explanation. Shared direction replaces proof. Real collaboration emerges where past and future systems meet. Not separate efforts, but a unified environment where knowledge, structure, and function evolve together. When Directions Recognize Each Other (Dedicated to István Mazsu) There is a point when not only collisions appear, but also the people who carry the same direction as you. No need to explain. No need to prove. You simply see that they think from the same place. This is how István Mazsu became part of this story. Not through a meeting. Not through an introduction. I found him on the internet. And from the very beginning, it was clear that this was not just an idea, but a built world. István is not a “collector.” He is not running a hobby project. What he has created is a collection of TITÁSZ equipment and an electric retro environment. A unique initiative where the history of electrical energy is not placed behind glass, but exists in operation. But this is only one part. What he is actually building is a complete environment. A full retro streetscape where elements are not separated, but function together as a system. Where different eras are not isolated, but present side by side. Where light is not decoration, but system. And part of this is that he is building a railway crossing. Not as a visual element. Not as a model. But in operation. This is the point where everything moves to another level. Because this is no longer about “showing the past.” It is about rebuilding it in operation. And this is why it became key for us. Because what we are building is a modern system. AI. Prediction. Network protection. But reality is not modern. Reality is mixed. Old and new systems exist together. And if you cannot handle this, then nothing works. This is where István’s role becomes essential. Because his environment is not sterile. It is reality. Old switches, meters, distribution units, network elements—all in operation, all interpretable. In a space where the past is not stored away, but present. And this is what makes it possible to align modern technology with the past. Not in theory. But in real operation. The algorithm is not trained on an ideal system, but on the world that actually exists outside. And this is the point where this is no longer just “a good collaboration.” It becomes a requirement. Because this is what makes it usable. This is why we support István’s work. Not because it is interesting. But because it has operational relevance. And it is important to say: He is not the only such point in this story. Within our consortium, there are several actors with similar weight. Partners whom we consciously do not name yet. Not because there is nothing to show. But because what we are building must be protected. This level is about that. But they are there. And we are working together. And it is just as important that not only “our side” is building. The other side is also forming. People, entrepreneurs, professionals have appeared who are not moving against you, but in the same direction. Who do not want to get lost in it, but to contribute. Who are building with the same mindset as István. And this is what truly matters now. Because at this stage, the question is no longer who builds what separately. But how these directions can come together. Because if that happens, then it will no longer be just a project. It will become a research and development environment where the technologies of the past and the future exist at the same time. Not separately. But together. In real conditions. In real operation. And where not only systems are developed, but knowledge is also transferred. Knowledge that is not theoretical, but experiential. And this is what creates long-term value. Not only for us. But for those who come after. In the next, tenth part—which will also close this story—I will write about how these connections are no longer just directions, but operating structures. How the entire system comes together, where it is heading, where we actually stand now, and what future directions, opportunities, and expectations emerge from all of this.  --- ### part8 : When Collisions Become Unavoidable URL: https://reportary.com/article/part8-when-collisions-become-unavoidable Published: 2026-03-27 10:03:07 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary There comes a point when conflicts are no longer avoidable, only manageable. Differences turn into distance, and pressure tests direction. What remains is not what fits everyone, but what holds. Stability, clarity, and boundaries decide what survives and what falls away. When Collisions Become Unavoidable There is a point when the question is no longer whether conflicts will arise, but when and in what form they will appear. By the end of Part 7, it became clear that presence is not only an opportunity, but also a responsibility. And where there is responsibility, collision will eventually appear. Not suddenly. Not dramatically. But built from small signals. At first, it appears as differences in interpretation. The same thing receives different responses. The same direction produces different visions. Then these differences begin to create distance—not physically, but in thinking. And this is where the first real test happens. Not on the level of the system. But on the level of the person. Because at this point, the question is no longer what you build, but what you allow within it. Where you draw the line. What you let into the system, and what you do not. This is where the “everyone can come” phase ends. Because not every connection moves things forward. Some want to accelerate but distort in the process. Some want to get closer, but are not moving in the same direction. And some build directly on what you have already built. At this stage, you cannot operate naively. You cannot be open to everything. You cannot assume every intention is good. This is not distrust. This is clarity. At the same time, another type of conflict appears—one that cannot be resolved through communication. When it is not misunderstanding, but a clash of interests. When the question is no longer who thinks what, but who wants what. This is a completely different level. Here, it is no longer about who is louder, but who is more stable. Who can stay in direction even under pressure. Because pressure does not only come from the outside. It also appears internally. In the form of doubt. In the temptation of quick solutions. In compromises that offer short-term relief but cause long-term deviation. And this is where it is decided how strong the system behind you really is. Not technically, but in direction. Because if the direction is clear, conflict does not break the system—it refines it. It removes what does not belong. It strengthens what is real. And it restructures the space. Those remain who move in the same direction. And those disappear who only wanted to get close to it. This is not loss. This is filtering. And this is a process that cannot be avoided. Every system goes through it. At some scale, at some point, there comes a moment when you can no longer satisfy everyone—and you should not. Because the goal is no longer acceptance. The goal is to preserve direction. And for that, sometimes you have to say no. Sometimes you have to step out of situations. Sometimes you have to accept that not everyone agrees. This is where the real weight of leadership appears. Not when everything is going well, but when decisions must be made—and those decisions have consequences. This is the level where you can no longer hide behind the system. Because you are part of it. And as you decide, so it forms. This is the space where it is decided whether a system only starts, or is capable of going all the way. And while these collisions are taking place, another layer is already becoming visible: what remains in the long term. What stabilizes. What becomes integrated. And what disappears. In the next part, I will write about when these processes settle, and the system begins to take its final form—what actually remains, and how it becomes a functioning structure. Ábra --- ### part 7 : When Presence Becomes the Core Task URL: https://reportary.com/article/part-7-when-presence-becomes-the-core-task Published: 2026-03-23 15:17:00 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary There is a point when building is no longer the hardest part—staying present is. As the system becomes visible, attention, pressure, and decisions intensify. Every move gains weight. From here, not speed but stability, discipline, and controlled presence define whether it holds. When Presence Becomes the Most Important Task There is a point when building is no longer the hardest part of the story, but how you remain within the space you have created. By the end of Part 6, it was clear that the system had started moving. Parallel processes, connections, consortia, international directions—all began happening at once. But alongside this, something else changed: the space in which all of this exists. Because when something becomes visible, attention appears with it. Not only from those building it, but from everyone who notices that something is happening. And this requires a completely different way of operating. It is no longer enough to work well. You must be present. Continuously. This is the point where the focus is no longer only on the system, but also on how you represent it. From here, every movement, every word, every decision carries meaning. The story is no longer built in a closed space, but in an environment where others see it, interpret it, and react to it. And here comes something that cannot be learned in advance: the quality of presence. How you remain stable even when attention, opportunities, or silence arrive from multiple directions at once. Because silence in this space is no longer what it used to be. Earlier, silence meant uncertainty. Now it often means that things are working in the background—processes without visible outcomes yet. And this had to be learned: not to react immediately, not to fill it with noise, but to hold direction even when nothing visible is happening externally. At the same time, another, much harder layer appears: every decision has a cost. Not only in time, but in resources. A wrong decision is not just a wrong direction, but wasted energy, burned capital, and lost opportunity. In a startup, this cannot happen endlessly. The question is not whether you make mistakes, but how much they cost, and what you learn from them immediately. Because the real task is not to move fast, but to stay alive long enough to reach the market. And this requires disciplined operation, conscious decisions, and a pace that is not only fast, but sustainable. At the same time, another type of pressure appears—one that no one talks about at the beginning. Not only supportive approaches come. There are also aggressive ones. Those who do not want to build with you, but want to take space. Those who recognize the direction and try to copy it, take it, or claim it as their own. At this point, the question is no longer whether this happens, but how you respond to it. Because this cannot be answered from instinct. Not from anger. Not impulsively. This is where you no longer operate as a soldier on the front line, but as a strategist in the background. Where the goal is not to repel every attack, but to understand movements and turn even the opponent’s energy into your own direction. Not to scatter you, but to strengthen you. This is a different way of thinking—not reaction, but control. Within this operation, protection also becomes essential. Not emotionally, but on a system level. Protecting your work and your ideas is not optional—it is fundamental. This was done through formal intellectual property protection, both domestically and at the European level. Not because it stops everything, but because it creates a framework. It provides stability—a fixed point to build on, even when the external environment is moving. At the same time, there is another side: who you work with. Not every connection moves you forward. Some accelerate, others distort. And this must be recognized in time. Because at this level, a wrong collaboration is not just a loss of time, but a loss of direction. This is why presence becomes more than simply being there. It becomes a state. Continuous awareness—of what is happening outside, and what is happening within you at the same time. Because the two move together. If one shifts, the other follows. This is the point where the system and the person finally merge. Where what happens externally and internally can no longer be separated. They continuously influence each other. And if one destabilizes, the other follows. From here, the question is no longer whether you build—but whether you can hold it. And in what quality you hold it. Because at this level, speed no longer decides. Stability does. And the ability to remain the same under pressure. This is the space where it is decided who can remain in the long term. And while everything on the surface is accelerating, the next phase will not only be about movement, but about the points where direction is truly tested. In the next part, I will write about when these tests become real situations, and when the first true collisions appear—what determines whether a system strengthens further or begins to break apart. Illustration --- ### part 6 : When the System Accelerates and Reveals Itself URL: https://reportary.com/article/part-6-when-the-system-accelerates-and-reveals-itself Published: 2026-03-23 15:10:00 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary There comes a point when everything built so far stops moving separately and begins to align at once. February and March marked that shift—structures became visible, connections formed, and momentum accelerated. What was once internal became external, turning vision into a real, evolving system. 6th Part – When the system accelerates and begins to reveal itself There is a point when what has been built no longer moves separately, but all at once. Events do not happen one after another, but in parallel, in multiple directions, and suddenly everything begins to connect. For me, February and March were exactly this kind of period. By then, the work, the decisions, and the internal transformation were already there behind it, but during these two months the entire system began to move in a real way. Not visibly from one day to the next, but in a way that suddenly everything accelerated. The structures that I had previously held in my mind and as separate elements began to become visible. They came together, showed connection points, and no longer existed only within me, but became interpretable outwardly as well. At the same time, a mode of operation started that had no precedent before. Multiple EU funding directions began to take shape simultaneously, while on the domestic side the GINOP and DIMOP structures also started to come together, and the image of a real consortium began to emerge. Actors connected who came from different levels, yet all started moving in the same direction. This was no longer the phase where I was thinking about whether something would come out of it, but where I had to manage that multiple things were happening at once, and each required attention. At the same time, university connections also moved to a new level. The conversations were no longer about introduction, but about shared thinking and joint applications. It was no longer about explaining what this is, but how it is possible to work together within it. At the same time, something also happened that may be less visible from the outside, but for me it was one of the biggest shifts. My life practically reorganized. Three years ago, I was climbing poles, working between wires, and the physical network was the space of my everyday life. Now negotiations, alignments, system building, and development fill my days. The work moved in front of the computer. Programming, planning, documentation, application materials, and strategic coordination became part of daily operation. Artificial intelligence did not take the profession out of my hands, but placed it on a completely different level. Instead of wires and fittings, I began to think in systems. In prediction, in structures, in connections. And along with this, another obligation appeared: continuous learning. I had to build learning time into my days—online training, language, leadership operation—because it became clear that what I knew before would not be enough for what lies ahead. This was no longer just work, but a complete lifestyle shift. Meanwhile, the system also began to step outside the borders of Hungary. Not in a campaign-like way, but naturally. Interest appeared from the United States, the Netherlands, and from other directions as well. Not in mass, but exactly as it should happen: in a targeted way, from relevant places. This was the point where it became clear that this direction is not local, but can be interpreted in multiple spaces. And at the same time, another realization came. When I thought that the team had already come together, that there was already a circle with which it was possible to start, it turned out again and again that more people were needed. Not generally, but in specific fields. People without whom the next step cannot be made. And this brought a new task: to find them, to reach them, and to integrate them into this system. This was no longer just building, but continuous expansion and fine-tuning. In this period, the days and weeks also shifted into a completely different rhythm. They were no longer focused on one task, but on multiple parallel processes. Alignments, applications, consortium building, international connections—everything was present at the same time. And here the question was no longer whether something was happening, but how this pace could be maintained. Because from this point, the question was no longer whether it would start, but at what speed it could continue. And now the story is at a point where the next days, weeks, and one or two months will determine how these parallel processes come together into a next level. How connections become structure, structure becomes operation, and operation becomes a system that is not only visible, but stably present. This is the point where everything happens at once, but nothing is finally closed yet. And exactly this is the space where the next steps are born. And although now everything has started moving, and the system has begun to reveal itself in multiple directions, at the same time a completely new situation has also formed. Because when something becomes visible, not only does the building accelerate, but the space around it also changes. In the next part, I will write about what it means to be present, to make decisions, and to hold the direction that has been built so far in this changed space. Illustration --- ### Szoboszlai vs Gerrard: Can the Hungarian midfielder become the next captain of Liverpool? URL: https://reportary.com/article/szoboszlai-hungarian-midfielder-legend-2026 Published: 2026-03-23 05:34:00 Language: English Categories: Sports Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: football, Hungary, United Kingdom, szoboszlai, liverpool fc Liverpool FC’s Hungarian midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai, starred in the Reds’ 4–0 Champions League thrashing of Galatasaray, a performance that has reignited the debate over whether he could already be on track to match – or even surpass – club legend Steven Gerrard. Liverpool FC’s Hungarian midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai, starred in the Reds’ 4–0 Champions League thrashing of Galatasaray, a performance that has reignited the debate over whether he could already be on track to match – or even surpass – club legend Steven Gerrard.Anfield comebackAfter losing 1–0 in Istanbul, many doubted Liverpool’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals. But at Anfield, the Reds were unstoppable, dominating from the first whistle to secure a 4–0 win. Szoboszlai admitted the opposition’s early celebrations at the first leg gave him extra motivation:“In the last game, while I was giving an interview, I heard them celebrating. I took it to heart – I always feel you shouldn’t celebrate too early. That gave us a bit of an extra push, and from the very first second we gave everything.”His focus and determination were evident throughout the match, setting the tone for his teammates.A goal to rememberSzoboszlai’s opening strike was scored with his left foot, rather than his usual right, highlighting his growing adaptability:“I originally wanted to shoot with my right foot. As you can see, I went straight at the ball, but I had to react because the defensive line was very close. But it seems I’m not just right-footed!”This goal demonstrated not only technical skill but a quick-thinking, versatile approach in both attack and midfield roles.Stats vs GerrardIn his first 100 Liverpool games, Szoboszlai has 16 goals and 16 assists – a total of 32 direct goal contributions, averaging 0.32 per game. By comparison, Gerrard managed 10 goals and 13 assists in the same number of appearances, 23 contributions at 0.21 per match.While Szoboszlai’s numbers are impressive, context matters: Gerrard was a younger, deeper-lying midfielder, whereas Szoboszlai arrived ready-made for a more attacking role. Reflecting on his own progress, the 25-year-old said:“I try to give my best and perhaps take on more responsibility than in the past two years. But I think that’s how you improve, that’s how you become a better player.”Expert praiseLiverpool legend Jamie Carragher has hailed Szoboszlai as “the more complete profile, irreplaceable in organisation, ball recovery and physical duels.” His box-to-box style and relentless running make him one of the Premier League’s most valuable midfielders, shared Origo.Even Gerrard has voiced his admiration:“I really enjoy watching his game. Tonight he was fantastic from start to finish. He was the leader, the most consistent player. And I think that’s what the team needs – more stability to achieve better results.”Gerrard added a clear note on positioning and leadership:“Play him in his natural position! Let him flourish! I hope he stays here a long time – he’s capable of being a captain.”Legacy in the makingWhile Szoboszlai has become a key player quickly, Gerrard had already achieved historic feats by 25, including the 2005 Champions League win, the “Miracle of Istanbul”, and decisive FA Cup goals. Szoboszlai, meanwhile, is preparing for his first Champions League quarter-final – a potential milestone in what could be a legendary career.Speaking on his relationship with Gerrard’s legacy, he said:“It’s a lovely compliment for me. As a kid, I watched him play, and now I’m wearing the No. 8 shirt, which is incredible. He’s an inspiration for all of us. A true club legend – there’s nothing to add. I’m glad I can play for this club, and I hope to continue this path.”Overall, Szoboszlai’s stats show he’s had a stronger start than Gerrard at the same stage. The trophies and loyalty to Liverpool will ultimately determine his legacy, but one thing is clear: the Hungarian midfielder is on a direct path towards club legend status.If you missed it:Ticket prices for Champions League final in Budapest revealed --- ### Border fence URL: https://reportary.com/article/border-fence Published: 2026-03-22 17:19:48 Language: English Categories: Geopolitics Author: Béli Balázs Type: Photo Gallery Location: Mórahalom, Hungary Tags: border, fence, stateborder, hungary, serbia Border fence at the Hungarian-Serbian border, near Morahalom, Hungary 26th February, 2026 --- ### part 5 : When the Journey Becomes More Important Than the Destination URL: https://reportary.com/article/part-5-when-the-journey-becomes-more-important-than-the-destination Published: 2026-03-21 15:12:00 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary There comes a point when success is no longer about speed, but readiness. Every step, every delay, every lesson shapes the person who can carry what’s being built. What once felt slow becomes necessary. The real result is not outside—it’s who you become along the way. Part 5 – When the Journey Becomes More Important Than the Destination There comes a point where a person no longer looks at the story from the outside, but begins to understand it from within. By the end of the fourth part, it was already clear that this would not remain just an idea. Connections were formed, structure emerged, and a real industrial background started to take shape. But for me, the real transformation did not happen there. It happened inside. Because this kind of weight cannot be carried by the same person who stood at the beginning. Somewhere along the way, I had to grow into it. And this didn’t happen overnight. It happened step by step, gate by gate. For a long time, I believed that the faster everything happened, the better it would be. That the sooner it came together, the sooner I would arrive. Now I see that if all of this had happened quickly, I wouldn’t have been able to carry it. I would have collapsed under it. Because I was always given just enough of this journey that I could handle at that moment. Just enough to reach the next gate. And between every gate, there was a path. Not empty space, but a stretch filled with weight, lessons, and realizations that cannot be learned from books or understood from the outside. These are things you have to walk through. Each of these paths was preparation. Not for the system itself, but for the state required to carry it. And until these stages are completed, the next level cannot arrive—because there would be nothing to hold it. This is where my understanding of value began to change. Before, the goal was everything. What this would become in the material world, how far it would go, what level it would reach. Now, the journey itself has taken that place. The fact that I was able to walk it. That I was able to experience everything it gave. Because when people say, “you haven’t earned anything from it yet,” I know the answer. I have. What I earned is becoming the person who can carry this all the way through. I became stronger. My thinking became clearer. My operation became more stable. And if I had to summarize it, I would say this: I received more than what I put in. Not in money. But in myself. This is the point where you understand that the real return does not appear outside first. It is built inside. And only after that does it become visible. During this period, it also became clear that there is no stopping on this path. This is not a project you complete once and then close. This became a way of operating. A direction that requires continuous presence and continuous development. And for that, self-education had to become the priority. Learning. Language. Leadership. Finding mentors. Recognizing that what I knew before is not enough for where I am going. And there is no other way. You have to keep building yourself. Not occasionally, but continuously. And this cannot start outside. It starts within. At the point where a person decides they will no longer remain who they were. But transforms themselves into who this path requires. And this is where it became fully clear to me: This is not only about what this will become. It is about who carries it forward. Because the system and the person behind it cannot be separated. If one does not evolve, neither can the other. This is the inner path that remains invisible to most people. But in reality, this is what holds everything together. And this is what has already given me the greatest result. Not later. Not someday. But now. By turning me into the person who can carry this all the way to the end. In the next part, I will write about how everything accelerated in February–March: how the structures became visible, how EU and national projects started building in parallel, how the consortium took shape, and how we began expanding into multiple countries at once.  --- ### part 4 : When the System Stops Asking and Starts Taking Space URL: https://reportary.com/article/part-4-when-the-system-stops-asking-and-starts-taking-space Published: 2026-03-20 16:50:00 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary After closing all fallback paths, Áramőr Delta became my only direction. Focus turned into a filter, cutting noise and sharpening signals. As alignment grew, the outside world responded. What started as an idea became a system others stepped into. – When the system no longer asks for space, but begins to take it There is a point in every story like this that many people misunderstand from the outside. Most believe the hardest part is the decision itself. The moment when a person stands up, steps out, resigns, closes things down, and aligns everything in one direction. In reality, that is only the beginning. When I finally closed my subcontractor agreement on December 31, and from that point on focused exclusively on Áramőr Delta, I did not enter a state of relief. I entered a space where there was no way back, and yet the path forward was not fully visible either. There was only one direction left. Áramőr Delta. And with that, the possibility of thinking in two directions disappeared. There was no more “safe route,” no parallel options. This was no longer a decision, but a continuous state. That was when I truly began to understand that focus is not a one-time decision, but a continuously maintained operation. There was a point when I noticed that if I did not consciously hold the direction, my attention began to fragment. Habits pulled me back. Short-term solutions, safer but smaller steps. And if I allowed that, everything would start to slip. That was where conscious intervention became necessary. Whenever I found myself thinking outside the direction of Áramőr Delta, I did something to bring myself back. I did not allow the focus to drift. I did not allow other considerations to take over. I kept pulling it back. And in the process, I realized something. Focus is a filter. A filter that you build within yourself. Over your perception, your nervous system, your thinking. And once this filter starts to operate, it’s not that more information comes in, but less—yet it becomes more precise. After a while, I only heard the voices of those who strengthened the direction of Áramőr Delta. Those who wanted to build. Those who understood, or at least felt where this was heading. Everything else became noise. And there was no other way to do it. Because if I had let everything in, it would have fallen apart. In this state, the external world also began to respond. Not suddenly, not dramatically, but gradually. Conversations changed. The question was no longer what this is, but how it can be used, how it can be integrated, what can be done with it. The emphasis shifted. Attention appeared. From places where it had not come before. From people who do not react immediately, but observe. And this became visible in the fact that the same directions, the same thinking, the same problems began to appear in multiple places. Not in words. But in logic. And at that point, it was no longer about who said it first. But that the direction itself had started. During this period, I also began to engage more seriously in the academic environment. Not to present something, but to confront what I had built with real professional filters. I wanted to know how the system I had been carrying for so long would stand under genuine expert evaluation. And it held. The system went through expert-level review, and the feedback was that it has relevance, it has meaning, it has a future. At first, this was not joy, but relief. A point where you first feel that what you have carried alone no longer exists only within you. The rector’s support for a joint application opened a new level. Not as a closed agreement, but as a direction. As an open door. At the same time, after the EU publications in April, by May Hungarian energy providers also began to speak about the same directions. The same logic, the same problem framing appeared in multiple places. GMOP and DIMOP tenders, as well as Cluster 3, 4, 5 structures, all started to build in this direction. That was when the full picture finally came together. This is not an isolated idea. This is a direction. And the system began to turn toward it. During this period, I created my LinkedIn profile and page. Not as a strategic move, but because I needed a space where I could present all of this clearly. What happened after that could not be anticipated. Connections started to form. At first slowly, then with increasing stability. Today I have nearly 1300 connections, with 5–10 new people reaching out daily. But the number is not the point—it is who they are. Institutional leaders, industry actors, companies, and decision-makers appeared—people I had previously only known from the news. Now they are in the same space. And they are watching. This is the point where the story steps outside its own boundaries. This is no longer a one-person project. It has become an open space. And in this space, everything is visible. At the same time, another realization emerged. From this point on, this is no longer only about building. It is about position. Presence. And protection. Because when something becomes visible, it is not only those who want to build that appear. But also those who recognize the opportunity in it. And from that point, it is no longer enough to be good. You have to be there. Continuously. This is where the step happened that gave structure to everything that had been built so far. I dedicated a full day to collecting contacts who could be relevant to this story. Not randomly, but with intention. I gathered close to 100–150 email addresses. Then I personalized every single outreach. I explained what this system is, why I am reaching out to them specifically, and why I believe they could have a place in this project. I did not send templates. Every email was written individually. Then I sent them. Within 48 hours, nearly 150 consortium invitations were sent out to different companies. With full courage. With full conviction. Then came the silence. Then the first response. A European representation working with Starlink responded, indicating they see the potential and intend to move forward with me in this story. That was the first. Then came the next. An AI development integrator signaled interest and willingness to sign a letter of intent to become a future development partner. I stood there, and I was moved. Two responses. Two serious players. And it was already clear that this had moved beyond me. But that was only the beginning. Because then the responses kept coming. And within a few days, I found myself in a situation I could not have imagined before. Just days earlier, I did not even know how a consortium would come together. And there I stood with 11 industrial partners. From small-scale retail all the way to billion-level companies. This was the point where the entire story crossed into a new dimension. Because from here on, this was no longer a one-person project. But a system that others stood behind. And this is the point where it became undeniable: This is already working. And although it became visible here that this would not remain at the level of an idea, for me the real transformation did not happen externally, but internally. In the next article, I will write about how this journey—from April 11 last year to February 2026—reshaped me, what internal processes and realizations I went through, and how I have changed since I stepped into all of this. Foto 2 --- ### part 3 : The Point of No Return URL: https://reportary.com/article/part-3-the-point-of-no-return Published: 2026-03-21 07:00:00 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary There comes a point where balancing two worlds is no longer possible. This is the story of leaving security behind, committing everything to a vision, and stepping into real risk—where belief turns into action, and the outside world begins to respond. The conversations did not happen in a separate space. There was no dedicated “thinking time” that could be taken out of the day. Everything was happening at once. During the day, I worked and lived from what I had already built, while at the same time a system was constantly running in me that could no longer be switched off. There was no putting it down. No “I’ll continue tomorrow.” It was with me everywhere. For a while, it works to balance between two worlds. The secure livelihood and the unknown you are building. But this is not a stable state. It is a transition. And every transition has an end. For me, it was not a single moment. Not a decision at a table. It was a process that slowly pulled me in. At first, it was just fatigue. Then more and more tension. More days where I could no longer be fully present, neither here nor there. And at one point, I reached the place where it could not continue like this. At that point, the question was no longer what I wanted. It was what I was willing to let go. The secure livelihood, or everything I had already built in my mind, which was becoming more real with each passing day. There was no long deliberation. Not because it was easy, but because it was clear. I left the security behind. It was not a sudden decision, but a necessary step. The environment I had been working in no longer built me. It did not move me forward. It held me back from what I had already seen ahead. And once you recognize that, you cannot remain the same way. But reality was immediately there behind it. Without income, nothing functions. You cannot wait for something to mature one day. You have to act. So the next decision came. I sold the property I had lived in for five years and invested everything I could take from it into the startup. Not partially. Not with a safety margin. Completely. This was the point where belief turned into risk. Where there was no longer a step back into a more comfortable version. From here, it was no longer an idea, but a commitment. A race against time began. Not on a theoretical level, but in everyday life. I took on every job that could generate income I could reinvest into the system. I did not filter. I did not optimize. The goal was simple: keep it alive. At the same time, I returned to a state I already knew. I restarted my business, which I had been forced to close in 2022 after COVID. After three and a half years of employment, I became an entrepreneur again. Not because I wanted to, but because it was the only viable structure. I sustained myself through electrical work. The same field, the same reality I have known for more than twenty years. Poles, cables, faults, solutions. But my focus was no longer there. That became the background. The maintenance layer. The real work was happening elsewhere. In what I was building. And from that point on, there was no way back. Not because it was impossible, but because it no longer made sense. I thought that this meant I had passed the hardest part. That the decision itself was the heaviest burden. That from here on, only building remained. But that was not the case. Because when you truly put everything on the line, that is when it becomes clear whether what you are building can stand outside your own mind. And that moment did not come where I expected it. Not when I felt ready. But when the outside world started to respond. When the same thoughts that had been inside me began to appear elsewhere. In institutions, in professional circles, at decision-making levels. And that was when I understood that this was no longer just my story. In the next part, I will show how this feedback appeared in reality. Where the system first met the institutional level, and when the entire process finally shifted from an internal path to an external, real-world trajectory. Foto 1 --- ### part 2 : When the System Answered Back URL: https://reportary.com/article/part-2-when-the-system-answered-back Published: 2026-03-20 12:22:00 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary A single reply shifted everything. From disbelief on the ground to direct attention from high-level EU leadership. Between pressure, doubt, and recognition, this is the story of holding your line — and stepping into a space where the stakes suddenly become real. The answer didn’t arrive the way you imagine these things. There was nothing ceremonial about it. Just a message. A name. A sentence. And yet, the moment I saw it, I felt something shift. The first thing I did was call Berci. I told him. Silence. Not the kind when someone doesn’t know what to say. The kind when they don’t let it in. He asked again, and again. I could hear it in his voice — he was struggling with it. Not the story. The reality of it. That this had actually happened. That they replied. And not just anyone. A high-level EU official wrote back. He said the project was serious and had caught their attention. And it didn’t stop there. He immediately forwarded it to three Directorates-General: DG HOME, DG ENER and DG CONNECT. Then came a moment you can’t prepare for. I looked at the email — not the text, the recipients. Copied. Names. Thirteen, maybe fourteen people. Names I had only heard before on the news. People you don’t need to look up — you know they carry weight. And suddenly, I was in the same email. Not watching from the outside. Inside it. That moment isn’t loud. It’s dense. Like the air itself changes. That’s when it became clear: this was no longer a game. A contact person was assigned. A woman. The dialogue started. Not small talk, not polite circles — direct questions, direct answers. What needs to be done. How this becomes real. And at the same time, life kept going. Same site. Same people. Same environment. But something inside me was no longer the same. They saw something was happening. They asked. Some were genuinely curious. Some just watched. And some laughed. Not just at the story — at me. Side comments. Half-sentences. Remarks that seem small from the outside, but when you hear them day after day, they start working on you. They were draining me. And in the middle of it, two worlds were running in parallel. In one, I was standing on the site, surrounded by doubt, remarks, disbelief. In the other, European institutions were reviewing the material. I had to carry both at the same time. There was no manual for that. One thing I knew: if I let every voice in, I would fall apart. So I put on armor — not outside, inside. I decided I would only hear the voices that move things forward. Everything else… silence. No reaction. No arguments. No explanations. Just forward. But that wasn’t a one-time decision. It had to be made every single day. Because disbelief doesn’t show up once. It keeps coming — different faces, different tones, same weight. Meanwhile, the other side kept moving. The conversations. The guidance. The kind of questions that already carry intent — how do we make this happen? They reviewed the materials for thirty days. Thirty days that looked like any other from the outside. But inside… completely different. Then the next answer came. Not a question. An invitation to publish within the EU’s AI strategy platform. An invitation to join the EU’s registered expert system. A link. A decision. I accepted. And with that, I stepped into a position I had only seen from the outside before — infrastructure protection and AI, as a registered expert. At the same time, they directed me into the Hungarian innovation system. They didn’t place it into one category, but three: Cluster 3, Cluster 4, Cluster 5. And then came the next sentence. You need to build a consortium. I stood there with it. I didn’t know how. I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t know how this turns into a multi-actor structure. I only knew one thing: this is not a point you step back from. And still, everything else kept going. They laughed. They questioned. They watched. Two realities, side by side. In one, I was still being doubted. In the other, Europe had already started counting with me. How this became, eleven months later, a startup backed by eleven industrial partners — that’s the next chapter. Part three starts there. Stay with me if you want to see how it unfolded. When Europe Starts WacthingThe Email changed evrythingWhen Europa Starts Waching --- ### Péter Magyar Tisza Party's prime minister candidate front of the crowd URL: https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-tisza-partys-prime-minister-candidate-front-of-the-crowd Published: 2026-03-20 10:10:51 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Levente Nagy-Pál Type: Video Content Location: Budapest, Hungary Tags: tisza party, peter magyar, budapest, hungary Péter Magyar Tisza Party's prime minister candidate front of the crowd at Heroes' Square in Buadapest --- ### Péter Magyar, the Tisza Party’s candidate for prime minister, waves a flag at Heroes' Square URL: https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-the-tisza-partys-candidate-for-prime-minister-waves-a-flag-at-heroes-square Published: 2026-03-20 09:55:58 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Levente Nagy-Pál Type: Video Content Location: Budapest, Hungary Tags: péter magyar, tisza party, hungary, heroes' square, budapest Péter Magyar, the Tisza Party’s candidate for prime minister, waves a flag at a Tisza Party event in Heroes’ Square in Budapest on March 15, 2025. --- ### Budapest Airport reaffirms its status as “one of the best in Central Europe” URL: https://reportary.com/article/budapest-airport-among-in-central-europe Published: 2026-03-19 18:04:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: award, Budapest Airport, development, Hungary, airlines Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport has secured another major vote of confidence from travellers, winning Skytrax’s Best Airport in Eastern Europe award once again. The recognition, based on passenger feedback, comes as the airport positions itself for a new decade of growth — with a Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport has secured another major vote of confidence from travellers, winning Skytrax’s Best Airport in Eastern Europe award once again. The recognition, based on passenger feedback, comes as the airport positions itself for a new decade of growth — with a long-term development programme designed to expand capacity and improve the overall travel experience.According to Budapest Airport, which is part of the VINCI Airports network, the award reflects both passenger satisfaction and the work of the wider airport community, from frontline services to the organisations supporting day-to-day operations.The global ranking: Singapore back on topSkytrax’s latest World Airport Awards list once again put Singapore Changi at number one globally, followed by Seoul Incheon in second place and Tokyo Haneda in third, according to AIRportal.hu’s summary of the rankings. The report added that the global top 10 also included major hubs such as Hong Kong, Tokyo Narita, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome Fiumicino, Istanbul, Munich and Vancouver.AIRportal.hu noted that several well-known European hubs featured prominently, while others moved around the table compared with last year — underlining how competitive the rankings have become as airports invest heavily in infrastructure and passenger services.Central Europe: a regional snapshotBudapest’s repeated Eastern Europe win also stands out in a wider regional context.AIRportal.hu reported that nearby competitors Warsaw and Prague did not make the global top 100 list, while Vienna retained a strong position. At the same time, the regional airport landscape remains intense: the Central European travel market is growing, airlines are expanding route networks, and airports are racing to build the capacity and passenger experience that can attract both carriers and travellers.For Budapest, the combination of a passenger-voted award and a large-scale investment programme is a strategic pairing: one confirms current performance, the other is meant to secure the next decade — especially as the airport seeks to handle higher volumes while keeping queues, processing times and the overall passenger journey under control.Budapest: “Best in Central Europe” again, with steady progressFor Hungary, the headline is Budapest’s repeat success: Skytrax has again named Ferenc Liszt International Airport the Best Airport in Eastern Europe, marking the thirteenth consecutive win in the category.Budapest Airport said the award is based on Skytrax’s World Airport Survey, where travellers evaluate the airport experience across the full passenger journey — from arrival and check-in, through security screening, to boarding — as well as the overall quality of services.Budapest Airport CEO Francois Berisot said the award reflects both passenger satisfaction and the success of the airport’s continuous development work. He also signalled that 2026 will be a particularly important year for the airport’s next phase of investment, as new projects start to move forward under the broader development programme.AIRportal.hu also highlighted that Budapest has improved its position in Skytrax’s global top 100 ranking compared with last year, presenting it as part of a longer trend of gradual progress over recent years.Terminal+ and the “Terminal 3” question: what is actually being built?Beyond the trophy, the bigger story is what happens next. Budapest Airport says a Terminal+ development programme will be implemented over the next 10 years with a total investment of EUR 1 billion, making it one of the largest airport investment projects in Central Europe in the coming decade.As outlined in the airport’s communication, the plan includes:a new main terminal building,a new passenger pier,and a broader package of modern infrastructure upgrades.In practical terms, the airport is pitching this as a long-term competitiveness and capacity project: a larger, modernised airport that can strengthen Budapest’s international role while delivering a higher quality experience for passengers.In Hungarian public discussion, these plans are often framed as a step towards a “Terminal 3”-style expansion. Budapest Airport’s own language focuses on the Terminal+ programme and its new terminal and pier elements — signalling a major structural upgrade rather than a purely cosmetic refurbishment.What to watch nextThe next key test will be whether Budapest Airport can maintain its service levels as traffic grows and construction ramps up. Awards can validate a moment, but travellers tend to notice most when airports are under pressure — peak-season congestion, staffing strain, or disruption from building works.For now, Budapest Airport is clearly using the Skytrax recognition as proof that its direction is working — and as momentum behind its most ambitious development plans in years.As we wrote, dates set at Budapest Airport for when upgrade, rapid rail line to the city centre will be completed --- ### Shocking: Hungary’s society is dramatically distorted, lower classes surge drastically URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungary-society-distorted-lower-class Published: 2026-03-20 08:34:00 Language: English Categories: Society Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Fidesz, higher education, Hungarian government, Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, sociology A new large-scale study by Eötvös Loránd University researchers has revealed a shocking transformation in Hungarian society between 2021 and 2025, with the proportion of people in the lowest social strata rising sharply while the upper and middle classes contract. A new large-scale study by Eötvös Loránd University researchers has revealed a shocking transformation in Hungarian society between 2021 and 2025, with the proportion of people in the lowest social strata rising sharply while the upper and middle classes contract.According to the analysis by the university’s Social Research Institute, the share of the upper class nearly halved from 9% to 5%, while the upper middle class fell from 24% to 14%. Meanwhile, the lower strata expanded dramatically from 31% to 43% of the population.Sociologist Imre Kovách described the shift as “unprecedented,” noting researchers “could hardly believe their eyes” at the scale of change over just four years.Weak middle class raises concerns about stability of societyThe findings suggest a growing imbalance in Hungarian society, with potential long-term consequences. A broad and stable middle class is often seen as a key counterweight to political elites and a pillar of civic life.However, the research indicates that this stabilising force is weakening. While the lower middle class grew slightly (from 36% to 38%), it has not compensated for the sharp decline in higher-status groups.Researchers warn that the erosion of the middle class could increase uncertainty and limit the capacity of society to support those falling behind.‘Declassing’ trend affects even the educatedOne of the most striking findings is the limited level of “bourgeoisisation”, a concept referring to autonomy, entrepreneurial mindset and civic responsibility.Only 5% of Hungarians are considered fully “bourgeois”, while more than two-thirds of the population fall into weakly or non-bourgeois categories.Even more concerning, a significant proportion of educated individuals appear to be slipping down the social ladder:46% of university graduates68–69% of secondary school graduatesare classified as weakly or non-bourgeois.This trend suggests a form of declassing, where educational attainment no longer guarantees stable middle-class status: a development researchers say could become a source of social tension.Social mobility masks deeper structural problemsAlthough some upward mobility exists, particularly among manual workers, the study highlights a simultaneous downward movement among higher-educated groups.This “partial reshuffling” means that while some workers are improving their position, many graduates are losing ground, preventing the emergence of a strong, cohesive middle class.Political landscape shifts alongside social changesThe research also points to significant political implications. Based on data collected in autumn 2025, the Tisza Party held a 32% share of support among the full population, ahead of Fidesz at 29%.The opposition party led in most social strata, particularly among:entrepreneurs (36% vs 17%)politically active and well-connected groupslabour market-integrated votersBy contrast, Fidesz retained stronger support among more system-integrated and norm-following groups, as well as older voters and residents of smaller settlements.Notably, compared to 2021, the governing party lost its lead in four major social layers, including the upper and middle classes, HVG reported.Uncertain voters increasingly drawn from lower strataThe composition of undecided voters has also shifted. While earlier they were more common in middle groups, by 2025, they are increasingly concentrated in lower-status segments of society.At the same time, a separate group of “hidden voters” (individuals reluctant to disclose their political preferences) appears more socially integrated and often better educated, suggesting psychological or social pressures rather than simple disengagement.Political scientist Andrea Szabó noted that reluctance to share political views may stem from perceived social pressure rather than direct consequences.If you missed it:Shocking wage divide in Hungary widens: How much the country’s poorest workers earnA fragmented society with uncertain directionOverall, the study paints a picture of a society undergoing rapid and uneven transformation. While some mobility persists, the dominant trend is downward, accompanied by growing fragmentation.Researchers conclude that these shifts not only reshape Hungary’s social fabric but may also play a key role in redefining its political landscape in the coming years. --- ### part 1 : The Night It Became Real URL: https://reportary.com/article/part-1-the-night-it-became-real Published: 2026-03-19 21:22:00 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Gödöllő, Hungary After years in the field, one quiet evening shifted everything. What started as a conversation turned into a structured system—built from real experience and shaped with AI. This is the moment Áramőr Delta was born, and the first step toward something that could no longer be ignored. After many years of working within the utility system, there was one evening that simply wouldn’t pass. There was nothing unusual about it. After a regular day, Berci and I sat down to talk. Not the kind of conversation that stays on the surface. Not about what happened that day, but about what lies beneath it. The system. The people. The failures we see every single day — the ones we’ve already run through in our heads countless times. And then I reached that point. It wasn’t a dramatic moment. More like an internal shift. The kind where you stop searching for the right words, stop trying to phrase things nicely. You just say what has been sitting inside you for a long time. That this doesn’t work. That we see the problems coming. We know where something will snap, where it will burn out, where the failure will happen. And still, we wait. As if this is just part of the system. Then when it finally happens, everyone rushes, scrambles, fixes it however they can. And in the end, it’s always the same few people left there — the ones who actually get it done. And it doesn’t matter how many times you say it in advance. It doesn’t matter how clearly you point out that it could still be prevented. That it would still be easy to fix now. Somehow it always slips. Something else always comes first. Something that, in reality, isn’t more important. That evening, I said it out loud for the first time without leaving any room for doubt. That I’ve had enough. Not because I don’t love this work. But because I know exactly that it could be done differently. That we don’t have to run the same circle every single day. That we don’t have to relive the same failure again and again — just at a different location, on a different pole. We had everything in our hands. Knowledge. Experience. Tools. And still, it never formed into a system. And then Berci said something. It wasn’t a big sentence. More like a direction. “Let’s look at this.” He showed me a tool. At the time, very few people were taking it seriously. Artificial intelligence. An early version of ChatGPT. There wasn’t this level of noise around it yet. Nobody really knew what it was for. It was just something new. Something unfamiliar. We sat down and started talking to it. We didn’t test it. We didn’t experiment with it. We used it. We spoke to it as if a third person was sitting across from us. We told it everything we had seen over the years. The behavior of the network. The recurring failures. The small signals — the ones only visible to someone who lives in that environment, day after day. And it started responding. Not in general terms. Not in textbook language. But in a way that made it clear: what we were saying was becoming structured inside a system. And that’s where the first real shift happened. Because until then, everything existed in our heads. In separate pieces. As experience. As intuition. As practice. There, it started coming together. Not overnight. But conversation by conversation. Question by question. We went deeper. Everything became more precise. A few days passed. Then a week. Then two. And when we stepped back, there was something in front of us we had never seen like that before. A document of several hundred pages, in English. Not notes. Not ideas. Not a draft. A complete system. Built from the ground up. Its operation described. Its implementation designed. Broken down into pilots. Structured into deployment steps. Detailed to a level where it wasn’t just something you could imagine — it was something you could start. Back then, we didn’t call it Áramőr Delta. But that’s where it was born. And there was a moment when we were no longer talking about “what if…”, but about “we have to do something with this now.” At that point, there was no question left. Not because it was finished. But because it had already grown beyond us. We sat with it for a while. Looked at it. Read it. Kept going back to it. It was that kind of silence where nothing needs to be said, because both of you already know. That this cannot be put aside. That you can’t say “this will be good for later.” It has to be started. There were no connections. No established path. No company, no team, no structure behind it. Just us — and the material. So I started searching. Not for people, but for direction. Where could something like this even be sent? Where is the level where this would be taken seriously? Not forums. Not comments. Not casual conversations. Decision level. That’s how I found a name in the European Parliament. An email address. That was it. Nothing more. We didn’t overthink it. We didn’t build a story around it. We took the material, summarized the essence, and sent it. It was evening. Around ten o’clock. That kind of time when things usually stop happening. When people are closing their day. We sent it. And then nothing happened. No immediate reply. No notification. Nothing visible. Silence. That kind of silence where there is nothing left to add. The evening passed. I went to bed. And honestly, I didn’t think too much about it. Just a simple “we’ll see.” The next morning. Routine as usual. And sometime around ten, the computer made a sound. A new email arrived. My first thought wasn’t that it was a response. I expected something ordinary. An invoice. A notification. An automated message. Anything. I opened it. And in that moment, I realized — this was not that. It wasn’t a system message. It wasn’t an automated reply. It was a response. From where we had sent it the night before. And at that point, the whole story became real. Because until then, it was an idea. A system. A document. From that moment on, it became a dialogue. If you’re curious what was in that response, I’ll continue in the next part. I am at the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office. --- ### Foreign interference in Hungary’s election? Fidesz campaigns with Orbán alongside US and a dozen other politicians – analysis URL: https://reportary.com/article/foreign-interference-hungary-election-orban Published: 2026-03-19 10:17:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: analysis, Fidesz, Hungary, opinion, The Czech Republic, Ukraine, United States There is a basic rule in Hungarian public policy life that has been honed over the past few years: every foreign political statement is interference in domestic affairs — except those that are not. Defining the latter category is a task the Fidesz communications team has taken upon itself, as flex There is a basic rule in Hungarian public policy life that has been honed over the past few years: every foreign political statement is interference in domestic affairs — except those that are not. Defining the latter category is a task the Fidesz communications team has taken upon itself, as flexibly as needed.The formula is simple to apply: if Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, tells an Italian newspaper that in his view Orbán will lose the election, that is, of course, interference — it violates Hungary’s sovereignty, undermines the purity of the voters’ will, and proves that the Tisza Party is a puppet show of foreign interests. If, however, US Vice President J. D. Vance flies to Budapest a few weeks before the 12 April election to demonstrate, by his very presence, the Trump administration’s commitment to Viktor Orbán, that belongs to a different category. That is friendship, alliance, geopolitics. That is not interference, but an honour.The backstory of “foreign interference”: the billboard campaign that reveals a lotFor nearly a decade now, we have watched government-funded billboard campaigns targeting the enemy of the moment. A year ago, the series of anti-Ukraine, anti-EU posters began. Zelenskyy’s stern face, Ursula von der Leyen’s self-satisfied smile, and Manfred Weber’s cheerful laugh were each placed in a large red X. The message was clear: these are the people who want to meddle in Hungary’s affairs; these are the people who must be rebuffed; these are the people against whom Viktor Orbán stands firm.That communications architecture is still in place. When Zelenskyy let something slip at a March press conference — a line that could be interpreted as a threat directed at Orbán — Fidesz immediately turned it into a campaign issue, and with some justification, because the remark really was unacceptable. When the European Commission withholds EU funds, that is interference. When Brussels criticises, that is interference. When Ukraine does not reopen an oil pipeline, that is blackmail and interference.A crucial element of this logic is that “interference” is not treated as a neutral, legal category. It is a rhetorical weapon. What matters is not whether someone truly tries to influence the conduct of an election, but in whose name they do it — and whether it suits the taste of those in power.The guest list: the interference of the interferersBefore turning to the American vice president’s visit, it is worth pausing for a moment over the guest list of CPAC Hungary on 21 March — because it is, in itself, instructive if we want to understand which countries or parties are directly intervening in the election.The event features speeches in person by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Martin Helme, a leader of Estonia’s radical right, Tom Van Grieken, president of the Flemish Vlaams Belang, and, of course, Eva Vlaardingerbroek, the Dutch commentator who has by now become a regular — to name only the most prominent figures.As a parenthetical note, it is worth mentioning that parts of the press once again will not be allowed into the event — even though, in CPAC’s own “Free Speech Rating” assessment in January, Hungary was ranked among the best in terms of freedom of speech. If an event whose central message is the defence of sovereignty and a professed commitment to open society and transparent democracy is serious about those claims, this would be the place to prove it by letting in accredited journalists without discrimination.But back to the guest list. If Babiš, as the Czech prime minister, is expected to express clear support for Orbán and Fidesz, and Morawiecki is likely to do the same, then why is that not foreign interference? If any statement from Zelenskyy is interference — even when he never mentioned Péter Magyar — then Babiš’s open endorsement should also qualify as interference by Fidesz’s own logic.What is more, CPAC spells out its own reasoning openly: “Brussels and its attachments have decided to settle accounts with the Hungarian right once and for all” — and against that backdrop, CPAC gathers foreign guests in order to show that “the strength of the right is not only overwhelming in Hungary.” Placed next to each other, these two sentences complete a perfect logical circle: the enemy’s interference is interference; our interference is a demonstration of strength.Grand assembly of patriotsWe must not overlook another Fidesz event either: the first Grand Assembly of Patriots will be held in Budapest on March 23, featuring such figures as Marine Le Pen, Matteo Salvini, Santiago Abascal, Herbert Kickl, and Geert Wilders. Given Fidesz’s reactions so far, these politicians are openly getting involved in the campaign to influence Hungarian voters.Rubio, then Vance — and the exception that proves the ruleIn mid-February, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest. Rubio did not beat around the bush: Orbán’s re-election, he said, is crucial for US interests. He also hinted that Washington would be ready to provide financial support to Hungary if Fidesz wins the election. This was not diplomatic tact; it was an open campaign speech aimed at a foreign country’s domestic politics two months before an election.Yesterday, it emerged that J. D. Vance is coming, personally, as America’s vice president, in the heat of the campaign. We do not yet know the details. Many believe he will speak at the CPAC event.If the same had happened with the opposite sign — if Zelenskyy had visited Budapest, attended Péter Magyar’s rally, and declared that the opposition’s victory was crucial for Ukrainian interests — the Fidesz media machine would have run with it for days. Posters, press conferences, letters to voters, “national consultations”, perhaps even a referendum. Foreign influence! Sovereignty-violating interference! We will not allow it!We are not fortune-tellers, but Vance’s visit will be proudly advertised by the government, and pro-government and state media will frame it as a geopolitical triumph.The structure of the double standardIt is worth unpacking, once, what exactly this intellectual construction is that makes the double standard sustainable.Fidesz’s “interference” rhetoric has an internal logic that is not entirely senseless — merely arbitrary. The skeleton of the argument runs like this: Brussels and Zelenskyy are interferers because they want political change in Hungary that serves their interests, not Hungarians’. The enemy’s interest equals interference. The friend’s interest equals non-interference — indeed, reinforcement.The only problem is that this argument undermines itself. Rubio said Orbán’s re-election is crucial from the standpoint of American interests. Vance is likewise coming to appear at a partisan campaign event. The difference is not that one side intervenes and the other does not. The difference is that one side is, in Orbán’s narrative, a friend, while the other is an enemy. That is not political philosophy. That is team spirit.If you take the principle of sovereignty seriously, you cannot apply a double standard. Either it is unacceptable for foreign politicians to arrive in the final days before an election and campaign in person in Hungary — regardless of whether it is Zelenskyy or Vance, Rubio or Weber — or it is acceptable. Only one of those can be true at the same time.If you missed it – Hungary election 2026: A rare poll breaks the trend, showing Orbán’s Fidesz with a clear leadWhy can this still be maintained?Any objective analysis requires us to ask: why does this work? Why don’t more voters immediately see through it?Partly because the pro-Fidesz media environment does not allow for a parallel vision. Anyone who consumes only MTVA or pro-government outlets will see Zelenskyy and von der Leyen as enemies, while Vance and Rubio are allies — and those two pictures are never placed side by side, never compared, never made into a question.Partly because emotional logic is stronger than conceptual coherence. Orbán and Trump’s friendship, Americanism, the MAGA world turning towards Budapest — that feeling is real and attractive to some Fidesz voters. Consistency of principles matters less than the victory of one’s own team.And partly because the opposition is not immune to similar reflexes: Péter Magyar also rightly rejects Zelenskyy’s words. On both sides, the principle is the same; it is only the application that is inconsistent.What remainsOne fact remains that cannot be smoothed over: Fidesz, which has spent years campaigning against the spectre of foreign interference, is now welcoming with open arms the second most powerful person in the United States, who is clearly coming with the aim of influencing the outcome of a NATO member state’s election.This is not an argument against the visit as a diplomatic gesture. Nor is it a claim that Hungary and the United States should not be close allies. It is simply an observation that Fidesz is inconsistent with itself: the principle of sovereignty, used for months to repel every criticism, suddenly becomes inapplicable when friends arrive.The logic is simple. If foreign interference is what Zelenskyy does — remarks that he believes Orbán will lose the election — then foreign interference is also what Vance does: he appears at a campaign event, and by doing so conveys, up close, the Trump administration’s unmistakable message: this is the government we want to keep in Budapest.Either both are interference, or neither is. But judging them differently depending on who is speaking is no longer a principle but marketing.If you missed it:Even a government-affiliated expert claims Russian interference is unprecedented during the election campaign --- ### Trends in Hungarian real estate for expats in 2026 URL: https://reportary.com/article/trends-hungarian-real-estate-expats-2026 Published: 2026-03-17 07:04:00 Language: English Categories: Real Estate Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Expats in Hungary, Explainer, Hungary, property, real estate, investment Hungary’s property market has attracted increasing interest from foreign buyers and long-term residents over the past decade. In 2026, the Hungarian real estate market continues to evolve, influenced by economic trends, international investment and the growing expat community. Hungary’s property market has attracted increasing interest from foreign buyers and long-term residents over the past decade. In 2026, the Hungarian real estate market continues to evolve, influenced by economic trends, international investment and the growing expat community.For foreigners considering renting or buying property, understanding the latest developments can help them make better financial decisions.Continued demand in BudapestThe capital remains the centre of Hungary’s real estate activity. Many expats moving to Budapest look for apartments in central districts close to workplaces, universities and public transport.Neighbourhoods such as District V, VI and VII remain popular because of their historic architecture, restaurants and cultural attractions. However, rising prices in these central areas have pushed some buyers and renters to consider districts slightly farther from the centre.Growing interest in suburban areasOne notable trend in 2026 is the growing interest in suburban and outer districts. Improved public transport and remote work opportunities have made it easier for expats to live outside the busiest neighbourhoods.Areas with new residential developments and green spaces have become attractive alternatives for families seeking larger homes or quieter surroundings.Rental market changesThe rental market in Hungary has experienced fluctuations in recent years due to tourism trends, economic factors and regulations affecting short-term rentals. As a result, more apartments previously used for short-term accommodation are entering the long-term rental market.For expats, this has created additional options, especially in central districts that were once dominated by tourist accommodation.In 2026, the Hungarian real estate market continues to evolve. Photo: depositphotos.comEnergy efficiency and modern housingEnergy efficiency has become a major consideration for both buyers and renters. Rising energy costs and sustainability concerns have increased demand for modern apartments with better insulation and efficient heating systems.New developments often highlight environmentally friendly features, smart home technology and improved building standards.Property investment opportunitiesHungary continues to attract international investors interested in relatively affordable property compared with many Western European capitals. Investors from neighbouring countries and beyond often see Budapest as an appealing location due to its cultural appeal, tourism sector and strong rental demand.However, market conditions can change quickly, so experts generally advise buyers to research neighbourhood trends and consult professionals before making large investments.Legal considerations for foreign buyersForeign citizens are generally allowed to purchase property in Hungary, although non-EU buyers may need official approval from local authorities. The process usually involves legal checks, contracts and registration through a Hungarian lawyer.Many expats rely on local real estate agents or legal advisers to navigate the paperwork and ensure the purchase follows national regulations.If you missed it:No more luxury villas: Popular Balaton village bans panoramic luxury holiday homesHungarian real estate: The bottom lineThe Hungarian real estate market remains dynamic in 2026, shaped by changing economic conditions, international demand and evolving housing preferences. For expats, the key trends include growing suburban interest, increased rental availability and a stronger focus on energy-efficient homes. Understanding these developments can help newcomers find suitable housing and make informed real estate decisions.Hungarian real estate: Frequently asked questionsAre property prices still rising in Hungary?Yes. Prices have continued to grow in major markets like Budapest, where strong demand and limited inventory have kept upward pressure on residential values.Where are expats most interested in buying property?Budapest is still the top choice for many expats due to employment, education and rental demand. Other attractive areas include lifestyle locations like the Lake Balaton region.Is renting still a good option for expats?The rental market has expanded as more short‑term rentals shift to long‑term leasing, increasing availability for residents and long‑stay visitors alike.What property types are trending in 2026?Energy‑efficient modern homes and newly permitted residential developments are gaining interest, as buyers and renters prioritise sustainability and quality features. --- ### Serious irregularities at Debrecen’s CATL battery plant: workers complaining of poisoning – photos URL: https://reportary.com/article/debrecen-catl-plant-poisoning-photos-china Published: 2026-03-17 09:44:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: China, Debrecen, Hungarian government, Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, catl, battery “I felt dizzy, as if I were drunk, my hands, mouth, and tongue went numb, and my eyes were burning,” recounted one female worker at the site, Edina, who was injured alongside a colleague in mid-February at the factory. “I felt dizzy, as if I were drunk, my hands, mouth, and tongue went numb, and my eyes were burning,” recounted one female worker at the site, Edina, who was injured alongside a colleague in mid-February at the factory. The government office has acknowledged that CATL in Debrecen was storing chemicals improperly on the premises. Yet following the affair – and the pictures – coming to light, measures were taken to foil-wrap every employee’s phone.Cover-up attempt after exposureZsolt Tárkányi, the Tisza parliamentary candidate who broke the story locally, publicised worker photographs a week ago proving that CATL’s Debrecen battery plant had stored, among other things, 20 tonnes of the foetus-damaging chemical MNP in breach of regulations. In his view, the storage hall for these hazardous materials complied with no European standards whatsoever; indeed, flammable substances were sometimes left in the open air.Photo: Facebook/Tárkányi Zsolt – TiszaEdina’s accident occurred on 13 February; according to Tárkányi, the firm then swiftly halted production in that area – officially still under construction and not yet handed over – and hurriedly removed the hazardous materials. The remnants were stuffed into tents and surrounded with so-called “pink foam waste” to conceal what lay within.The government office confirmed the irregular storage and launched proceedings; Tárkányi insists the investigation must be expedited, with the battery plant facing exemplary punishment to safeguard its workers. “We want to see a great many zeroes at the end of the penalty sum, so that this Chinese battery-maker never again endangers its employees or Debrecen,” wrote the candidate in his post.Photo: Facebook/Tárkányi Zsolt – TiszaCATL in Debrecen seeks to foil workers’ phonesTárkányi also reported that over the weekend – after the incriminating worker photos emerged – the battery plant decided to foil-wrap everyone’s phones. According to the candidate, worker resistance prevented this from happening on Monday.He had previously noted that a Chinese guest worker plunged from a great height during construction at the CATL plant, prompting the arrival of an air ambulance.Photo: Facebook/Tárkányi Zsolt – TiszaTisza offers new deal to battery plantsIn Tárkányi’s opinion, the authorities stir into action only when the press or opposition parties publicise irregularities. Should Tisza triumph on 12 April, he argues, these battery plants must forge fresh pacts with the government, including round-the-clock compliance with every regulation. Certain plants currently “flout Hungarian rules” because the government permits it.​“It is impossible to import Far Eastern guest workers by the thousand as cheap labour. From their handsome profits, European wages must be paid to Hungarian workers, who will repay it with excellent work,” added the Tisza candidate on the contours of future cooperation.Photo: Facebook/Tárkányi Zsolt – TiszaCATL and government office respondOn the foiling issue, Debrecen’s CATL stated it globally restricts mobile phone use in its factories owing to the presence of cutting-edge intellectual and technical solutions. This has operated in their leased module assembly unit since last year, and all were notified in good time of the latest measure. They said nothing about whether workers thwarted the foiling on Monday.The Hajdú-Bihar county government office said it had initiated an inspection of the unauthorised building prior to the candidate’s post, banned its use, and launched an environmental probe.Chemist István Fábián, speaking to RTL Híradó, warned that irregular storage poses grave risks: wind can carry volatile substances far afield, while water-soluble poisons may ruin local water tables and cause further soil contamination.If you missed our previous articles in the issue:Telex: Samsung poisoned its Göd plant workers for years with the Orbán cabinet’s helpEyewitnesses claim high-level Hungarian government ties shielded irregular South Korean battery plant bosses --- ### “The network does not begin at the poles — it begins with the human.” ⚡ URL: https://reportary.com/article/the-network-does-not-begin-at-the-poles-it-begins-with-the-human Published: 2026-03-16 01:00:00 Language: English Categories: Artificial Intelligence Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: ai, energia An electrical network is not made only of poles and wires, but of experience. Over more than twenty years of field work, the signals and patterns begin to reveal themselves, allowing the true operation of the system to be understood. This article explores how a new way of thinking can emerge from th An electrical network is not made only of poles and wires, but of experience. Over more than twenty years of field work, the signals and patterns begin to reveal themselves, making it possible to understand how the system truly operates. This article is about how a new way of thinking is born from that experience. The network does not begin at the poles – it begins in the field. We often speak about the electrical power grid as if it were a static infrastructure. Poles, wires, transformers, substations. A drawing on a map, a technical plan, a system that was built once and then simply operates. But the reality is very different. The network lives. It moves. It ages. It reacts to its environment. And anyone who spends enough time in the field learns to read its signals. This is not something you learn from a book. Working around medium-voltage networks, a person begins to notice small details that most people never see. The sag of a line changes by millimeters, yet it already tells a story. The discoloration of an insulator is not simply an aesthetic issue, but the sign of a process. The position of a pole, the condition of a joint, the direction in which a tree grows — all of these are pieces of information the system constantly communicates. You just have to learn how to notice them. Over time, a field technician develops a special ability: to foresee failures. Not as a prediction, but as a process. A power network almost never fails from one moment to the next. There are nearly always warning signs. A connection that begins to heat up. A section that behaves unusually under load. A tree branch that does not yet touch the line, but clearly will in a few months. This is a world that is very difficult to see from an office. On maps everything looks orderly. In reality, the network operates within a living environment. Weather, temperature, vegetation, soil movement, load variations — all influence it. In the summer heat, a conductor stretches. Metal expands with temperature, sag increases, and a section that was perfectly safe in winter may behave very differently in summer. After a storm, the soil around a pole can change. In forested areas, vegetation moves closer to the lines year after year. Someone who works on this network for many years does not only repair it. He observes it. He sees repeating patterns. He notices what kind of failures a certain type of connection tends to produce. He sees how fast vegetation grows into the corridor in a particular terrain. He understands how a certain line section reacts to temperature changes, wind, or load. Over time, these small observations begin to form a larger picture. An experienced field professional no longer sees only a failure. He sees a process. A story that started somewhere earlier and may eventually end in a breakdown. And that is exactly where prevention begins. The future of power networks is not about repairing failures faster. It is about preventing them from happening at all. And that requires a completely different mindset. Not simply reacting to problems, but recognizing the signals long before a problem occurs. This way of thinking is born in the field — where a person sees reality, not just the system diagrams. And here lies something that very few people say out loud. For such a system to even come into existence, one indispensable element is required: a technician who was willing to spend years out in the field, observing and understanding how the network truly works. Most developers do not come from this environment. They come from laboratories, universities, and offices. And that is perfectly fine. Technological progress would be impossible without them. But very few developers in the world will leave their comfortable environment for twenty years just to learn the realities of the field. The field is not a laboratory. It is cold. It is muddy. It is windy. There is weather. The network operates in the middle of nature, and this is where a person must understand what is really happening. And it is just as rare to find a technician who truly carries these experiences in his mind. Most technicians go to work, complete the task for their salary, and go home. The job gets done, the fault is repaired, and the story ends there. They do not continue thinking about it. They do not observe the patterns. They do not try to understand why something failed. They do not assemble the system mentally. Yet the network constantly communicates with anyone willing to pay attention. I, however, was present in my work every single day. I was not only there — I was observing. I was present in every moment of the work itself. And everything I saw was stored in my mind almost like a photographic memory. How a conductor behaves during extreme summer heat. How a pole reacts after a storm. How a small discoloration on a connector becomes a fault months later. How a tree grows closer to the line year after year. At first, you simply notice these things. Later, you remember them. And eventually, they begin to connect. What initially appears as experience slowly becomes a way of thinking. A pattern. A kind of internal algorithm. And this is what can later become technology. When sensors, drones, data collection and artificial intelligence begin to observe a power network, we are essentially trying to elevate this human experience to a system level. Signals that were once noticed only by an experienced field technician may now be recognized by a technological system. But one thing must be clearly stated. The algorithm does not begin with the computer. The algorithm begins in the human mind. In the mind of someone who spent years observing the system. Someone who did not only work on the network, but truly understood what he was seeing. This is why I am not afraid when people say the system could be stolen. They can try. Copies may appear. Inferior imitations may be created that look similar from the outside. Technologies may emerge that replicate certain elements. But one thing will always be missing. The more than twenty years of field experience from which this way of thinking was born. Because the real algorithm is not in lines of code. It is in experience. In the observations collected over years. In the moments when a person stands beneath a power line and sees how the system behaves in reality. This is knowledge that cannot be learned from a document. It cannot be acquired during a weekend training course. It is knowledge that only time can give. And that is why anyone who wants to obtain or copy the algorithm would ultimately have to copy only one thing. Me. My way of thinking. And the path that I walked. That is the part that cannot simply be rebuilt. Pálfi József / Energetika - Eu Expert --- ### Március 15. URL: https://reportary.com/article/marcius-15 Published: 2026-03-15 23:57:00 Language: English Categories: Artificial Intelligence Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: energia, ai March 15 – Petőfi’s revolution and our revolution. And in the field of revolution, innovation is needed as well. ⚡ March 15 always reminds us that in history there are moments when a nation realizes that change is necessary. Moments when a few people step forward, raise a flag, and start something that later becomes a shared cause for many. 🇭🇺 Sándor Petőfi wrote in his poem “The Poets of the Nineteenth Century”: “Forward then, all who are poets, With the people through fire and water! Curse upon the one who throws away The flag from the people’s hands.” In 1848, the flag of the revolution was freedom. Today, it is the future. The revolution of our era is no longer fought with weapons. It is driven by technology, knowledge, and new ways of thinking. Perhaps the greatest change will not be in technology itself, but in how we relate to one another. In stepping out of selfish competition and realizing that true strength lies in building together. The next Hungarian revolution may be a revolution of technology and thinking. A new era where we no longer work against each other, but build together. Not only systems. But the future. Because someone always raises the flag. But the future must be built together. 🇭🇺🔥 Eggyütt emeljük a zászlót a magasba! --- ### Why Was Áramőr Delta Born? – An Electrician’s Journey Toward the Startup World ⚡ URL: https://reportary.com/article/why-was-aramor-delta-born-an-electricians-journey-toward-the-startup-world Published: 2026-03-15 21:47:00 Language: English Categories: Startups & Innovation Author: Pálfi József Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: ai, energia, kritikusinfrastruktúra védelem After twenty-three years of field work in electrical power networks, the idea of Áramőr Delta was born in me. This series tells the story of how experience becomes a system, how an idea becomes a startup, and what path leads from a stable professional career toward a new technological future. After twenty-three years of field work in electrical power networks, the idea of Áramőr Delta was born in me. This series tells the story of how experience becomes a system, how an idea becomes a startup, and what kind of path leads from a stable professional career toward a new technological future. For me, the energy sector was never simply a job; it was the environment in which I grew up. My family has been connected to this industry for more than thirty years, so from childhood it was natural that energy, the operation of networks, and the vast infrastructure that quietly and invisibly powers a country were part of everyday life. I grew up inside this world, and it shaped the way I think about systems. Later, when I myself began working in this industry, it quickly became clear to me that the world of energy networks shows a completely different face to those who actually work inside it. Over the past twenty-three years I have worked in the field within the subcontractor networks of Hungarian electricity providers. I did not observe the system from an office, but in reality: among poles, beneath power lines, in the middle of faults and repairs. During this time I worked on a tremendous number of utility poles. I climbed thousands of poles with my own hands and feet. I pulled kilometers of aerial cable suspended in the air, and kilometers of underground cable construction and repair are also connected to my work. I completed the full internal electrical wiring of hundreds of family houses, as well as the maintenance of numerous heating devices and the installation of electric gates and garage doors. Over the years I also built IT networks, alarm systems, and smart home systems. All of these thousands of hours of work, all of these different tasks, gave me one thing: a very deep and real professional experience. After so many years, a person does not simply work on the network anymore — he begins to feel every movement of it. He knows what a small signal might mean, and he can also recognize what is not yet a fault today, but will become one tomorrow. And during all this time, a thought began appearing in my mind more and more often. You cannot simply retire from this. If so many years have already been spent understanding this system, then something must be born from it. It cannot remain only as experience. It must become a system capable of bringing new thinking into the energy sector and delivering real innovation to Hungary. This thought lived in my mind for years. Quietly, while everyday work continued. Over time, however, it stopped being just a thought and became a stronger and stronger goal. It also became clear to me that throughout history there have always been people who dared to see the world differently. Inventors and thinkers who opened new directions. One of my greatest role models has always been Nikola Tesla. His story is not only a scientific career, but also an example of how ideas can change the way the world operates. Perhaps it is an ambitious goal, but I have always carried the desire that one day my name might be mentioned on the same page as those who brought real innovation to the field of energy. This is how the idea began to form that would later become the Áramőr Delta system. For a long time, however, it was still only a thought. A realization that lived quietly in me alongside my everyday work. A person continues to work, repair, build, and meanwhile sees more and more details about how the system truly operates. Then one day arrives when you feel something cannot continue the same way anymore. For me, that day was April 22, 2025. On that day I gathered the courage to collect everything I had been thinking about and building, and I sent it to the directorates of the European Union in Brussels. The story of an electrician. The idea of a system built on field experience. And a new approach to the future of power networks. The next morning at ten o’clock something quite unbelievable happened to me. If you are curious about what happened that morning, and how the journey of an electrician began from the world of cable trenches and utility poles toward digitalization and innovation, then follow the story with me. Intelligens adatgyűjtés, prediktív hibakeresés --- ### The Square Where History Returned URL: https://reportary.com/article/the-square-where-history-returned Published: 2026-03-15 21:05:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Levente Nagy-Pál Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: magyar péter, tisza party, hungary, history Nearly four decades after the fall of communism, Hungarians again gather at Heroes’ Square asking a familiar question: will the country finally become a nation of citizens, or remain trapped in the long shadow of its unfinished transition? On May 1, 1957, a crowd of one hundred thousand gathered in Budapest to celebrate János Kádár, the man who had crushed the Hungarian Revolution one year earlier, and the communist regime he led. In reality, the event was not a celebration. The aim of the authorities was to demonstrate that, under the shadow of Soviet tanks, resistance no longer existed. The Hungarian nation had to be broken and forced to accept the new order. Anyone unwilling to compromise with the regime would have no future in the country.By this time, the show trials were already underway. The Kádár regime carried out its consolidation through the execution of hundreds and the imprisonment of thousands. Political violence not only crushed resistance but also wounded the soul of Hungarian society. Fear became a daily experience, and in the decades that followed, the desire for freedom was often pushed aside by the instinct for survival.Until March 1989, it seemed that Hungarian society had permanently learned the art of compromise with power. Yet on March 15, 1989, something nevertheless began to move. The author of these lines stood there as a child at the demonstration where various groups of the democratic opposition marched together against the still existing communist regime. The names of Viktor Orbán, Dénes Csengey, and György Cserhalmi have since become part of historical memory. But the real protagonist was the moment itself: that rare historical moment when the Hungarian nation appeared capable of overcoming its own divisions. In retrospect, however, it became clear that the crowd demanding regime change was not as large as it had seemed at the time. Much of the country did not necessarily want a political transformation. People wanted a better life, higher wages, and more freedom in everyday life. The concepts of the rule of law and pluralist democracy were still unfamiliar to many. Not because they opposed them, but because they had no experience of living in such a system.In the end, the political elite reached a compromise with the representatives of the previous regime. József Antall, Hungary’s first freely elected prime minister, responded to his more radical critics with a famous remark: “You should have made a revolution.” The sentence captured the mood of the time. In reality, however, a revolution would hardly have been possible. The leaders of the communist system handed over power with surprising willingness, thereby avoiding any situation that might have created genuine revolutionary momentum. Few people saw this so clearly in March 1989.Thirty-seven years have passed since then, and once again we find ourselves at a March 15 gathering. This time at the very place where the communist authorities demonstrated their power in 1957. Heroes’ Square and the surrounding avenues are again filled with people. The square where the breaking of the Hungarian spirit was once celebrated has now become a stage of political hope.The irony of history is that the slogans have hardly changed. “Russians go home!” echoes from the stage as Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, begins his speech. The crowd repeats the chant, interrupting the speech several times. The slogan, which became one of the best-known cries of the Hungarian freedom struggle in 1956, is once again heard in the heart of Budapest.One of the central ideas of Magyar’s speech was that the key question of Hungarian history remains the same today as it was before: do we want to live as subjects or as citizens? His speech invoked the vision of a civic Hungary, a concept already present during the Reform Era and in the revolution of 1848. It referred to the values of civic life, the rule of law, community responsibility, and individual freedom.  Listening to these words, one cannot avoid asking: what exactly has happened in the past thirty-seven years? How is it possible that after 1989 we must once again speak about the same fundamental values? It is as if the country’s history took a long detour and has now returned to the same question it once asked.As a child, I never imagined that decades later I would stand again at Heroes’ Square, fighting for the same values for which my parents’ and grandparents’ generations had struggled. It feels as if the country has squandered nearly four decades. And yet there is something extraordinary about what happened today. As far as the eye can see, the square is filled with people. Old and young, women and men, families and groups of friends stand side by side. Tears glisten in some eyes while others watch the stage in silence. The atmosphere is both festive and historical. In Hungarian history it is rare for so many people to gather in one place for a political event. Most of those present may not know exactly what comes next. But everyone senses that something important is happening.The thread connecting May 1, 1957, March 15, 1989, and March 15, 2026 is not simply the passage of time, but the recurring question of freedom in Hungarian history. In 1957 the communist regime demonstrated its power under the protection of Soviet tanks, forcing a traumatized society into submission after the crushed revolution of 1956. In 1989, on the symbolic day of March 15, a new generation stepped into the streets and peacefully challenged that same system, opening the door to democratic transition. And now, in 2026, the same national holiday once again gathers a massive crowd at Heroes’ Square, not to celebrate the past but to ask a familiar question: whether Hungary will finally complete the political transformation that earlier generations only began. Across these moments runs a single historical tension between fear and freedom, between resignation and civic courage.The question now is whether this moment can become a true historical turning point. Can Hungarian society renew its political culture? Can the country finally carry out the democratic transformation that many believe was only half completed in 1989?In a few weeks, elections will be held. Then it will become clear how the Hungarian nation decides. And whether history truly began writing a new chapter this afternoon at Heroes’ Square.  --- ### How climate helped the conquering Hungarians settle in Central Europe URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-conquer-europe-history Published: 2026-03-12 07:04:00 Language: English Categories: History Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: climate, Hungary, middle ages According to climate history research, the climate and natural environment of the Eurasian steppe may also have contributed to the success of the conquering Hungarians in taking possession of the Carpathian Basin. According to climate history research, the climate and natural environment of the Eurasian steppe may also have contributed to the success of the conquering Hungarians in taking possession of the Carpathian Basin.Climate historian Lajos Rácz spoke to Népszava about how the natural environment can influence the course of human history and what we know about the climatic conditions during the time of the Hungarian conquest.When nature shapes historyEnvironmental history is a relatively young field of research that gained real importance in the second half of the twentieth century, when historians increasingly recognised how often nature plays a decisive role in shaping historical events.According to climate historian Lajos Rácz, one of the fundamental ideas of environmental history is that the natural environment acts as an active participant in the history of humanity.This approach can also be important in the study of early Hungarian history, as the lives and migrations of the conquering Hungarians were likely strongly influenced by the natural environment of the steppe.The world of the steppe where the ancestors of the Hungarians livedAs Lajos Rácz explained in his interview, it is worth examining Eurasia from a broader geographical perspective when analysing Hungarian prehistory from a climate history standpoint.Across Eurasia, a clear north–south natural zone can be observed. Moving southwards from the Arctic Ocean, the tundra appears first, followed by the taiga, the belt of coniferous forests. Further south lie the deciduous forests, then the forest-steppe, and finally the vast grasslands stretching from Mongolia all the way to the Carpathian Basin.After the Ugrian–Hungarian split, the ancestors of the Hungarians continued to live in this steppe environment. Their economy was based primarily on large-scale animal husbandry, which required constant movement, as communities had to find new grazing lands for their livestock.Why the Hungarian tribes may have moved westwardsThe climate of the steppe is largely shaped by cyclones arriving from the Atlantic Ocean. As these move eastwards, the western regions of the steppe generally receive more precipitation and tend to have more stable climatic conditions and better grazing lands.This may partly explain why many nomadic peoples throughout history – including the ancestors of the Hungarians – gradually moved westwards, where water resources and higher-quality pastures offered more favourable conditions for a pastoral lifestyle.For nomadic societies, the availability of water and the condition of grazing lands were crucial. If precipitation was too low and the pastures dried out, livestock could quickly weaken or perish. On the other hand, excessive rainfall could lead to marshy conditions.“A horse can drink 40–50 litres of water a day. Sheep perhaps half of that, but a herd or flock can consist of hundreds or even thousands of animals. Just imagine how much water that means daily,” Rácz noted.The conquering Hungarians were also known as formidable warriors. Their armies were largely composed of highly mobile horsemen who were capable of travelling long distances and striking quickly. The nomadic lifestyle of the steppe, combined with constant riding and herding, made horsemanship a natural skill, which later became a decisive advantage in warfare.Cattle herds were a cornerstone of the conquering Hungarians’ economy. Photo: Wikimedia CommonsThe conquering Hungarians may have been in strong conditionRácz also pointed out that the climate of the steppe changed significantly several times over the centuries. Around the sixth century, a cooler and wetter period began and may have lasted for a long time, followed later by drier phases.However, during the ninth century, the period of the Hungarian conquest, the steppe zone appears to have experienced a relatively favourable and somewhat wetter climate again.For nomadic societies, this was crucial. Horses, sheep and cattle provided food, transport and the mobility of armies. If pastures were in good condition, the animals remained strong, which could also strengthen the military power of the communities.From a climate history perspective, natural factors such as precipitation, pasture quality and the condition of livestock may therefore also have played an important role in enabling the Hungarian tribes to settle successfully in the Carpathian Basin.In a previous article, we also explored genetic research suggesting that some conquering Hungarians may have been of Uralic origin. --- ### Sirha Budapest 2026: 27,000 visitors, 26 countries — the biggest meeting on the region’s food calendar URL: https://reportary.com/article/sirha-budapest-2026-food-horeca Published: 2026-03-10 19:04:00 Language: English Categories: Food & Drink Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Budapest, exhibition, food, Hungary, Indonesia, inpr, Italy, Thailand Central Europe’s largest food industry and HoReCa trade fair returned to Budapest for its seventh edition, and this year it did not disappoint. More than 27,000 visitors — a 5 per cent increase on the 2024 event — filed through the halls of the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre Central Europe’s largest food industry and HoReCa trade fair returned to Budapest for its seventh edition, and this year it did not disappoint. More than 27,000 visitors — a 5 per cent increase on the 2024 event — filed through the halls of the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre over three packed days, exploring the stands of 420 exhibitors from 26 countries. I was among them, using the opportunity to meet both established and prospective business partners in person.3–5 March 2026 | Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre – A personal report from the FloorThe opening ceremony was attended by the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture, István Nagy, the Italian Ambassador to Hungary, Giuseppe Scognamiglio, and the Director of ITA Budapest, Giovanna Chiappini Carpena, who officially inaugurated the event and welcomed the Italian exhibiting companies, professional visitors, and delegations of international buyers, highlighting the strategic importance of the economic relations between the two countries.From the ministerial opening — where Hungarian Minister of Agriculture Dr. István Nagy stressed that the food industry remains a strategic priority, employing 146,000 people in nearly 4,000 companies — to the dazzling competitive spectacles on the main stage, the fair was a reminder of why Budapest matters to the regional food calendar.Table of ContentsItaly as Guest Country: A Century of Flavour on ShowThe Indonesian stand: A valued partnershipThailand makes its debut — and leaves a markCompetitions and professional spectacle at SIRHA BudapestLooking AheadFAQ: Sirha Budapest 2026Italy as Guest Country: A Century of Flavour on ShowItaly had the honour of being the first-ever Guest Country in SIRHA Budapest’s history — a milestone that coincided neatly with two other landmark occasions: UNESCO’s recognition of Italian cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (granted at the end of 2025), and the centenary of the ITA – Italian Trade Agency.The Italian Trade Agency brought a record 29 producers under one roof, spread across a 448-square-metre exhibition area in Hall A. Alongside the expected cheeses, cured meats, and olive oils, visitors could discover professional flours, premium pasta, specialist coffees, and a host of other agri-food excellence. A delegation from the Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani staged live Neapolitan pizza demonstrations that drew substantial crowds, while their president, Gianluca Pirro, crossed the aisle to serve as a judge in the inaugural Hungarian Pizza Championship. In Hall G, a gelato masterclass — delivered by young FIPGC talent Francesco Buccafurni in collaboration with the Hungarian Pastry Chefs Association — showed that artisanal Italian frozen desserts translate effortlessly into Central European appetites.Italy’s economic relationship with Hungary provides solid context for all this gastro-diplomacy. According to the latest KSH figures, Hungarian food and beverage imports total €9.3 billion, of which Italian suppliers account for €481 million — eighth among all trading partners and growing at 2.5 per cent year-on-year. Giuseppe Scognamiglio, Italy’s ambassador to Budapest, speaking on behalf of the exhibition’s guest of honour, highlighted that the food industry plays a key role in the Italian economy as well, and that the peninsula’s culinary heritage forms part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. He noted that while regional traditions remain strong, Italian producers invest significant sums in technological development, digital modernisation, and projects to improve sustainability and food safety. The ambassador said he sees substantial opportunities for Hungarian–Italian cooperation in the food sector, particularly thanks to Hungary gaining sea access through the Port of Trieste in Italy.SIRHA Budapest 2026 – Source: ICEThe Indonesian stand: A valued partnershipEqually warmly received — and of particular personal significance to us at Daily News Hungary — was the Indonesian presence at SIRHA Budapest 2026. The Indonesian stand reinforced a growing and productive partnership, and the conversations held there over the three days of the fair were among the most rewarding of the entire event. Sirha Budapest 2026: Indonesia pavilon. Photo: Daily News HungaryParticipating companies include:➢ PT. Cahaya Desa Ekspor (Vanilla)➢ PT. Adarasa Putra Jaya (Healthy drinks)➢ PT. Maxindo Karya Anugerah (Tropical snacks)➢ Java Spices/Archipelago Internasional (Spices)➢ PT. Mayora Indah (Kopiko products)➢ PT. Persatuone Komoditas Indonesia (Cocoa and Coffee)➢ Moorlife (Premium food containers)➢ Kara Coconut Milk (Represented by its Hungarian importer)Her Excellency Ambassador Herasati Penny visited the pavilion in person, highlighting the quality that the participating Indonesian companies have brought to the Hungarian market and underlining their ambition to grow here. The Ambassador also extended a warm invitation for media contributors to engage with and support these companies — an initiative we at Daily News Hungary are pleased to embrace. Indonesia’s food sector continues to develop its international footprint with confidence, and SIRHA Budapest proved a fitting venue to strengthen ties with European buyers, distributors, and media.Sirha Budapest 2026. Indonesian pavilon. Source: HungexpoThailand makes its debut — and leaves a markOne of the most energetic new presences at this year’s fair was undoubtedly the Thai Pavilion — Thailand’s first-ever participation in SIRHA Budapest, and a notable diplomatic and commercial achievement. The pavilion was a joint initiative of the Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest and the Thai Trade Center Budapest, uniting six leading Thai companies under one banner:Thai President Foods, Kuang Pei San Food Products, Yan Wal Yun, Revitaz, Thai Union Poland, and Lucky Union Foods-Euro.H.E. Mr. Phrommes Bhaholpolbhayuhasena, Thailand’s Ambassador to Hungary, presided over the pavilion’s opening ceremony on 3 March, setting the tone for three days of product sampling and live Thai cooking demonstrations that attracted both trade professionals and general visitors in equal measure.Sirha Budapest 2026: Thailand pavilon. Photo: Thailand Embassy in BudaperstThe feedback from the Thai exhibitors was striking in its consistency: the Hungarian — and broader Central European — market exceeded expectations. Yan Wal Yun, known for high-quality seasonings and sauces, found the fair an excellent platform for connecting with prospective regional clients. Revitaz, a sugar-free beverages and healthy snacks specialist, was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic reception from visitors of all age groups — Hungary was, for them, an entirely new market. Kuang Pei San Food Products observed that Hungarian consumers showed genuine openness to bold, spicy seafood flavours, and described the fair as a valuable window into the tastes and expectations of Central European shoppers.The evening of the opening day saw the Ambassador host a reception at the Royal Thai Embassy for the business delegation, attended by representatives of the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry alongside leading distributors and retailers of Asian food products in Hungary. The Ambassador’s message was clear: Thailand is ready to deepen its footprint in the Hungarian market and to use Budapest as a springboard into the wider Central European region.Competitions and professional spectacle at SIRHA BudapestThe fair’s competition calendar was as rich as ever. The inaugural Hungarian Pizza Championship — organised by the FUPI Hungarian Pizza Association under the watchful eyes of co-founders Gianni Annoni and Szabi a Pék — brought pizzaiolos from across the country to compete across four categories: Pizza Classica (won by Gombai Tamás), Pizza Napoletana (Babati Csaba), Pizza Romana (Bata László), and the dual-category Pizza a due (Hácz Tamás and Rosario Simeoli). The Italian presence on the judging panel gave the competition an authentic international flavour.The 20th edition of the Magyarország tortája (Hungary’s Cake) competition attracted a record 60-plus entries, with the first elimination round held at the fair. The mandatory ingredient this year was rögös túró (cottage cheese curd) combined with soured cream — a quintessentially Hungarian challenge. The winner will be announced, as tradition dictates, on 20 August.New this year was the Év mentes séfje (Free-From Chef of the Year) competition, in which every dish on the plate had to be free of gluten, sugar, and dairy, and also vegan — a demanding brief that drew some genuinely creative responses. Matus István took the title; Tanács Norbert received the sustainability prize and Balog Martin the creativity award.Sirha Budapest 2026. Source: HungexpoOn the main stage, T. Nagy Tamás Kft. delivered a tribute to the Lyon Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in collaboration with artists from the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME), combining ice sculpture, chocolate artistry, and modern dessert-making in a performance that blurred the line between kitchen craft and fine art.Looking AheadSIRHA Budapest continues to grow in both scale and ambition. The Hosted Buyer Programme was a welcome new addition, giving exhibitors structured access to international decision-makers actively sourcing new suppliers. The B2B matching sessions organised through HEPA and the European Enterprise Network were, as in previous years, a practical highlight for anyone with serious cross-border commercial intentions.The next edition is already in the diary: 7–9 March 2028, again at Hungexpo. If the trajectory of the past two years is any guide, it will be bigger, busier, and more international still. We will be there.FAQ: Sirha Budapest 2026What is Sirha Budapest?Sirha Budapest is Central Europe’s largest food industry and HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, catering) trade fair, bringing together producers, distributors, hospitality suppliers, and professional buyers alongside public-facing tastings and stage programmes.When and where did Sirha Budapest 2026 take place?Sirha Budapest 2026 ran 3–5 March 2026 at the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre in Budapest.How big was the event in 2026?The 2026 edition welcomed more than 27,000 visitors (around 5% up on 2024) and featured 420 exhibitors from 26 countries across three days.Who was the Guest Country in 2026, and what did it bring?Italy was the first-ever Guest Country in Sirha Budapest’s history. The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) presented a record 29 producers in a 448-square-metre area in Hall A, complemented by live demonstrations (including Neapolitan pizza) and professional tastings.What were the main highlights beyond the exhibitor stands?Key crowd-pullers included the inaugural Hungarian Pizza Championship, the 20th “Hungary’s Cake” (Magyarország tortája) competition’s first round, and the debut Free-From Chef of the Year contest (vegan and free of gluten, sugar, and dairy), alongside chef shows and B2B matchmaking programmes.If you missed it: Hungary on a plate: Hungarian stuffed cabbage – recipe, video --- ### Why Budapest is one of Europe’s top digital nomad cities URL: https://reportary.com/article/budapest-europe-digital-nomad-city Published: 2026-03-11 07:04:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Budapest, Expats in Hungary, Explainer, Hungary, digital nomad Over the past few years, Budapest has quietly become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for digital nomads. With its relatively low living costs, fast internet, vibrant culture and central European location, the Hungarian capital is increasingly appealing to remote workers looking for a Over the past few years, Budapest has quietly become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for digital nomads. With its relatively low living costs, fast internet, vibrant culture and central European location, the Hungarian capital is increasingly appealing to remote workers looking for a base in Europe.From historic cafés to modern co-working spaces, many remote professionals now see the city as a place where work and lifestyle can easily blend.What you can find belowAffordable living compared to Western EuropeFast internet and strong infrastructureA thriving café and co-working cultureCentral location for travelling across EuropeCulture, architecture and quality of lifeVisa options for remote workersGrowing popularity among remote workersBudapest as a digital nomad hub: Frequently asked questionsAffordable living compared to Western EuropeOne of the main reasons digital nomads are choosing Budapest is affordability. While prices have risen in recent years, the city remains significantly cheaper than many Western European capitals such as Paris, Amsterdam or Berlin.Rent, food and entertainment can be considerably lower, especially outside the most popular districts in central Budapest. For remote workers earning international salaries, this often allows for a comfortable lifestyle at a fraction of the cost they would face elsewhere in Europe.At the same time, the city still offers high-quality restaurants, cultural venues and nightlife.Fast internet and strong infrastructureReliable internet is essential for digital nomads, and Budapest performs well in this area. Hungary has one of the fastest average broadband speeds in Europe, and high-speed connections are widely available across the capital.Cafés, co-working spaces and apartments typically offer stable Wi-Fi, making it easy for remote workers to stay connected.Public transport also contributes to the city’s appeal. Operated by the Budapest Transport Centre, Budapest’s network of metro lines, trams and buses allows residents to move around the city quickly and affordably.Photo: depositphotos.comA thriving café and co-working cultureBudapest has long been known for its café culture, which now attracts remote workers looking for inspiring places to work.Historic venues such as the New York Café coexist with modern speciality coffee shops and shared workspaces across districts like the 5th, 6th and 7th.Several co-working hubs have also emerged in recent years, providing flexible offices, networking opportunities and events aimed at freelancers, start-up founders and remote employees.Central location for travelling across EuropeAnother major advantage of Budapest is its strategic location in Central Europe. The city offers convenient access to neighbouring countries and major European capitals.From Budapest, travellers can easily reach cities such as Vienna, Bratislava and Prague by train or bus, making weekend trips simple and affordable.Air connections from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport also link the Hungarian capital with dozens of destinations across Europe and beyond.For digital nomads who enjoy exploring while working remotely, this connectivity is a significant advantage.Culture, architecture and quality of lifeBudapest offers a unique atmosphere that blends historic charm with modern urban life. Landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath attract millions of visitors every year.Beyond sightseeing, the city provides a lively cultural scene with festivals, concerts, museums and galleries throughout the year.Thermal baths, riverside promenades along the Danube River and numerous parks also contribute to a high quality of life.Visa options for remote workersHungary has also introduced policies designed to attract remote professionals. The country offers a so-called “White Card” residence permit, allowing non-EU digital nomads to live and work remotely in Hungary for an extended period while employed by companies outside the country.Although the programme has specific eligibility requirements, it has helped place Budapest on the map among digital nomads considering Europe.Growing popularity among remote workersAs remote work becomes more common worldwide, cities that offer affordability, culture and good infrastructure are gaining popularity.Budapest increasingly checks all these boxes. With its mix of historic atmosphere, modern amenities and easy access to the rest of Europe, the Hungarian capital continues to attract freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote employees looking for their next base.For many digital nomads, Budapest offers the rare combination of European charm and practical affordability, making it one of the continent’s most appealing cities for working remotely.Budapest as a digital nomad hub: Frequently asked questionsCan digital nomads legally live in Budapest?Yes. Hungary offers a special residence permit known as the White Card, designed for non-EU citizens who work remotely for companies or clients outside Hungary. The permit allows eligible digital nomads to live in the country while continuing their remote employment.Is Budapest an affordable city for digital nomads?Compared with many Western European capitals, such as Paris or Amsterdam, Budapest is still relatively affordable. While rents have increased in recent years, many digital nomads find that housing, public transport, dining and entertainment remain cheaper than in most major cities in Western Europe.Is the internet fast and reliable in Budapest?Yes. Hungary has some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, and high-speed broadband is widely available in Budapest. Most apartments, cafés and co-working spaces offer stable Wi-Fi, which makes the city well-suited for remote work.Is Budapest a good base for travelling around Europe?Budapest’s central location makes it ideal for exploring the region. Cities such as Vienna, Bratislava and Prague can be reached within a few hours by train or bus, while flights from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport connect the Hungarian capital with destinations across Europe. --- ### Made in Europe vs. Made in China: EU’s new rules could challenge Hungary’s investment model URL: https://reportary.com/article/eu-made-in-europe-hungary-investment-model Published: 2026-03-09 07:04:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: European Union, Hungary, trade, china The European Union’s new economic policy initiative could challenge Hungary’s investment-driven growth model, as the proposal may give Brussels greater oversight of foreign investments in strategic industries. The European Union’s new economic policy initiative could challenge Hungary’s investment-driven growth model, as the proposal may give Brussels greater oversight of foreign investments in strategic industries.“Made in Europe” – new rules for strategic industriesThe European Commission is preparing a new industrial support regulation called the Industrial Accelerator Act, which could be presented by Stéphane Séjourné, the Commission’s Executive Vice-President responsible for industrial policy.According to the Commission, the main goal of the proposal is to strengthen Europe’s industrial base in the face of growing global competition, particularly from the United States and China. EU policymakers fear that Europe has become overly dependent on external suppliers in several key technologies, including batteries, green energy technologies and electric vehicles.The draft would therefore reinforce the “Made in Europe” principle, giving preference to European-made products in publicly funded projects and subsidy programmes.In practice, this could mean that projects receiving public funding would have to source a certain share of their components from European manufacturers.According to leaked drafts, the measures could affect several sectors, including battery production, the electric vehicle industry, steel and aluminium, as well as various clean-technology industries. The Commission hopes this would reduce Europe’s reliance on external suppliers in critical technologies.“If we do nothing, then very soon 100% of clean-tech production could end up in China. It is quite possible that our cement and steel industries will be completely offshored within a few years,” said Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.The proposal could also give Brussels a greater role in examining foreign investments in strategic sectors. As reported by the Hungarian outlet Portfolio, the Commission could in some cases take over the assessment from national authorities if a project has significant implications for the single market or for Europe’s economic security.For Hungary, this could prove particularly sensitive. In recent years, the government’s economic strategy has relied heavily on attracting large-scale foreign investments in precisely these sectors, many of which come from companies based outside the European Union.A key pillar of Hungary’s economic modelOver the past decade, a central pillar of Hungary’s economic policy has been attracting large industrial investments, particularly in sectors linked to the electric vehicle transition. As a result, several multinational companies have established major production facilities in the country.Among the largest recent projects are:the Chinese CATL battery plant in Debrecen, one of the largest industrial investments in Hungary’s historythe South Korean Samsung SDI battery plant in Göd and its expansionsthe SK On battery factories in Komárom and Iváncsaand the Chinese BYD electric vehicle plant currently under construction in SzegedThese projects represent multi-billion-euro investments and have received significant state support.If the European Commission gains broader authority to review foreign investments in strategic sectors, however, it could narrow the room for manoeuvre for member states in supporting such projects. In the long term, this could also influence the conditions under which similar industrial investments take place in Hungary.“We will exclude those who do not play by the rules or who pose a risk to our economic security,” Séjourné said.The debate is only beginningFor now, the proposal remains a draft and must still go through the EU’s legislative process. Both the member states and the European Parliament will have a say in shaping the final rules, meaning the proposal could still change significantly.What already appears clear, however, is that Brussels wants to play a more active role in regulating strategic industries and overseeing key technologies – a shift that could have important implications for Hungary, where large foreign-backed industrial investments have become a central element of economic policy.Chinese companies have also been expanding their presence in Hungary in other sectors: as we previously reported, e-commerce giant Temu has recently partnered with the Hungarian Post.Cover image: depositphotos.com --- ### Moody’s downgrades Budapest again URL: https://reportary.com/article/moodys-downgrades-budapest-again Published: 2026-03-07 09:54:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Budapest, Hungarian economy, Hungary, money, moody's Moody’s Ratings has downgraded the credit rating of Budapest, citing the deteriorating relationship between the Hungarian government and the capital as a key factor behind the decision. Moody’s Ratings has downgraded the credit rating of Budapest, citing the deteriorating relationship between the Hungarian government and the capital as a key factor behind the decision.The agency lowered the city’s long-term issuer rating for both domestic and foreign obligations from Ba1 to Ba2, placing Budapest further below investment grade. According to MTI, in Moody’s methodology, the Ba2 rating stands two notches below the lowest investment-grade level, which begins at Baa3. At the same time, the agency also reduced the city’s Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) from ba1 to ba2. Moody’s assigned a negative outlook to the new rating, signalling that further downgrades remain possible.If you ever feel lost in the Hungarian capital, here’s a Budapest metro map guide: Routes, stations, tickets and how to use the metro like a local.Tensions with government increase financial pressureAccording to Moody’s, tensions between the Hungarian government and the capital have intensified the liquidity pressures already affecting Budapest. The downgrade follows another cut issued in December, when the city’s rating was first pushed below investment grade. The rating agency noted that in January the government withdrew funds from the capital after the city failed to make the first instalment of its 2026 “solidarity contribution” payment, a fiscal transfer required from wealthier municipalities.This move, Moody’s said, worsened Budapest’s already fragile liquidity position. At the same time, stricter conditions attached to the city’s overdraft credit facility have increased refinancing risks. Although the capital recently secured a HUF 10 billion increase in its overdraft limit, this was intended only to bridge a short-term funding gap until local business tax revenues arrive in March.In case you missed it: Popular Budapest nightlife venue shut over alleged drug dealing, police and politicians clash.At least the debt is slowly decliningMoody’s also highlighted the growing burden of the solidarity contribution, which has risen significantly since its introduction in 2019 and remains a major structural pressure on the city’s finances. If Hungary’s Constitutional Court rules in favour of the government in an ongoing case, Budapest could also be required to pay previously withheld instalments.Despite these concerns, the agency acknowledged that the capital’s debt level has been steadily decreasing. Debt amounted to about 35% of operating revenues in 2024, compared with 71% in 2021, and is expected to fall further to around 30% by 2027.Featured image: depositphotos.com --- ### Putin will intervene in Hungary’s elections, meddlers coming to support Orbán, intelligence sources claim URL: https://reportary.com/article/putins-election-meddlers-support-orban Published: 2026-03-06 05:14:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: European Union, Hungarian government, Hungary, Russia, Viktor Orbán European security sources cited by investigative outlet VSquare say the Kremlin is preparing to intervene in Hungary’s 2026 parliamentary elections with the aim of helping Prime Minister Viktor Orbán remain in power. European security sources cited by investigative outlet VSquare say the Kremlin is preparing to intervene in Hungary’s 2026 parliamentary elections with the aim of helping Prime Minister Viktor Orbán remain in power. According to the report, Russian political operatives linked to the Kremlin’s influence operations could already be in the country or may soon arrive.The claims have not been independently verified, but the allegations have raised concerns among European intelligence partners monitoring foreign interference in democratic processes.Kremlin influence network allegedly targeting Hungarian electionsAccording to VSquare journalist Szabolcs Panyi, multiple European national security sources say the Kremlin has tasked a team of “political technologists” with influencing Hungary’s April 2026 election campaign.The operation is reportedly overseen by Sergei Kiriyenko, a senior Kremlin official and First Deputy Chief of Staff to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kiriyenko previously led the state nuclear company Rosatom and has become a key architect of Russia’s political influence strategies both at home and abroad.Sources cited by VSquare claim that Russian operatives specialising in social media manipulation could work from the Russian embassy in Budapest, possibly using diplomatic or service passports. Such status would grant them immunity from prosecution.According to the report, the alleged operation could involve a three-person team linked to the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency.Moldova seen as a testing groundKiriyenko’s network has previously been linked to influence operations during elections in Moldova. According to security sources cited by VSquare, tactics allegedly used there included vote-buying networks, coordinated online disinformation campaigns, and troll farms.The goal of those efforts was reportedly to undermine the pro-European leadership of Moldovan President Maia Sandu. While the operation did not fully achieve its objectives, the same blueprint could now be applied in Hungary, sources claim.European intelligence agencies across the European Union and NATO are said to be aware of the alleged plans and monitoring developments.Viktor Orbán and Maia Sandu. Photo: PrtScr/TwitterNew Kremlin directorate overseeing foreign political operationsVSquare also reports that Moscow recently reorganised the structures responsible for foreign political influence. In late 2025, the Kremlin established a new Presidential Directorate for Strategic Partnership and Cooperation.The body is reportedly led by Vadim Titov, a long-time associate of Kiriyenko who previously oversaw international networks at Rosatom.While the directorate formally focuses on post-Soviet countries, sources cited by VSquare say the Kremlin’s strategic thinking now places Hungary within the scope of these operations.Campaign tensions reported within ruling partySeparately, sources quoted in Hungarian media suggest that tensions are rising within Orbán’s governing party alliance as the campaign progresses.According to reports, some ruling party politicians are dissatisfied with the strategy led by Balázs Orbán (not family member of PM Viktor Orbán), the prime minister’s political director and the campaign chief for the 2026 elections. Critics reportedly accuse him of adopting campaign tactics inspired by Donald Trump, including cooperation with controversial celebrities and online personalities.Photo: Facebook/Orbán BalázsIt remains unclear whether the alleged Russian involvement would extend beyond information operations or what concrete cooperation, if any, might exist between Kremlin-linked actors and Hungarian campaign staff.Previous concerns about Russian presence in BudapestThe allegations are not new or come as a surprise: there was earlier reporting about Russian officials with intelligence backgrounds operating from diplomatic posts in Hungary.Hungary’s government has repeatedly rejected claims that it cooperates with Russian intelligence or propaganda networks. The Kremlin has also consistently denied accusations of interfering in foreign elections.European security officials, however, have increasingly warned that foreign influence operations, particularly those linked to Russia, are likely to intensify across the continent ahead of major elections. --- ### Budapest’s City Park received acclaimed international tourism award! URL: https://reportary.com/article/budapest-city-park-international-award Published: 2026-03-05 19:04:00 Language: English Categories: Travel Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: award, Budapest, competition, Hungary Budapest’s City Park has received a prestigious international recognition: the Liget Budapest Project has been awarded the title of “Best Creative and Sustainable Tourism District” at the Creative Tourism Awards ceremony in Barcelona. The honour is particularly significant as the jury selected Budapest’s City Park has received a prestigious international recognition: the Liget Budapest Project has been awarded the title of “Best Creative and Sustainable Tourism District” at the Creative Tourism Awards ceremony in Barcelona. The honour is particularly significant as the jury selected the winner from 223 applicants representing 28 countries.Where culture and nature meetAccording to the jury’s justification, the project stands out for its exemplary integration of cultural innovation, the renewal of green spaces, and the strengthening of community experiences. In City Park, historic institutions and contemporary architectural landmarks coexist in harmony, while the park’s green areas have also undergone major revitalisation.Thanks to the developments of recent years, several world-class cultural venues have opened in the area, including the House of Music Hungary and the Museum of Ethnography, both offering interactive exhibitions and a wide range of cultural programmes, writes Turizmus.com. In this category, the project competed with internationally renowned destinations such as Cannes and Easter Island.In case you need it, here is the Budapest metro map guide: Routes, stations, tickets and how to use the metro like a local.Vajdahunyad castle at the night with lake in Budapest, Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.comA record year for City ParkSince the launch of the Liget Budapest Project, 2025 has proved to be the most successful year for City Park. The combined number of visitors to the completed developments surpassed 14 million, marking a historic milestone. The Museum of Fine Arts alone has welcomed 3.8 million visitors since its reopening.This strong interest was largely driven by last year’s major exhibitions, including the showcase of China’s Terracotta Army and an exhibition exploring the mysterious life of the painter known as Master M. S. The Museum of Ethnography also attracted large audiences with its temporary exhibitions. The exhibition presenting Székely culture drew more than 1.5 million visitors.Are you in need of a shopping mall Budapest guide? Here are the best places for shops, restaurants and city convenience.One of Budapest’s key cultural attractionsThe House of Music Hungary has also become extremely popular in recent years. In addition to its permanent exhibition and frequent concerts, the 2025 LISTEN world music exhibition attracted significant attention, and a new exhibition dedicated to Freddie Mercury is set to open this spring. According to Benedek Gyorgyevics, CEO of Városliget Zrt., the latest international recognition, along with the many awards received in recent years, confirms that the project’s goals were carefully defined from the outset.Since 2014, the Creative Tourism Awards have recognised destinations and projects that place creativity at the centre of their tourism strategy while offering engaging experiences and contributing to the development of local communities. The award once again highlights that City Park has become not only one of Budapest’s most important cultural destinations, but also an increasingly prominent attraction on the international tourism map. --- ### Ukrainian bank staff detained in Hungary: Kyiv alleges “hostage-taking”, Budapest launches money-laundering probe URL: https://reportary.com/article/ukrainian-bank-staff-detained-hungary-money Published: 2026-03-06 11:14:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungarian government, Hungary, money, Ukraine, orbán, zelenskyy Hungarian counter-terrorism officers detained seven Ukrainian bank employees after stopping two armoured cash-transport vehicles on the M5 motorway on Thursday, triggering a diplomatic row between Budapest and Kyiv. Hungarian counter-terrorism officers detained seven Ukrainian bank employees after stopping two armoured cash-transport vehicles on the M5 motorway on Thursday, triggering a diplomatic row between Budapest and Kyiv.According to a report from Telex, members of Hungary’s Counter-Terrorism Centre (TEK) carried out a raid at a petrol station along the motorway, targeting two Ukrainian-registered cash-in-transit vehicles. Witnesses said officers dressed in black forced the passengers out of the vehicles and onto the ground before taking them into custody.The convoy later headed towards Budapest. Hungarian police and TEK did not initially comment on the reasons behind the operation.However, Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) later confirmed that the seven Ukrainian nationals had been detained on suspicion of money laundering.Kyiv accuses Hungary of “hostage-taking”Ukraine reacted sharply to the incident. In a statement published early Friday, the Ukrainian Embassy in Budapest cited Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, saying Hungarian authorities had “effectively taken seven Ukrainian citizens hostage”.The embassy said the detainees were employees of Ukraine’s state savings bank, Oschadbank, who were transporting cash as part of a regular interbank service between the Ukrainian institution and Raiffeisen Bank International in Austria.Ukrainian officials claimed the vehicles were conducting an official transit operation between Austria and Ukraine and that the shipment complied with international transport and customs rules.Kyiv accused Hungary of unlawfully detaining the staff and seizing the cargo. Ukrainian authorities said they had already sent a diplomatic note demanding the immediate release of the seven citizens and clarification regarding their detention.The Ukrainian government also indicated it would turn to the European Union to seek a legal assessment of Hungary’s actions.Shortly after 10 AM on Friday, Sybiha posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Ukrainian consuls have still not been permitted access to seven Ukrainian citizens taken hostage in Budapest. The Hungarian side has not provided any explanation. We demand their immediate release and prepare next actions, including at the EU level”.Millions in cash and gold reportedly seizedAccording to the Ukrainian side, the convoy was carrying large quantities of assets: USD 40 million, EUR 35 million, and nine kilograms of gold.Oschadbank said GPS data showed that the intercepted vehicles were currently located in central Budapest near a Hungarian security facility. The bank added that the whereabouts of the detained employees remained unknown.The shipment, the bank said, was part of an international agreement with Raiffeisen Bank International and had been prepared in accordance with European customs procedures.Hungary raises questions about huge cash transfersHungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said the government was demanding explanations from Ukraine over what he described as “astonishing amounts of cash” being transported through Hungary in recent months.According to the minister, Ukrainian convoys have moved around USD 900 million and EUR 420 million in cash across Hungary since January, along with 146 kilograms of gold.Szijjártó questioned why such large sums were transported physically instead of being transferred electronically between banks.He also claimed that some individuals accompanying the shipments had links to Ukrainian intelligence services and raised the possibility that the money could be connected to what he described as a “Ukrainian wartime mafia”.Hungarian authorities, he said, would conduct a thorough investigation until Ukraine provides clear answers about the origin and purpose of the funds.If you missed it:Did Zelensky just threaten Viktor Orbán with the Ukrainian armed forces?Investigation ongoingHungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration confirmed that the seven Ukrainian nationals were taken into custody as part of a criminal investigation into suspected money laundering. Authorities also said one of the detainees is a former intelligence general.Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com --- ### Zelenskyy’s Gift to Orbán URL: https://reportary.com/article/zelenskyys-gift-to-orban Published: 2026-03-05 17:55:00 Language: English Categories: Geopolitics Author: Levente Nagy-Pál Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: ukraine, hungary, zelenskyy, viktor orbán, russia, war, oil, druzhba pipeline A Russian attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline on January 27 briefly halted oil deliveries to Hungary. In Budapest, the incident quickly became more than an energy crisis. As Viktor Orbán faces his toughest election in years, the war in Ukraine is rapidly turning into the central battlefield of Hungar Central Europe has spent four years living in the shadow of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Missiles fall hundreds of kilometers away from EU borders, energy infrastructure is repeatedly targeted, and the political consequences ripple across the continent. But nowhere inside the European Union has the war’s political impact been as visible as in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has gradually turned the conflict into the central axis of domestic political messaging.The latest turning point came on January 27, 2026, when a Russian attack damaged infrastructure connected to the Druzhba (Friendship) oil pipeline in western Ukraine, forcing a temporary halt in crude oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia. For Budapest, the incident was more than a technical disruption. The Druzhba pipeline remains the backbone of Hungary’s oil supply, delivering a significant share of the crude processed by the country’s refineries. When the flow stopped, it instantly reminded policymakers and the public alike of Hungary’s structural vulnerability: its energy system is still deeply tied to Russian infrastructure. But the pipeline incident also landed at an unusually sensitive political moment. Hungary is entering a tense electoral cycle in which the governing Fidesz party faces its most serious challenger in more than a decade. The rise of the Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, has reshaped the domestic political landscape and created an environment in which every geopolitical shock carries immediate electoral consequences.A shifting political balanceFor years, Viktor Orbán’s political dominance seemed unassailable. Since returning to power in 2010, his party has built a political system that combines strong central control, a powerful media ecosystem, and a narrative centered on national sovereignty. Elections were competitive in formal terms, but the governing party consistently maintained a comfortable advantage.That equilibrium began to change in 2024 and 2025 with the emergence of the Tisza Party, a new political force drawing support from disillusioned conservative voters, urban middle classes, and younger Hungarians frustrated with corruption scandals and economic stagnation. Led by former government insider Péter Magyar, the party has positioned itself as a reformist alternative to the Orbán system rather than a traditional opposition movement. Recent polling suggests the race has tightened dramatically. Several Hungarian polling institutes have reported that the Tisza Party is either tied with or slightly ahead of Fidesz, with support levels in the range of roughly 45-55% percent for Tisza and 37-45 percent for Fidesz, depending on methodology and turnout assumptions. Even when Fidesz remains competitive among likely voters, the psychological shift is undeniable: for the first time in more than a decade, Orbán faces a challenger capable of threatening his parliamentary majority. In such an environment, political messaging becomes decisive. And Orbán has returned to a theme that has repeatedly served him well: security.The politics of fearThe Hungarian government’s communication strategy in recent months has increasingly framed the war in Ukraine as a direct threat to Hungary’s stability. Official messaging emphasizes three interconnected risks: energy insecurity, economic instability, and the possibility that the conflict could spread beyond Ukraine’s borders. The Druzhba pipeline incident fits neatly into this narrative. By demonstrating how easily energy flows can be disrupted, the attack reinforced the government’s argument that Hungary’s interests lie in avoiding deeper involvement in the conflict. The government’s media ecosystem quickly highlighted the vulnerability exposed by the disruption, presenting it as evidence that the war is already affecting Hungarian citizens. At the same time, the tone of government rhetoric toward Ukraine has hardened significantly. Orbán has repeatedly criticized Kyiv’s leadership, accusing it of prolonging the war and disregarding the economic consequences for Europe. In domestic messaging, Hungary is increasingly portrayed as a country caught between two external forces: Russian military aggression and Ukrainian political pressure.This framing serves a clear political purpose. When voters perceive external threats, they tend to rally around leaders who promise stability and protection. In political science, the phenomenon is often described as a “rally around the flag” effect, and Orbán’s communication strategy appears designed to trigger precisely that response.Advertisement of the Hungarian government during the 2025 campaign. The text reads: “Let’s not let Zelenskyy have the last laugh.” Source: kormany.huA strategic misstep in KyivInto this already tense atmosphere came a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that may prove to be a significant political gift for the Hungarian government. In a remark addressing the ongoing debate over European financial support for Ukraine, Zelenskyy expressed hope that no single EU leader would block the proposed €90 billion support package. He added that if someone were to obstruct the funding, Ukrainian soldiers could “call that person and speak to them in their own language.”In the context of wartime rhetoric, the statement may have been intended as a metaphorical expression of frustration. But in Hungary’s political environment, it landed very differently. Government-aligned media immediately interpreted the comment as a veiled threat toward Budapest, given Hungary’s repeated resistance to certain EU funding mechanisms for Ukraine. From a strategic perspective, the remark may represent a serious communication error. Orbán’s political narrative relies heavily on portraying Hungary as a target of external pressure. By appearing to single out a European leader who might block funding, Zelenskyy inadvertently reinforced precisely that narrative. In political terms, the effect is powerful. Orbán can now present himself not only as a defender of Hungarian sovereignty against Brussels, but also as a leader standing up to pressure from Kyiv. Beyond rhetoric, the Hungarian government has also increasingly emphasized visible security measures. Military patrols protecting critical infrastructure have become more common, and armed forces units have appeared more frequently in civilian areas, particularly near energy facilities and transport hubs. While these deployments are officially described as precautionary security measures, their visual impact should not be underestimated. The presence of soldiers and armored vehicles in everyday settings reinforces the perception that the country is facing a serious external threat. For voters, images can be as powerful as policy. The sight of uniformed soldiers guarding infrastructure conveys a simple message: the government is actively protecting the nation.Behind the immediate political drama lies a deeper structural reality: Hungary remains heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies. Despite European efforts to diversify away from Russian oil and gas, the Druzhba pipeline continues to play a critical role in Hungary’s energy system. Moscow has repeatedly signaled that energy deliveries depend not only on infrastructure but also on political relations. This dynamic creates a subtle but powerful form of geopolitical leverage. As long as Russian oil continues flowing through Druzhba, the Hungarian government can argue that maintaining pragmatic relations with Moscow serves national interests. For Orbán, this position allows him to present himself as a pragmatic realist in contrast to what he portrays as the ideological approach of other European leaders.An election shaped by geopoliticsAs Hungary approaches its next election, the interplay between war, energy security, and domestic politics is likely to intensify. The emergence of the Tisza Party has introduced real electoral competition into a political system that long seemed stable. But geopolitical crises often reshape electoral dynamics in unpredictable ways. If Hungarian voters begin to feel that their country faces direct external pressure or security risks, the advantage may shift toward the incumbent government. Orbán’s political strategy appears to assume exactly that. The paradox is that the war itself is not happening in Hungary. Yet its political consequences may prove decisive in determining the country’s future leadership.In modern European politics, wars are rarely fought only on battlefields. They are also fought in narratives, in economic systems, and in the minds of voters. Hungary may soon become one of the clearest examples of how those battles unfold. --- ### Putin releases two Hungarian prisoners of war in Moscow and makes crucial promise to Hungary URL: https://reportary.com/article/putin-hungarian-pows-crucial-promise-energy Published: 2026-03-04 18:54:00 Language: English Categories: Geopolitics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungary, Russia, visit, war in Ukraine Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has approved the release of two Hungarian prisoners of war from Transcarpathia following talks in Moscow on Wednesday with Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has approved the release of two Hungarian prisoners of war from Transcarpathia following talks in Moscow on Wednesday with Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.Forcibly conscripted Hungarians from TranscarpathiaMr Szijjártó raised the issue and requested the freeing of Hungarian citizens held captive by Russian forces. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Vladimir Putin said that during their telephone conversation the previous day, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had raised this issue, as well, and requested the release of Hungarian citizens held captive by Russian forces.Photo: FB/Szijjártó“These are citizens who hold both Ukrainian and Hungarian passports. They were forcibly conscripted and sent to the front, and we have decided to allow two of them to return with them on the aircraft they arrived in and on which they will fly home,” he announced.PrtScr/M1 Hungarian public broadcasterFM Szijjártó, who also held discussions to secure Hungary’s energy security, highlighted that numerous ethnic Hungarians from Transcarpathia have been compulsorily drafted in Ukraine. Many have been killed, others have gone missing, and some remain in Russian captivity.Putin’s promise concerning energy deliveriesHungary has received guarantees that Russia will deliver the natural gas and crude oil required for the nation’s supply at unaltered prices, notwithstanding the ongoing international energy crisis, Péter Szijjártó, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, confirmed in Moscow on Wednesday.“We also agreed that, should the delivery routes become untenable for various reasons, we would always seek alternative solutions. For instance, if the pipeline oil shipments continue to encounter difficulties, we would consider maritime transport options,” he confirmed. Szijjártó said that without Russian oil and gas deliveries, energy prices would skyrocket.Peskov: Hungary blackmailed by the Kyiv governmentThe Kremlin on Wednesday said Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss the situation surrounding the Druzhba oil pipeline with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Moscow, the Turkish Anadolu News Agency wrote. In remarks to journalists during a press briefing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin will receive Szijjártó, who arrived in Moscow on a working visit, later Wednesday.“You know that there are buyers of our oil, like Hungary and Slovakia, who are currently facing blackmail from the Kyiv government. This blackmail is related to the deliberate blocking of supplies through the Druzhba pipeline,” Peskov said.Orbán and Putin talked via phoneThe remarks come a day after Putin held a phone call with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline were disrupted after a 27 January incident blamed on Russia by Kyiv, while Budapest and Bratislava accused Ukraine of intentionally blocking the pipeline’s restart to gain political leverage. After shipments via the pipeline were halted, Hungary and Slovakia decided to suspend diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine in response.If you missed our previous articles concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine: Hungarian FM Szijjártó flew unexpectedly to Moscow for the Hungarian POWsZelensky: Orbán could lose the April elections, after which full relations could be restored – here is Orbán’s harsh reply --- ### Popular Budapest nightlife venue shut over alleged drug dealing, police and politicians clash URL: https://reportary.com/article/budapest-nightlife-venue-shut-drug Published: 2026-03-05 08:34:00 Language: English Categories: Culture Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Budapest, drugs/medications, Hungarian government, Hungarian police, Hungary, Police One of Budapest’s best-known independent cultural hubs has been forced to close its doors for 30 days after police cited suspected drug trafficking on the premises. The case triggered a heated debate about collective punishment, nightlife safety and the future of the capital’s cultural scene. One of Budapest’s best-known independent cultural hubs has been forced to close its doors for 30 days after police cited suspected drug trafficking on the premises. The case triggered a heated debate about collective punishment, nightlife safety and the future of the capital’s cultural scene.Police order temporary closureThe Turbina Cultural Centre (Turbina Kulturális Központ), located in the city’s 8th district, announced that it had been temporarily shut down due to what authorities described as criminal activity linked to drug dealing, Telex, among others, reported.A notice placed on the door by the Budapest Police Headquarters stated that the measure was taken on suspicion of narcotics trafficking.According to the police, criminal intelligence suggested that drugs had been sold at the venue for months. Investigators claim guests purchased marijuana, amphetamine powder and ecstasy tablets from a 34-year-old Tunisian national and consumed the substances inside the club. Several drug users were questioned, and an arrest warrant was issued for the suspected dealer on 26 February.Arrest warrant against the Tunisian national. Screenshot: police.huVenue disputes allegationsTurbina strongly contests the decision. In a statement, the management said the site had been monitored for weeks in February as part of an undercover police operation, during which no violations were found and no action was taken.They claim officers even praised the venue’s professional security and operations at the time.Instead, the closure is reportedly based on a later testimony connected to a 2025 procedure, in which someone alleged they had bought illegal substances linked to Turbina – though, the venue stresses, not inside the club itself.Management argues that the legal environment places “disproportionate responsibility on cultural spaces for a complex social issue” and warns that shutting down such venues harms communities rather than tackling dealers. The centre employs more than 100 staff and has asked supporters to help it survive financially during the enforced break.CrackdownThe move follows Hungary’s stricter anti-drug legislation adopted last year, which allows authorities to close businesses for up to a year if they are connected in any way to drug distribution or consumption.In recent months, police have carried out large-scale raids at nightlife venues across the capital. Earlier this year, clubs including Symbol Budapest and Arzenál Budapest were also temporarily shut under similar measures. Demonstrators gathered at Kossuth Square last weekend to protest what they see as heavy-handed enforcement.Political backlashThe closure has drawn criticism from opposition figures. Municipal politician Dávid Vitézy argued that shutting venues punishes young people, workers and legitimate businesses rather than traffickers, who simply relocate.“This kind of collective punishment is unacceptable in a well-functioning country,” he wrote on social media, comparing the measure to “closing Parliament for two months to fight corruption”.Vitézy warned that targeting nightlife risks undermining Budapest’s cultural vitality and tourism appeal, calling on the government to focus on prosecuting actual offenders instead of what he described as symbolic actions.If you missed it:Popular Budapest venue shut down after drugs raid and violent incident --- ### Thousands of Hungarians in danger – repatriation flights on their way URL: https://reportary.com/article/first-repatriation-flight-has-taken-off Published: 2026-03-04 09:06:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungary, Middle East, US-Iran conflict, war, war in iran, iran, uae, tourism The first repatriation flight that will bring home Hungarian citizens stranded in the Middle East because of the war has left for Jordan, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in a video posted on Facebook on Wednesday. The first repatriation flight that will bring home Hungarian citizens stranded in the Middle East because of the war has left for Jordan, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in a video posted on Facebook on Wednesday.First repatriation flight on its wayThe aircraft will bring home 87 people, including 83 Hungarians, two Romanians, one Slovak and a Columbian citizen, Szijjártó said.“They will basically be passengers who had been staying in Israel. There is a full airspace closure in Israel so Israel can only be left by land. We assisted a group of 51 pilgrims to leave Israel by land for Jordan, and in addition, we are bringing home thirty-something people from Jordan today,” he added.Illustration. Students from across Italy, who were stranded in Dubai due to the US-Israeli attack on Iran that prompted Tehran’s subsequent military response, reunite with their families at Milan Malpensa Airport in Milan, Italy. Photo: Andrea Carrubba/AnadoluMore flights to bring home Hungarian tourists, citizensSzijjártó said the repatriation flight will take off again on Thursday, to bring home Hungarians from Amman, Jordan.“On Friday, Sharm El-Sheikh will follow, as those stranded in Israel due to the airspace closure can leave the country by land towards Jordan or Egypt. We can bring them home this week, and then Wizz Air will increase its Sharm El-Sheikh flights to ten per week, so it will be possible to return home from there on a scheduled flight,” he said.A Wizz Air plane in Italy. Photo: depositphotos.com“I am constantly in touch with my counterparts in the region in order to assist as many Hungarians as possible. Unfortunately, airspace closures make it impossible for Hungarians to return home in several places for the time being. Our embassies continue to operate at full capacity, and our consular departments are at your disposal,” Szijjártó said.Hungary consults with UAE, Jordan counterparts on repatriation of Hungarians stuck in Middle EastSzijjártó held phone talks with his counterparts in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan late on Tuesday to discuss the escalating crisis in the Middle East and the repatriation of Hungarians stranded in the region.Following his call with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Szijjártó said the situation in the Middle East remained severe, with Iran continuing to launch drone, ballistic missile, and cruise missile strikes on Arab states, forcing most airspaces to stay closed.Photo: FB/Szijjártó“I just spoke again with the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, as more than 4,000 Hungarians remain in Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” Szijjártó said, according to a ministry statement. “My counterpart confirmed that due to ongoing attacks on their airports, their airspaces are reopening only slowly and with strict limitations.”“This is also evident from the fact that today’s FlyDubai flight to Budapest, scheduled for 1pm, still hasn’t departed and may only leave around 2am, if all goes well,” he said.Thousands of stranded HungariansSzijjártó added that his UAE counterpart had assured him that the authorities are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of Hungarians stranded in the Emirates.Szijjártó said he had also spoken with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, whose country, he noted, had helped many Hungarians cross from Israel via land borders.“Those we assisted into Jordan will be flown home on Wednesday and Thursday with special flights from Amman,” he said.He confirmed that the Jordanian authorities are providing full support for these flights. He added that Hungarians who had crossed into Egypt from Israel will be brought home on a repatriation flight from Sharm El Sheikh on Friday, with Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air also ready to increase flights from there.“Unfortunately, closed airspaces continue to hinder returns,” Szijjártó said. “I remain in constant contact with my Arab counterparts, and as soon as airspace becomes accessible, we will assist everyone in returning home as quickly as possible.”If you missed:Thousands of Hungarians stranded in the UAE amid escalating Middle East tensionsIt’s looking grim: a massive new crisis looms, and Hungary could be among the biggest losers --- ### More than 50 years since humans last walked on the Moon – why has NASA stepped back again? URL: https://reportary.com/article/nasa-steps-back-artemis-moon-mission Published: 2026-03-04 07:04:00 Language: English Categories: Science Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: science, space, nasa, usa, space program, artemis NASA has announced an unexpected shift in its Artemis programme, with the previously pivotal Artemis III mission no longer set to carry astronauts to the lunar surface. NASA has announced an unexpected shift in its Artemis programme, with the previously pivotal Artemis III mission no longer set to carry astronauts to the lunar surface.The decision was outlined by NASA’s newly confirmed administrator, Jared Isaacman, who said the ultimate goal — returning humans to the Moon — remains unchanged, but the timetable had to be aligned with the programme’s real technical readiness. In recent months the effort has been dogged by delays and technical issues, while professional criticism of the mission has also intensified.Shortly before the announcement, an independent space safety panel described the original Artemis III concept as particularly risky. According to the report, the mission’s objectives were too ambitious relative to the current level of readiness, and it urged a reassessment of the programme.NASA illustration of Artemis astronauts working on the Moon. Image: NASAIsaacman indicated that NASA will return to the proven logic of the Apollo era, advancing through smaller, sequential steps and incorporating lessons from each preceding flight. As he put it, the agency needs to “get back to basics”.The last time humans visited the Moon was in December 1972 during the Apollo 17 mission. NASA astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt walked on the surface, while their crewmate Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit. Cernan was the last person to leave the Moon — and no human has returned since.Fresh technical issues before launchUncertainty around the programme largely stems from a string of technical problems. Engineers most recently identified a helium flow anomaly in the upper stage of the Space Launch System rocket, prompting further checks, but this was not the first warning sign. In February, a hydrogen leak forced the cancellation of a launch attempt, reinforcing concerns that the system is not yet fully mature.The setback also affects the schedule of the Artemis II mission. The four-astronaut lunar flyby, originally planned for early March, is now expected to launch no earlier than early April.If the mission proceeds as planned, the crew will spend roughly ten days in lunar orbit. The flight represents a critical dress rehearsal: astronauts will travel farther from Earth than the Apollo 13 crew did in 1970, providing valuable data for future deep-space missions.NASA: Next Moon landing no earlier than 2028Isaacman also stressed that despite the strategic adjustment, the end goal remains unchanged. NASA still intends to land humans on the Moon, but will now proceed through additional intermediate steps to reduce risk. Artemis III will primarily serve as a technology and flight experience mission for the new systems.Under the revised plan, the mission will no longer head towards the Moon but instead conduct complex system tests in low Earth orbit, allowing NASA to gather further flight experience ahead of a crewed landing attempt.If the updated schedule holds, the first new US crewed lunar landing could fall to Artemis IV, no earlier than 2028. The target remains the Moon’s south polar region, considered crucial for future lunar base development.According to NASA leadership, the more cautious approach may slow the programme in the near term but ultimately increases the chances of a sustainable human return to the Moon.The shift also comes amid growing momentum in Hungary’s own space sector, highlighted by the upcoming Space Summit 2026, which we covered earlier.Cover photo: NASA/Joel Kowsky --- ### Hungarians stuck in the UAE unable to foot Dubai hotel bills – hoteliers know nothing about state promise URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-tourists-dubai-hotel-costs-promise Published: 2026-03-02 14:24:00 Language: English Categories: Travel Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: hotel, Hungary, money, United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó hailed a lifeline from the UAE yesterday, claiming their counterpart had pledged state support for all tourists—including Hungarians—stranded by Iranian attacks. Yet reports from the ground paint a far grimmer picture: Dubai hoteliers keep telling to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó hailed a lifeline from the UAE yesterday, claiming their counterpart had pledged state support for all tourists—including Hungarians—stranded by Iranian attacks. Yet reports from the ground paint a far grimmer picture: Dubai hoteliers keep telling to Hungarian touritsts that no such official word has reached them, leaving thousands of our compatrits to cough up for every sun lounger and snack.Dubai hotels demand cash from stuck Hungarian touristsAccording to Szeretlek Magyarország, Hungarian families in the UAE were blindsided when hotel staff insisted on advance payment for rooms and meals—precisely what the promised state aid was meant to cover. Drawing from Facebook groups buzzing with frustration, the site reveals hotel owners have seen no government directive on reimbursements.Managers advised guests to settle up now and claim back later from the state; others in the “Ask About Dubai” (“Kérdezz Dubajról”) group were bluntly told the promise was “fake news”. Some, desperate, have ditched their hotels for cheaper digs.Meanwhile, The National reported on a circular from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi). It urges accommodation providers to extend tourists’ stays “until they are able to depart”—with all costs kindly covered by the authority itself.Dubai hoteliers say they have not officially heard about DCT Abu Dhabi’s kind promise. Photo: depositphotos.comAbu Dhabi plays the gracious hostContrast this with Abu Dhabi, where Hungarians report seamless, gratis extensions—no quibbles, no queues.Official figures show 5,059 Hungarians registered for consular protection, 2,167 of them in the UAE. Authorities urge everyone to stay put: flights are grounded, and land borders snarl with endless lines. Chat groups now swap tips on local bargains instead.Homeward bound? Don’t hold your breathReturn flights remain a pipe dream, with Iranian missiles and drones shuttering airspace across the region. Even budget carrier Wizz Air has warned of no services until at least 7 March. President Trump pegs Iran’s “campaign” at three to four weeks—ruling out any swift ceasefire for civilian jets.People are afraid of Iranian drones and missiles. Photo: Mostafa Alkharouf/AnadoluThe no-fly zone blankets Iran, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain. Nearest escapes? Oman or Saudi Arabia, where tickets cost six or seven times the norm.From airport pandemonium to patchy aidOne passenger recounted the post-28 February US-Israeli strike chaos: some airports rallied with water and food handouts, while others descended into utter mayhem and bewilderment.If you missed:What can Hungarians stuck in the Middle East do now? FM Szijjártó shared updates – photosFuel prices in Hungary could rise by this much within days --- ### MOL CEO Hernádi: No damage to Druzhba pipeline, diesel shortage expected; Zelensky: give something for crude delivery restart URL: https://reportary.com/article/zsolt-hernadi-no-damage-to-druzhba-pipeline Published: 2026-03-03 09:44:00 Language: English Categories: Energy & Resources Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungary, MOL, Russia, Viktor Orbán, war in Ukraine, ukraine Zsolt Hernádi, the chairman-CEO of Hungarian oil and gas company MOL, said there was no damage to the Druzhba pipeline in an interview with commercial broadcaster ATV late Monday. Zsolt Hernádi, the chairman-CEO of Hungarian oil and gas company MOL, said there was no damage to the Druzhba pipeline in an interview with commercial broadcaster ATV late Monday.No damage to Druzhba pipeline, says MOL CEO“We can say, in good conscience, that there was no damage to the Druzhba pipeline itself,” Hernádi said. After the outbreak of a fire following a strike, he said the Ukrainians had delivered 35,000 tonnes of crude to MOL to mitigate the problem. “At that time, there was no problem with the pipeline,” he added.The Ukrainians told MOL deliveries through the pipeline would restart after the fire was extinguished, in 2-3 days, Hernádi said. When deliveries did not restart, the Ukrainians told MOL it was because a decision had not been taken, he added.“Not taking a decision is difficult to call a technical problem,” he said. Talks with the Ukrainians, who say work is still underway, are ongoing, he added.Photo: FB/Balázs OrbánCrude, diesel, gas prices will increase, diesel shortage expectedHernádi said most tankers were waiting out the situation at the Strait of Hormuz, and pointed to an immediate increase in crude, diesel and gas prices, but added that the global market impact of the delivery choke point was still “impossible to predict”.Asked about potential supply problems on the local market, Hernádi said the interruption of crude supplies through the Druzhba had exacerbated risks. He added that there was a diesel shortage in Central Europe at present, with imports meeting about one-third of demand.Earlier, much of Europe’s diesel would have come from Russia, but that source of supply was phased out due to sanctions policies from the start of 2025, he said. “Those policies weren’t thought through very well,” he added.Oil blockade ‘political blackmail’ by Ukraine president, says PM Orbán“The Ukrainian oil blockade is political blackmail by President [Volodymyr] Zelensky aimed to help [Hungary’s] Tisza Party to power,” the prime minister said on Facebook on Tuesday.“Hungary will not stay passive. We will break the oil blockade and protect Hungary’s energy supplies,” Viktor Orbán said. In his post, Orbán shared recent remarks by national energy company Mol chief Zsolt Hernádi, who said that the Druzhba oil pipeline “itself” had not been damaged.Hernádi said he had been informed earlier that a fire would be extinguished and the pipeline would restart in two or three days, but then “the Ukrainian side told me that there was no decision as yet to restart the pipeline … which is not easy to see as a technical problem.”Zelensky’s reply: satellite images cannot show realityYesterday, Orbán released satellite images showing that the attacked pumping station on the Druzhba pipeline has been repaired and is no longer damaged. However, Zelensky continues to pressure Hungary and is blocking crude oil deliveries to Slovakia and Hungary.Satellites can pick out the technical tanks—one large tank, split in two, which is what can be seen. The control centre cannot be seen from space. The pipeline lies underground. How on earth could Orbán see what’s happening with the pipe beneath the surface? I’m surprised by that, though anything is possible,” Zelenskyy noted in a reply to Orbán’s satellite images.According to the Hungarian News Agency, Zelensky suggested that he would allow oil transit again if Ukraine received something from Hungary and Slovakia—for example, if they dropped their veto on Ukraine’s financing or EU accession. Otherwise, he said, he had no intention of feeding the Russian war machine with more money that Moscow obtains from crude deliveries.He also said that nobody in Hungary or Slovakia had ever thanked Ukrainians for maintaining the pipeline despite the Russian attacks.If you missed:Péter Magyar urges PM Orbán to inspect the state of the Druzhba oil pipeline together in Ukraine – here’s Orbán’s responseIran conflict: latest updates, background and Hungary-related developments🔄 --- ### Bans Don't Raise Responsible Teens URL: https://reportary.com/article/bans-dont-raise-responsible-teens Published: 2026-03-02 13:08:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Spain Tags: energy drinks, parenting, spain, european union, youth, free market, regulation Banning energy drinks won’t make teenagers responsible. Education will. Spain faces a choice between prohibition and preparing young people to think for themselves. A few months ago, I moved to Spain from a country that tends to treat its citizens as children. Throughout my whole life, the government has always wanted to protect me and my fellow citizens from every “harm”, and people have long learned how to navigate under the circumstances. I came to Spain with the belief that it would be a country more open to educating the public rather than introducing blanket bans. I had to find out that policy-makers are no different here. The country’s plan to ban energy drinks for under‑16s is a classic case of “do something, look tough, change little.” It treats teenagers as problems to be managed rather than citizens in training.As a former teacher and a father of 5 children, I have learned that commanding and ordering teens around is easier than teaching them to be critical. But in the long run, it does not pay off. At 14 or 15, young people are already making real choices about what they consume, how they sleep, and how they perform at school and in sports. A ban doesn’t suddenly make those choices disappear; it just pushes them out of sight. Instead of buying an energy drink on the way to school, they’ll get an older friend to do it, or drink it at home. The behavior moves, the habit stays.Yes, energy drinks are caffeinated, often sugary beverages that can be overused, but so can coffee, cola, or screens. When governments lump everything into the “public sins” basket, teenagers quickly learn to tune out. If you exaggerate the risk of energy drinks, why should they trust you when you talk about something genuinely dangerous?My experience shows that education is slower and less glamorous than a ban, but it works better. Give teenagers clear information about caffeine, sleep, and stress, show them how to read a label, involve parents and schools, and many will adjust their behavior on their own. That’s how responsibility is formed: not by eliminating every risk, but by learning to navigate them.There’s also a deeper cost to prohibition. A society built on bans becomes a society afraid of choice. Every time the state steps in with “you can’t handle this,” it lowers the expectation that individuals should think for themselves. Today it’s energy drinks, tomorrow it’s something else, and the circle of “allowed” choices keeps shrinking.I genuinely believe that Spain has better options. It could introduce simple, prominent labeling for caffeine and sugar. You can have school-based programs on sleep, nutrition, and stimulants. And maybe communities can invest in sports and after-school activities that make the “quick fix in a can” less attractive.I know that those paths are harder to sell at a press conference, but they do something a ban never will: they raise the level of understanding. Taking cans off shelves is easy. Helping young people develop judgment is harder. If we care about the kind of citizens we’re raising, the goal shouldn’t be fewer visible cans of energy drinks. There should be more young people who can explain why they choose to put one back. --- ### Budapest as you’ve never seen it: new film album brings the city’s lost past to life! URL: https://reportary.com/article/budapest-filmbox-history-past Published: 2026-03-01 08:14:00 Language: English Categories: Culture Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Budapest, Hungary, Video, movie, documentary A remarkable new hybrid publication is offering a fresh perspective on Budapest, combining the tactile experience of a book with the immersive power of film. Short movies start automatically on a built-in screen, guiding viewers through vanished or dramatically transformed districts of the Hungarian A remarkable new hybrid publication is offering a fresh perspective on Budapest, combining the tactile experience of a book with the immersive power of film. Short movies start automatically on a built-in screen, guiding viewers through vanished or dramatically transformed districts of the Hungarian capital.The project features 25 short films, each between two and four minutes long, created from more than 700 archive photographs, most of them sourced from the renowned Fortepan collection. Rather than relying on artificial intelligence, the team at Animatiqua Studio painstakingly animated every image by hand to bring the past to life. The films were directed by András Kondacs, with narration by Gabriella Hámori in Hungarian and Rebecka Johnston in English.A book that turns into cinemaTitled Budapest Filmbox, the unusual release sits somewhere between digital media and traditional publishing. At first glance, it looks like a book, but once opened, it transforms into a miniature cinema. The embedded screen automatically plays short films that take viewers through the city’s golden age, the period when Budapest evolved into a true world metropolis.Rather than presenting a chronological history lesson, the films offer a form of visual memory: fragments of a city whose face has changed almost beyond recognition.Lost districts and vanished landmarksMost of the episodes focus on neighbourhoods and buildings that have disappeared or been radically altered. Among the featured locations are the elegant structure of the old Elizabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd), the temporary pavilion city of the Millennium Exhibition, grand palace interiors from the turn of the century, and domes and roof ornaments that were never rebuilt after wartime damage.The films also explore the phenomenon of the “scalped city”, the scars left by the Second World War and the 1956 revolution, as well as the industrial boom of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and the long-standing rivalry between Budapest and Vienna. All of these themes circle a single question: what did the city’s golden age mean then, and what does it mean in today’s collective memory?Archive images, human craftMore than 700 historical photographs form the backbone of the project. By subtly animating these stills, viewers can almost step into the city as it once was, moving through both space and time.The creators deliberately avoided AI.For director Kondacs, this was not a technological decision but a matter of trust. They wanted to avoid generating false images or artificially reconstructing details for which no reliable sources exist. In their view, historical imagery requires human judgement to prevent the past from becoming a spectacular yet inaccurate illustration.Four creators worked on the films for over three years, combining extensive research with meticulous, frame-by-frame animation. This slow, handcrafted approach shapes the rhythm of the films, which allow the images to breathe rather than rushing the viewer.When the city speaksThe narration follows the same philosophy. Instead of academic explanations, the voices guide audiences gently, aiming to build an emotional bridge between past and present.Reflecting on the films, Kossuth and Jászai Mari Prize-winning actor Pál Mácsai said he felt as though every image showed the spaces of his own life, as if old photographs had suddenly begun to move through a kind of modern magic.In tone and style, the shorts recall the studio’s earlier film Budapest Születése (Budapest’s birth), created for the capital’s 150th anniversary. You can watch it below:The Budapest Filmbox album is available in an A5 edition containing all 25 films, as well as a smaller mini version featuring 12.Read more about Hungarian history on Daily News Hungary! --- ### Az ember, aki ott sem volt URL: https://reportary.com/article/az-ember-aki-ott-sem-volt Published: 2026-03-01 08:59:00 Language: Hungarian (Magyar) Categories: Politics Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: navracsics, tisza party, fidesz Navracsics Tiborról sokszor még a politikai ellenfelei is azt mondták és gondolták, hogy ő az „emberarcú fideszes”. A jó tanuló a hátsó padból. Aki nem kiabál, nem csapkod, csak halkan elmagyarázza, hogy tulajdonképpen minden rendben van. Amikor 2010 után átírták a választási játékszabályokat, ő nem volt ott, csak éppen igazságügyi miniszterként segített megfogalmazni őket. Amikor az Alaptörvényből gránit lett, az Alkotmánybíróságból díszlet, a bírósági rendszerből központosított szerkezet, ő nem volt ott, csak kodifikált. Mindig csak kodifikált. A történelem legártatlanabb hobbija.Az azeri baltás gyilkos ügyében sem volt ott. Ramil Safarov egyszer csak hazament, kegyelmet kapott, hőssé vált. Navracsics pedig később elmondta, hogy hiba volt. Ritka pillanat, amikor a „nem voltam ott” találkozik a „rosszul sült el” beismerésével. Szép dolog utólag hibának nevezni valamit, csak a történelem nem radírral dolgozik. Bár az állampárt ezt is nap mint nap cáfolja.Most pedig itt áll előttünk, és energiabiztonsággal riogat. Ukrajna! Barátság-vezeték! Üzemanyaghiány! Káosz Ajkán! A Tisza Párt mindent felgyújt! A Fidesz a biztos választás! Az ajkai munkás képzeletben már tolja haza a biciklit a benzinkútról.Csakhogy az ajkai munkás nem ettől retteg, hanem attól, hogy a helyi Gyatlov elvtárs egyszer gödi mintára úgy optimalizálja a biztonságot, hogy abból neki lesz baja. Hogy egy ipari balesetben nem a geopolitika, hanem ő fizet. És attól is, hogy ha baj van, a munkavállalói jogai nagyjából annyit érnek, mint egy ellenzéki felszólalás a kétharmad idején: megtörténik, majd nem történik semmi. Ja, ugye a munkavállalói érdekek csorbításáról szóló törvénynél sem volt ott. Pedig de…Navracsics most arról beszél, hogy Magyarország sorsáról csak a magyarok dönthetnek. Ez különösen megható attól az embertől, aki segített felépíteni egy rendszert, ahol a magyarok négyévente dönthetnek, aztán hosszú ideig figyelhetik, mire jutottak vele.Az emberarcú, aki ott sem volt.Csak amikor kellett, mindenben a Fideszt szolgálta.  --- ### Eyewitnesses claim high-level Hungarian government ties shielded irregular South Korean battery plant bosses URL: https://reportary.com/article/samsung-battery-plant-government-help Published: 2026-02-28 05:34:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungarian government, Hungary, inpr, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, samsung, south korea It beggars belief otherwise that executives at the Samsung battery plant in Göd knew of impending inspections in advance and were able to prepare accordingly. It beggars belief otherwise that executives at the Samsung battery plant in Göd knew of impending inspections in advance and were able to prepare accordingly. According to these witnesses, such elevated connections enabled a cover-up of serial regulatory breaches at the plant, which daily endangered the physical safety of numerous workers under management’s watch.Toxic, carcinogenic materials at the Samsung battery plant in GödPéter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, released two videos on Thursday and Friday featuring former employees of the Göd Samsung facility, who detailed the site’s inner workings. Drawing on Telex’s investigative reporting—which we ourselves covered—the factory was poorly designed from the outset, its air filtration system woefully inadequate for trapping the toxic, carcinogenic fumes released during battery production. Moreover, the company’s leadership consciously withheld investment in upgrades, deeming low-level fines a cheaper alternative. Telex hinted even then at the improbability of such conduct without high-level governmental backing.The Samsung plant in Göd. Photo: Facebook/Szijjártó PéterMr Magyar’s interviewees lend credence to this. A lorry driver tasked with transporting hazardous materials between 2019 and 2022 claimed the battery plant’s bosses were tipped off about checks, prompting them to shift vast quantities of dangerous substances to unsuitable storage warehouses on other sites ahead of time. Foreknowledge of this sort implies an inside informant.Somebody protected themAnother worker, speaking anonymously, alleged that management offered no protection whatsoever against the hazards, a fact known to staff on the ground. Nor did they spare the environment: Attila, as he is known, believes perilous substances may have leaked from the premises.Attila recounted how authorities initially conducted regular inspections, only for these to cease after someone higher up ordered them halted. In his view, multiple explosions rocked the facility due to shoddy design and operation. The former employee attributes Samsung SDI’s impunity squarely to external political influence, which signalled that no regulatory pressure would be brought to bear.FM Szijjártó backs the companyIn our previous article we reported that, after a string of fines, the secret service opened an inquiry into the plant and found that management refused to tell the truth to government officials. At a government meeting on the issue, Minister Antal Robán urged the plant’s closure, while Foreign Minister Szijjártó defended it.After the details surfaced, PM Orbán called the entire Samsung SDI-story fake news.Even so, Gergely Gulyás, minister for the Prime Minister’s Office, said yesterday that police had opened an investigation into claims made by an eyewitness in a video posted by Péter Magyar.If you missed our article:Telex: Samsung poisoned its Göd plant workers for years with the Orbán cabinet’s help“Not sacrificable”: Civilians protest Samsung battery plant pollution in BudapestFeatured image: The VP of Samsung SDI Göd plant, Hyun Jung, and Zoltán Kammerer, the Fidesz-backed mayor of Göd inaugurating a playground donated by the South Korean company. Photo: FB/Zoltán Kammerer --- ### BREAKING: Wizz Air suspends Israel and Middle East routes immediately URL: https://reportary.com/article/wizz-air-suspends-middle-east-routes Published: 2026-02-28 09:06:00 Language: English Categories: Travel Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungary, Middle East, travel, war, Wizz Air, iran Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has immediately suspended several of its Middle East services after Israel attacked Iran, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers across Europe. Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has immediately suspended several of its Middle East services after Israel attacked Iran, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers across Europe.According to Hungarian news outlet 444.hu, the airline has halted all flights to Israel and key Gulf destinations due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation. The decision affects routes to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman.Flights grounded until at least 7 MarchThe suspension is in force until at least 7 March, the airline said in a statement. Wizz Air added that it is continuously monitoring developments with the support of external security experts and remains in close contact with local and international aviation, security and government authorities.The company stressed that passenger, crew and aircraft safety remains its top priority. Travellers affected by cancellations are being contacted directly by customer service with information about rebooking options or refunds.Regional disruption spreads beyond HungaryThe impact is not limited to Hungary. Reporting by Cyprus Mail shows that multiple airlines have cancelled flights between Cyprus and the Middle East following the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran.Wizz Air’s cancellations also affected connections from Larnaca, including services to Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi. Arrival and departure boards showed multiple last-minute changes over the weekend.Other carriers followed suit. Ryanair cancelled its route from Paphos to Amman, while Air Haifa scrapped flights linking Paphos with Haifa.Some routes still operatingDespite widespread disruption, not all services have been suspended. Cyprus Airways continued check-in for flights to Dubai and Beirut, while Qatar Airways operated its inbound service from Doha as scheduled.No official announcements had yet been made regarding operations by Emirates, Sundor, Arkia, or Israir on their routes between Cyprus and Israel.Passengers advised to check before travellingWith airlines frequently reviewing their schedules, travellers heading to or from the Middle East are advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. Further cancellations or extensions to existing suspensions remain possible if the security situation worsens.If you missed it:New Wizz Air summer route to seashore gem from Budapest --- ### Are black footballers who suffer racist attacks in Hungary denied any help? Tempers flare after Kompany’s harsh words URL: https://reportary.com/article/black-footballers-hungary-zero-help-kompany Published: 2026-02-27 07:04:00 Language: English Categories: Sports Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: football, Hungarian Football League, Hungary, inpr, mlsz Bayern Munich’s manager, Vincent Kompany, claims that black players in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia receive no support if subjected to racist abuse. Fans and sports officials are outraged, with the Hungarian Football Federation president, Sándor Csányi, already penning a letter in response. Bayern Munich’s manager, Vincent Kompany, claims that black players in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia receive no support if subjected to racist abuse. Fans and sports officials are outraged, with the Hungarian Football Federation president, Sándor Csányi, already penning a letter in response.Victims of racist attacks get zero help in Hungary?The Belgian footballer and Bayern boss insists that many black players across various European leagues “have no voice” when targeted by racist attacks. He singled out Hungary as one such country, arguing that players there can expect no assistance whatsoever.“We must raise our voices if anyone falsely tarnishes our nation’s reputation,” responded Dr Ádám Schmidt, the state secretary for sport. He has written to UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin over Kompany’s remarks, contending that the manager has unjustly offended numerous Hungarian athletes. Csányi and Ferencváros officials have sent similar letters, Schmidt added. The government minister urged Čeferin to use his influence to put an end to such smears. “Hungary affords every participant in the sporting world the respect they deserve,” he concluded.Hungarian football fans outragedAccording to Blikk, tensions are boiling in changing rooms, among sports leaders, and even supporters. Several rejected claims of racism in Hungary when speaking to the paper. Ferencváros fans, for instance, expressed pride in both Hungarian and foreign players alike. The most successful Hungarian club’s squad is largely composed of overseas talent, including black players, while the national team also fields non-white stars.Photo: FB/MLSZThe row began when Benfica manager José Mourinho criticised Vinícius Júnior’s goal celebration, suggesting it was the reason the player endures racist taunts at every match. Kompany hit back, calling Mourinho’s view deeply harmful: Vinícius celebrates like anyone else who scores, he said, and the racist abuse—growing across Europe’s stadiums—is entirely unconnected.If you missed our previous articles concerning football:Hungarian Olympic chiefs replace Russian-born skaters after political backlashSzoboszlai in dream salary talks as Real Madrid watches --- ### Hungarian forint at multi‑year high against euro and dollar: could it gain another 10% in April? URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungaria-forint-strengthening-euro-usd Published: 2026-02-26 17:54:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: forint, Hungarian economy, Hungary, Viktor Orbán, peter magyar, tisza party The forint has strengthened markedly, and even the news that yesterday Governor Mihály Varga announced a cut in the central bank’s base rate after 1.5 years did little to dent the trend. Pro‑Fidesz papers attribute the move to Trump and a forthcoming peace... The forint has strengthened markedly, and even the news that yesterday Governor Mihály Varga announced a cut in the central bank’s base rate after 1.5 years did little to dent the trend. Pro‑Fidesz papers attribute the move to Trump and a forthcoming peace, while other experts point to yesterday’s Medián poll favouring Tisza. Of course, a combination of these factors could be behind the forint’s strength.The forint keeps marching higherWhatever the overall picture, the forint is in superb shape against the euro, the American dollar, and regional currencies. Világgazdaság notes it is at a two‑year high versus the Czech koruna and the Polish zloty, a four‑year high against the Romanian leu, and a four‑year high against the dollar; against the euro, it sits at a two‑and‑a‑half‑year peak.The forint is worth more and more. Source: depositphotos.comAccording to Világgazdaság, the forint’s astonishing weakness in 2022 was born of the war in Ukraine and, as they see it, the subsequent energy crisis. As a result, the drivers of the forint’s strength are:the election of Trump and Washington’s commitment to Ukraine peace;the strengthened credibility of the central bank under Mihály Varga, making yesterday’s base rate cut beneficial for the economy and financial markets.Photo: Facebook/Mihály Varga, the governor of the Hungarian National BankWill the forint strengthen or weaken if Tisza wins?Government‑close Világgazdaság argues that a Tisza victory would not help the forint at all; on the contrary, it might hurt, given that an inexperienced coalition would lead the country and would not be expected to bolster the forint via higher government bonuses.Portfolio agrees that Varga’s cautious, data‑driven rate‑cutting approach is supportive of the Hungarian currency, but attributes a far more significant positive role to the possible accession of Tisza to government. On the one hand, Tisza could bring home up to EUR 20 billion (about HUF 7,500 billion) in EU funding, and on the other, the party has repeatedly signalled its intention to introduce the euro if it comes to power, the paper notes. Orbán stated multiple times that he would not like to introduce the euro in Hungary.Photo: Facebook/Péter MagyarBank of America and Barclays analysts have even taken it further, suggesting that a Tisza victory could push the forint up by as much as 10%, whereas a further Orbán‑led government would likely see the opposite effect.Yesterday’s Medián poll also factors inAccording to 24.hu, part of the current forint strength may be explained by Medián’s release yesterday showing Tisza leading Fidesz by 20 percentage points among certain party supporters, the largest such lead observed to date. Orbán and co. dismissed the results as ridiculous, but political scientist Gábor Török says that if Medián is not overstating the case, it would mean Magyar Péter’s party would win two‑thirds of the new National Assembly.New poll: Orbán should brace for crushing defeat as Péter Magyar eyes constitutional rewriteThe Medián result was mirrored quickly by government‑aligned Nézőpont Intézet, which reported a 5% Fidesz lead. While most greeted that result with a wry smile, the trend is clear even at Nézőpont: Fidesz weakness and Tisza strength persisting despite government largesse.If you missed our previous articles concerning the Hungarian forint:Hungarian currency guide: Everything visitors and expats need to know about money in HungaryPoll-leader Péter Magyar makes historic pledge on the Hungarian euro introductionFeatured image: depositphotos.com --- ### MOL scandal: executives make billion-forint profits following Druzhba pipeline halt URL: https://reportary.com/article/mol-scandal-executives-make-profits-2026 Published: 2026-02-25 19:04:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungarian economy, Hungary, inpr, MOL, druzhba pipeline An association representing small stock market investors has turned to the central bank over suspicions of insider trading, claiming that several executives at MOL Nyrt. secretly profited from selling oil shares. An association representing small stock market investors has turned to the central bank over suspicions of insider trading, claiming that several executives at MOL Nyrt. secretly profited from selling oil shares, while failing to disclose that Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline had been halted.Billion-forint share sales with profitThe four executives involved earned staggering amounts in just one week:Ákos Székely sold 29,852 shares at an average price of HUF 3,978, bringing in more than HUF 118 million.Péter Ratatics sold 52,795 shares at HUF 3,820 each, earning HUF 201 million.Anthony Radev sold 160,072 shares at HUF 4,013, realising nearly HUF 642 million.Zsigmond Járai sold 150,620 shares at over HUF 4,016 each, generating HUF 604 million in revenue.These sales coincided with MOL shares reaching historic highs in January, peaking at HUF 4,128 on 4 February, levels unseen in the past five years.Photo: depositphotos.comWithheld detailsBefore MOL Nyrt.’s record share price, the Druzhba pipeline had been damaged, but the company did not publish the supply issue in the legally required venue and timeframe.MOL, however, claims that all its stock exchange communications comply with current legislation and that no laws were broken, 24.hu wrote.Investigations into MOL sharesGábor Dióslaki, head of the TEBÉSZ association, also finds the timing of MOL’s share transactions suspicious and therefore approached the central bank to check whether any legal violations or insider trading occurred.The chairman emphasised that the halt of supplies via the Druzhba pipeline should have been disclosed immediately, yet there were no signs of this on public channels.Zsolt Hernádi, the CEO of MOL. Photo: FB/Budapest Értéktőzsde/Budapest Stock ExchangeAs a result, the Hungarian National Bank (MNB) announced on Tuesday that it had launched an investigation into certain MOL share transactions to determine whether insider trading had taken place.According to the MNB, the investigation is based on suspicion of breaches of stock exchange rules. The official procedure is still ongoing, and the central bank has not released further details.How was the profit made?By selling at the optimal time near the market peak, the executives may have made hundreds of millions of forints, while smaller investors remained unaware of the supply problem.The timing of the sales, the historic peak in share prices, and the size of the share packages combined to make these transactions extremely profitable.Possible consequencesIf the central bank finds that MOL breached disclosure rules, the executives could face legal consequences, such as fines, financial penalties, or even temporary suspension from their leadership positions.In more serious cases, if insider trading is proven, criminal liability could also arise for the executives.If you missed it:Economy minister would oust several foreign banks from Hungary, named those that can remain --- ### Hungary may get billions of euros as the EU rolls out war-zone border aid URL: https://reportary.com/article/eu-eastinvest-hungary-included-ukraine-war Published: 2026-02-26 07:04:00 Language: English Categories: Geopolitics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: European Union, Hungary, money, war in Ukraine, eu The European Commission is launching a new financing platform called the EastInvest Facility to make it easier for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine to access funding. The European Commission is launching a new financing platform called the EastInvest Facility to make it easier for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine to access funding.The programme forms a central pillar of the EU’s new eastern strategy, driven by the heightened economic and security risks following Russia’s war against Ukraine. According to the EU, border regions have been particularly exposed to trade disruptions, declining cross-border traffic and demographic pressures, making targeted support necessary.Several major international financial institutions are joining forces behind EastInvest, including The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group European Bank for Reconstruction and DevelopmentNordic Investment Bank Council of Europe Development Bank Participants estimate the instrument could mobilise at least €28 billion in public and private investment across the eastern regions.The timing of the initiative reflects the mounting pressure experienced by eastern border regions over the past two years. In several areas, cross-border trade has fallen, transport costs have risen and outward migration has accelerated.The Commission warns that, over the longer term, these trends could significantly weaken the Union’s internal stability, which is why a targeted financial tool has been deemed necessary.Border security also in focusBeyond economic support, the strategy also encompasses the European Drone Wall initiative, aimed at reinforcing monitoring and protection along the eastern borders through the use of advanced technologies.‘Coalition of the Willing’ roundtable on Ukraine, Kyiv, 24 February 2026.Photo: European UnionThe package also supports the integration of the Baltic electricity system into the wider European grid, which Brussels considers crucial for energy security. Special attention is likewise being given to the social challenges of border regions, with efforts focused on improving education and employment in order to mitigate population decline and economic lag.Hungarian projects may also gain momentumNine Member States are involved in the programme: Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. One of the key features of the scheme is that it simplifies access to loans and advisory support in border areas.In practice, this could enable Hungarian municipalities, state investors and companies to launch infrastructure, economic development and even security-related projects more easily.However, it is important to note that EastInvest is fundamentally a financial and lending instrument, rather than a traditional non-repayable grant programme. This means projects must be financially viable, and a significant share of the funding will be provided in repayable form.A key question in the coming period will be how quickly and effectively Hungarian development actors can prepare projects, as this will determine the country’s eventual share of the €28 billion investment pool.Meanwhile, tensions around the war in Ukraine continue to shape European politics – read our latest article on Viktor Orbán’s criticism of von der Leyen and Zelensky. --- ### World-famous singer Ricky Martin returns to Budapest this year! URL: https://reportary.com/article/singer-ricky-martin-returns-to-budapest Published: 2026-02-20 16:14:00 Language: English Categories: Culture Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Budapest, celebrity, concert, Hungary, programme guide Latin pop superstar Ricky Martin is set to return to Hungary this summer, with organisers confirming a major Budapest concert on 6 July. Latin pop superstar Ricky Martin is set to return to Hungary this summer, with organisers confirming a major Budapest concert on 6 July.Ricky Martin returns to Budapest this yearThe global hitmaker will take to the stage at the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna, marking his latest appearance in the Hungarian capital, Budapest. The singer last performed there two years ago – not including his secret concert recently – at a large-scale open-air show in Heroes’ Square, where he promised fans he would soon come back.Photo: depositphotos.comDecades of global hitsAcross a career spanning more than three decades, Ricky Martin has built an international reputation as one of the defining figures of Latin pop. His catalogue includes chart-topping songs such as Livin’ la Vida Loca and She Bangs, alongside romantic ballads that helped cement his crossover success worldwide.Born in Puerto Rico, he began working in television advertisements at the age of nine before launching his music career as a teenager with the boy band Menudo. He released his first solo album in 1991 and has since sold more than 95 million records globally, earning numerous platinum certifications as well as multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards.A versatile stage performerNow in his mid-fifties, Martin remains known for blending high-energy dance tracks with emotionally charged ballads. His live shows typically combine elaborate choreography, striking visuals and a mix of Spanish- and English-language hits. He recently made a high-profile appearance during the Super Bowl LX halftime show, performing alongside Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga. During the performance, he delivered an acoustic version of his song Lo que le pasó a Hawaii.Highly anticipated Budapest returnOrganisers say the July concert is expected to draw strong interest from both local fans and international visitors. Ricky Martin has long enjoyed a loyal following in Hungary, where his energetic performances and enduring pop anthems continue to resonate with audiences.Ticket details and further event information are expected to be released by promoters in the coming weeks. --- ### Hévíz Lake Bath redevelopment: iconic bathhouse faces demolition plans URL: https://reportary.com/article/heviz-lake-bath-redevelopment-thermal Published: 2026-02-23 13:45:00 Language: English Categories: Travel Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: baths, development, Hungary, hévíz, balaton Hungary has launched a major design competition that could reshape the future of Hévíz Lake Bath redevelopment, one of the country’s best-known health tourism destinations. The plans cover not only the lakeside bath complex built over Europe’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake, Hungary has launched a major design competition that could reshape the future of Hévíz Lake Bath redevelopment, one of the country’s best-known health tourism destinations. The plans cover not only the lakeside bath complex built over Europe’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake, but also the adjoining Szent András Rheumatology Hospital in Hévíz, western Hungary.What is happening now?According to Hungarian construction and tourism industry reporting, the Ministry of Construction and Transport has opened a design competition for the комплекс (spa + hospital) with a submission deadline at the end of July. A professional jury is expected to decide by late September, after which the state plans to select a team to produce the permitting and detailed construction designs.The project has been presented as strategically important for the long-term operation of one of Hungary’s flagship health tourism hubs.Hévíz Lake Bath redevelopment: why the central building became urgentThe competition follows technical and structural concerns around parts of the bath complex built over the lake. Magyar Építők reports that a section of the over-water structure had to be closed due to structural issues, while the lake itself and other related units continued operating, signalling the need for a long-term, system-level solution.The over-water bathhouse has a demanding engineering setting: it stands on piles in the lake. The same report notes that the building has been monitored with geodetic measurements since 2008, and a 2023 investigation indicated notable movement in the central section.A three-phase plan: bath complex, hospital, then tourism upgradesThe design brief breaks the development into three main phases:Phase 1: Lake Bath Buildings firstPartial demolition, reconstruction and renovation of bath buildings closest to the lake, plus plans for new structures in the immediate spa zone.Phase 2: hospital-related functionsReorganising and modernising buildings and functional units linked to the Szent András Rheumatology Hospital.Phase 3: new tourism attractionsDesigning tourism-focused functional units to broaden the visitor offer and overall experience.Timeline: what could happen in 2027 and 2028?Termál Online reported earlier that local leaders discussed a timeline in which 2027 would focus on finalising detailed plans and 2028 could be the year when major construction begins, with the project delivered in “blocks” rather than all at once.A more recent Termál Online update says the jury is expected to announce results by late September, and that after the competition the state would select the designer for permitting and detailed plans. Officials quoted in that report said the selection process could conclude in the first quarter of 2027, followed by around a year for detailed design work. The same update notes that phased demolition and construction could start in the second half of 2027, while keeping the facility operational.Will the iconic central bathhouse be demolished?Yes, demolition is explicitly being discussed. Termál Online reported that Hévíz mayor Péter Naszádos said it had already been decided the central bathhouse must be demolished, and he wanted that done as early as 2027. He also urged that the central bath building be prioritised first within the phased approach (economic/service buildings, hospital, bath building).If you missed it: Long-neglected Budapest bath could finally reopen after renewal tenderPractical visitor update: what “partial operation” means right nowFor travellers planning a visit, bathing in the lake is currently outdoors only, and entry is via the Ady Street entrance through the Festetics Bathhouse. Several services remain available, including therapy-related facilities, wellness areas, and on-site food and drink options, alongside covered resting areas.It also notes accessibility measures, including a mixed-gender changing room in the Festetics Bathhouse and a patient lift at the outdoor sitting pool near the “C” building.Background for foreign readers: why Hévíz matters in HungaryHévíz is built around Europe’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake, whose certified medicinal water is widely associated with musculoskeletal treatments and rehabilitation. Over time, a broader ecosystem developed around the lake: medical services, spa facilities, accommodation and tourism functions that draw large visitor numbers and support the region’s economy.We collected for you – Hungary’s hidden spa gems: The 10 cheapest thermal baths you can visit in 2026FAQ: Hévíz in plain EnglishWhat is Lake Hévíz, and why is it famous?Lake Hévíz is the world’s largest thermal lake with certified medicinal water, and it underpins one of Hungary’s best-known health tourism destinations.Is the spa closed right now?No. Parts of the over-water structure were closed due to technical issues, but the lake and several spa-related services have continued operating.What should tourists expect if visiting during “partial operation”?Lake bathing is currently outdoors only, and visitors enter via the Ady Street entrance to the Festetics Bathhouse, with multiple services still available.What exactly is being planned in the redevelopment?A three-phase programme: (1) the lake bath buildings and immediate spa zone (including partial demolition/renovation and new structures), (2) hospital-related buildings and functions, and (3) tourism-focused additions.When could demolition and construction actually start?The reporting suggests results by late September, a designer selection process concluding around Q1 2027, then roughly a year for detailed plans, with phased demolition/construction potentially beginning in the second half of 2027—and larger works discussed as possible from 2028.AuthorAlpár Kató --- ### Best practices for AI video quality control and review workflows URL: https://reportary.com/article/best-practices-for-ai-video-quality-control-and-review-workflows Published: 2026-02-18 09:01:00 Language: English Categories: Artificial Intelligence Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: PR, ai As AI video generation becomes mainstream, simply producing content isn’t enough — ensuring that what’s generated meets quality expectations is essential. Whether you’re creating content for marketing campaigns, product demos, internal communications, or social platforms, having a structured As AI video generation becomes mainstream, simply producing content isn’t enough — ensuring that what’s generated meets quality expectations is essential. Whether you’re creating content for marketing campaigns, product demos, internal communications, or social platforms, having a structured quality control and review workflow prevents errors, maintains brand standards, and ultimately protects your audience experience.Sponsored contentAI generation introduces unique challenges that differ from traditional video production. AI tools can produce artifacts, inconsistencies, or semantic drift from the original prompt. Combining human oversight, systematic checks, and the right tooling creates workflows that balance speed with quality — letting you scale confidently without sacrificing professional polish.Here’s a practical guide to building strong AI video quality control and review processes.1. Establish Clear Quality CriteriaBefore reviewing anything, decide what “high quality” means for your project. That includes both technical and creative standards:Visual fidelity: Sharpness, resolution, motion stability, and artifact absenceNarrative coherence: Story clarity, consistent messaging, and logical pacingSemantic alignment: Whether the final video matches the original script or intentBrand standards: Logos, typography, color usage, and tone consistencyEthical/Compliance checks: Avoiding risky content, respecting copyright, and privacy requirementsThese criteria become your checklist for every generated output.If you formalize checks into a scorecard — even simple pass/fail items — reviewers can quickly assess whether a clip is ready or needs revisions.2. Incorporate Multi-Model TestingNot all generative models behave the same way. A given prompt may produce strong animation with one model and inconsistent results with another. Producing test runs with multiple models — especially when using tools that allow flexible model selection — can improve quality outcomes.For example, image to video AI workflows benefit from model diversity. Some models excel at realistic motion, while others handle stylistic frames better. Platforms like Hailuo AI for specialized quality outputs give you flexibility to test and swap modeling styles to improve results.By testing with different engines, you can select the one that best aligns with your priority: realism, stylistic consistency, or specific motion dynamics.3. Integrate AI Tools With Human SupervisionPurely automated generation isn’t enough; effective quality control blends AI capabilities with human judgment. AI may identify issues like motion blur or frame inconsistency, but humans are still essential for subjective decisions like storytelling quality or brand alignment. Systems often evaluate technical errors first and defer creative decisions to humans later.Here’s a layered approach:Initial AI pre-check: Use automated tools to remove outputs with obvious artifacts or prompt mismatches.Reviewer inspection: Human reviewers check narrative, style, and brand relevance.Iterative feedback loops: Notes from reviewers inform the next generation cycle, tightening prompts or model choices.Even robust automated processes should be anchored by a human QC step — especially when stakes are high.4. Use Granular Output Reviews and ScoringGranular reviews help you pinpoint where a video fails. Instead of “approve/reject,” consider grading individual aspects:Visual consistencyColor balanceAudio synchronizationMessage clarityBrand complianceSome teams even require a minimum quality score that a video must meet before it’s approved for publication. Having a scoring system helps designers and AI operators understand what exactly needs fixing rather than making broad subjective judgments.5. Version and Model Tracking for ReproducibilityWith AI, the specific models and parameters used in generation matter.Documenting:Model nameVersion numberSeed valuesPrompt textParameters like motion blur or frame rateensures reproducibility and traceability. When an output is approved, these details make it easy to regenerate or scale similar videos with the same quality baseline. Rigorous version and model tracking also helps benchmark performance over time and compare models in controlled testing.6. Compare Multiple Candidate OutputsRather than generating a single video per prompt, batch multiple candidates and compare side-by-side. This allows reviewers to:Select the strongest versionIdentify consistent quality issuesDetect model limitations earlyMany AI QC teams adopt a practice where the AI generates 3–5 variants per input, letting reviewers pick the best or request a regeneration with tweaks.Batching reveals patterns — perhaps a color treatment always looks washed out, or text overlays consistently misalign — enabling you to adjust prompts or models before publishing.7. Establish Fast Feedback and Iteration LoopsFeedback should not be one-off. Video QC workflows thrive on iteration:Review and rate outputsProvide structured feedback (e.g., “reduce motion artifacts,” “improve framing in scene 2”)Regenerate with adjusted prompts or modelsTreat QC as a conversation between reviewer and generator rather than a gatekeeping step. Rapid iteration keeps quality high without slowing turnaround.8. Final Approval and Pre-Publish ChecksBefore pushing videos live, run a final checklist:Are all brand elements correct?Does metadata (titles, captions) match video intent?Are captions or audio synced and accurate?Is the final output optimized for the target platform’s specifications?This last pass ensures that videos don’t go out with avoidable errors, even after multiple QC rounds.ConclusionAI video production accelerates creation, but quality control ensures credibility. By implementing structured QC workflows — combining automated checks, human review, version tracking, and clear quality criteria — teams can scale without compromising standards. AI doesn’t replace judgment, but when paired with thoughtful review processes, it becomes a powerful ally in producing professional, consistent, and brand-aligned video content.For teams adopting image-to-video AI, integrating these quality control principles from the start will help prevent common issues and ensure that AI-generated videos are not just fast, but right every time. 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. --- ### Good news about Hungary’s property market: Buyers regain the upper hand as price wars fade URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungary-property-market-buyers-upper Published: 2026-02-17 18:04:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Budapest, Hungary, property, statistics After the spectacular rebound and price increases of 2025, Hungary’s property market has entered 2026 on a noticeably calmer note. The new year has begun with greater stability and more cautious buyers. After the spectacular rebound and price increases of 2025, Hungary’s property market has entered 2026 on a noticeably calmer note. The new year has begun with greater stability and more cautious buyers.While most property deals still close below the asking price, bidding wars have not disappeared entirely – they have simply become more selective. Buyers are now willing to pay above asking only for outstanding-quality homes or properties with unique features.According to fresh transaction data from Duna House, nearly eight out of ten buyers – 78% – purchased their home below the list price in January 2026. This marks an increase from 74% at the beginning of 2025. Meanwhile, the share of transactions involving overbidding slipped slightly, from 6.2% last year to 5.8%.“The previous year marked a turning point for the market, when returning investors and government subsidies often triggered bidding competitions,” said Péter Szegő, chief analyst at Duna House. “At the start of 2026, these effects have moderated. Buyers are now far more deliberate and price-conscious.”With earlier price rises already built into the market – for instance, panel flats in Pest commonly exceeding HUF 1 million per square metre – purchasers are examining value for money much more strictly. Negotiation has returned, particularly where supply is greater. Competitive bidding now mainly occurs for move-in-ready, well-maintained homes.Regional trends: Buda holds firm, countryside sees more bargainingCapital city – BudapestSignificant differences can be observed across districts. On the Buda side, owners remain confident and discounts are the smallest, averaging just 3.4%. On the Pest side, however, buyers negotiate more assertively, with average reductions of 4.8%.CountrysideOutside the capital, there is generally more room to bargain, with average discounts approaching 7%.In eastern cities such as Miskolc and Debrecen, typical negotiations range between 4–8%. In western Hungary, especially around Győr, brick flats in good condition see minimal price cuts, while houses often sell with discounts exceeding 10%.Big city snapshot: buyers set the tone in PécsAmong the cities analysed, Pécs shows one of the strongest bargaining environments. Both in 2025 and January 2026, the vast majority of transactions closed below asking price – 88% this January alone.Double-digit discounts are not unusual for panel flats. In one case, a buyer negotiated nearly 13% off the original price, reducing it from HUF 39 million to HUF 34 million.Markets in Szeged and Debrecen appear more balanced, with average negotiations steady at 4–5%. In Győr, sellers continue to hold firm on brick apartments, with buyers often securing only 1–2% reductions, reflecting the city’s enduring popularity.Property types: houses offer the biggest savingsTransaction data also highlight clear differences by property type:Panel flatsRoom for negotiation is limited. In Budapest, discounts are often just 1–3%, while in rural areas they rarely exceed 4%, aside from exceptions in Pécs. Demand remains strong thanks to lower maintenance costs.Brick apartmentsWell-located, good-condition city centre homes can still trigger bidding. However, properties requiring renovation often sell for 5–8% less than the asking price.HousesThis segment shows the widest variation. Modern homes in suburban areas may attract competing offers, while outdated rural family houses frequently sell with 10–15% discounts. In an extreme example in Kiskunfélegyháza, a buyer negotiated more than 25% off the price.If you missed it:What will shape the property market in Hungary in 2026? ExplainedBuyers in control for now“In terms of negotiating power, the market currently favours buyers,” Szegő concluded. “Purchasers are no longer rushing into bidding wars, while sellers are pricing more realistically. Bidding remains the market’s ‘spice’, but only where quality homes are scarce.” --- ### Poll-leader Péter Magyar makes historic pledge on the Hungarian euro introduction URL: https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-historic-pledge-hungarian-euro Published: 2026-02-09 09:44:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: euro, forint, Hungary, money Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government’s economic policymakers have repeatedly stated that they have no intention of introducing the Hungarian euro, deeming the country unready. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government’s economic policymakers have repeatedly stated that they have no intention of introducing the Hungarian euro, deeming the country unready. Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party takes a radically different view—and has now made firm commitments on the matter.Only Poland, Romania, Czechia, and Hungary without euroIt is hardly surprising that the euro question has not become a centrepiece of the current parliamentary election campaign, even though its adoption, or continued absence, arguably affects our daily lives more profoundly than any other issue. Bulgaria joined the eurozone on 1 January this year, Croatia did so three years ago, and the currency is already in use by Slovaks, Slovenes, and Austrians. Among neighbouring EU states, only Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary remain outside.The Bulgarian euro. Photo: Embassy of Bulgaria to BudapestMr Orbán insists Hungary is not ready for the euro because the economy lacks sufficient stability. He invariably deploys his familiar anti-Brussels rhetoric when making the case against it, arguing that there is little merit in tying Hungary more closely to a disintegrating EU—even in financial matters. In an interview with Economx, he declared that “the euro will not be on the table” in Hungary for as long as he holds power.Why does Mr Orbán oppose the Hungarian euro?According to HVG, the answer is relatively straightforward. The forint, as an independent currency, is far too vital to the Orbán system. It allows certain processes to be obscured, while others can be spun within the realm of political messaging. The magazine argues that the government can thus “play” with exchange rates, inflation, and interest rates, yielding significant political advantages in key moments. Economic policymakers can, for instance, easily blame high inflation on the war raging nearby, rather than inviting scrutiny of deeper macroeconomic causes. Adopting the single currency would make such manoeuvres far more difficult, HVG contends.Orbán says no to the Hungarian euro. Photo: Facebook/Orbán ViktorTisza wants the euro—but with consultation firstOn Saturday, Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party unveiled its manifesto, pledging to launch expert and public consultations on euro adoption. This may sound rather tepid, yet it signals openness within the party to paying with the euro within a foreseeable timeframe—a prospect unimaginable under Mr Orbán’s continued rule. Tisza goes further, aiming to set a realistic target date. The party also commits to meeting the eurozone’s strict convergence criteria: a budget deficit below 3 per cent, falling public debt, sustainably low inflation and interest rates, and a stable forint exchange rate.Hungarian euro on the horizon? Photo: PixabaySome analysts have dubbed the moment historic. Ferenc Faragó, who writes under the pseudonym Vakmajom, hailed the inclusion of euro adoption in the government programme as a potential game-changer. “If this one point from the 240-page document is realised—and it is the most important—it would already be a historic success,” he said. “So much else hinges on it; so much that is useful and good.”Péter Magyar is the most popular opposition candidate to have emerged during the Orbán era (2010-) Photo: FB/Péter MagyarHungarians favour the euroA summer 2025 Eurobarometer survey found overwhelming Hungarian support for euro adoption: 41 per cent want it as soon as possible, and 37 per cent back introducing it on a set target date. Just a decade ago, only 16 per cent urged immediate adoption.PHOTOS: This is what the new Hungarian euro coin looks like!Polls from independent research institutes suggest Tisza has a strong chance of victory in the 2026 elections, with leads of up to 400,000–500,000 votes in various surveys, assuming the data hold true.Check out more of our articles concerning the latest poll results about the outcome of the April general elections:Could Orbán lose the 2026 election over Minister Lázár’s ‘toilet-cleaning gypsies’ remark? Alarmingly stark poll data emergesLatest polls – Strong Orbán numbers, weak party showing: Tisza stays ahead of Fidesz --- ### Second largest Chinese electric carmaker enters the Hungarian market next week URL: https://reportary.com/article/second-largest-chinese-electric-carmaker Published: 2026-02-24 15:34:00 Language: English Categories: Business Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: car, China, Hungary, carindustry A fresh Chinese brand is set to appear on Hungary’s new car market: Geely models will go on sale at dealerships from March to April, according to the local importer, Geely Hungary, which made the announcement on Monday. A fresh Chinese brand is set to appear on Hungary’s new car market: Geely models will go on sale at dealerships from March to April, according to the local importer, Geely Hungary, which made the announcement on Monday.Another Chinese car brand in HungaryBy the end of this year, some 10 to 15 franchised dealers are expected to add Geely to their line-ups. Sales will begin with two models, expanding by a further two within the first year, the Hungarian News Agency wrote.Geely has been present in Hungary since the spring of 2025, via its Farizon light commercial vehicle brand. Geely ranks as China’s second-largest electric vehicle maker, behind BYD.Photo: depositphotos.comThe Geely holding is expanding apace, having acquired 100 per cent of Volvo Cars, taken stakes in Aston Martin Lagonda, formed a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz to develop the smart brand, and partnered with Renault on powertrain technology.Plants in America, Belgium, SwedenThe Geely Auto Group oversees several leading marques, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr, and serves as the global strategic partner to Malaysia’s national carmaker Proton. It holds a majority stake in the Lotus luxury sports car brand.Most of Geely’s production sites are in China, though it also has plants in America, Belgium, and Sweden. In the medium term, it plans to establish one or two more facilities in Europe.In 2025, Geely Auto sold 4.1 million vehicles worldwide—a 26 per cent increase on the previous year—of which 3.2 million were badged as Geely. So-called NEVs (new energy vehicles) accounted for 2.29 million units.Click for more of our articles concerning China:Chinese foreign minister in Budapest: Belgrade-Budapest high-speed rail launch, major investments, Ukraine peace talks on agendaChinese retail company Alibaba introduces “Hungary surcharge” on all orders shipped to Hungary --- ### Hungarian emigration hits record highs: Tens of thousands leave the country annually URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-emigration-people-leave Published: 2026-02-17 12:34:00 Language: English Categories: Migration Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungarians abroad, Hungary, statistics Hungary is facing a historic wave of emigration, with over 40,000 Hungarian citizens leaving the country annually, according to industry experts. The trend shows no sign of slowing, with estimates for 2025 indicating similar numbers. Hungary is facing a historic wave of emigration, with over 40,000 Hungarian citizens leaving the country annually, according to industry experts. The trend shows no sign of slowing, with estimates for 2025 indicating similar numbers.Hungarian emigration at record highJózsef Nógrádi, Strategic Director at Trenkwalder Hungary, a leading HR and workforce services company, told Népszava that the figures are unprecedented.“Based on feedback, incoming information, economic performance, and societal trends, we expect that more than 40,000 Hungarians left the country in 2025,” he said.Official government statistics will only be available later in the year, but even preliminary estimates surpass previous high points. The 2015–2016 emigration wave, often cited as the strongest in recent history, saw fewer than 39,000 citizens leave annually. By comparison, 2024 saw 41,300 people emigrate, while returnees also increased, reaching nearly 29,000 – up from 23,860 in 2023. Despite this, the overall effect continues to represent a loss for Hungary’s workforce.Photo: depositphotos.comDiscrepancy between domestic and international dataAccording to WMN, domestic statistics may underestimate the scale of the phenomenon. Mirror statistics (data collected by destination countries) suggest that around 50,000 Hungarians may have emigrated in 2024. Eurostat’s figures similarly report higher numbers than Hungarian national statistics.Young people drive the trendThe trend is particularly pronounced among young adults. Central Statistics Office (KSH) data show that 20–24-year-olds accounted for only 8% of emigrants in 2008, rising steadily to over 16% by 2023. Sociologist and political scientist Andrea Szabó, from the Eötvös Loránd University Social Science Research Centre, told Qubit that Hungarian university students increasingly plan to move abroad: in 2015–2016, 33–37% of students considered emigration, while by 2024 this had risen to 45%.Beyond wages: Seeking opportunities and stabilityExperts emphasise that higher salaries abroad are not the sole reason for emigration. For many young Hungarians, the key factors are access to meaningful jobs that match their education, career perspectives, and social stability. Nógrádi stresses the importance of creating opportunities that allow for real career and lifestyle advancement, rather than offering only minimal wage positions.“The rule of thumb is clear: if a higher salary is available abroad, some will inevitably leave,” he said.“But the broader societal context also matters. A highly polarised society encourages emigration, while addressing divisions can help retain talent.”If you missed it:Over half a million Hungarians gone: The educated youth fleeing a country they no longer believe inA societal challengeThe emigration of young Hungarians is not just an economic issue; it is a social one. Experts suggest that tackling it requires both economic incentives and broader societal policies that restore confidence in the future. Without meaningful opportunities and a sense of inclusion, Hungary risks continuing the trend of losing its most mobile and educated citizens. --- ### Orbán’s speech in parliament: debate on Ukraine, Russian energy sources instead of American ones, EU vetoes and domestic measures URL: https://reportary.com/article/orban-speech-parliament-druzhba-pipeline-ukraine-eu-vetoes-domestic-measures Published: 2026-02-23 15:40:00 Language: English Categories: Energy & Resources Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: European Union, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, United States, Viktor Orbán, war in Ukraine Viktor Orbán’s speech before the agenda began the spring session of parliament. In keeping with tradition, the Prime Minister outlined the government decisions taken between the two sessions, with a particular focus on the welfare measures that came into effect in January. Viktor Orbán’s speech before the agenda began the spring session of parliament. In keeping with tradition, the Prime Minister outlined the government decisions taken between the two sessions, with a particular focus on the welfare measures that came into effect in January. He also assessed current foreign and domestic political events, with particular regard to energy security and the war situation, as well as the challenges facing our country.The Hungarian PM said the government will not deviate from its programme under any threat and will act “exclusively in the interests of the Hungarian people,” adding: “We insist on our independence and sovereignty.”Orbán: Ukraine must guarantee energy transit under its EU agreementOrbán argued that Ukraine signed an association agreement with the European Union in 2014 and undertook that energy transit passing through Ukraine to EU member states would be “inviolable”. He said Ukraine is therefore obliged to ensure Hungary’s oil supply under the EU association agreement and “must not use it as a political weapon”. He described what Ukraine is doing as a “clear breach” of the agreement.Orbán accuses Brussels of siding with UkraineThe prime minister said Brussels’ behaviour is “at least ambiguous”, claiming the EU treaty makes it the EU’s duty to assist a member state whose interests are harmed by a third party. He added that despite Hungary and Brussels disagreeing on the war, financing Ukraine and Ukraine’s EU membership, Brussels “must represent Hungary’s interests” in the current situation. Orbán said that failing to do so is a serious breach of treaty obligations “to Hungary’s detriment”.He concluded that Brussels has sided with Ukraine “instead of the member state Hungary”, and claimed Brussels has formed an alliance with Kyiv.Orbán: “open interference” in Hungarian electionsOrbán said Brussels and Kyiv agree that as long as a “national government” leads Hungary, they cannot implement their plans. He claimed this is happening 50 days before the election, calling it “open interference” in Hungary’s elections, and said he assumes the goal is to alter the balance of power in line with Brussels’ and Kyiv’s intentions. He added:“I would like to remind everyone that in Hungary, the Hungarian people will decide in this matter.”“Open intervention” in the Hungarian elections by the US as well? As we wrote earlier, President Trump also referred to Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections and reiterated that he stands firmly behind Orbán.Government actions: strategic reserves opened, supply securedOrbán said the government has handled what he called the emergency caused by the Ukrainians. He said strategic oil reserves were opened and the country’s energy supply was secured.He argued that people can now “experience” what separating from Russian energy would mean in practice: it would create an emergency and financially ruin hundreds of thousands of Hungarian families. He said petrol at HUF 1,000 per litre (about €2.63) and household utility bills rising several-fold would be unaffordable. (FX used for conversions: EUR 1 = HUF 379.90, Magyar Nemzeti Bank, 23 February 2026.)Orbán added that large Western energy companies (naming American Shell) would profit, while Hungarians would suffer. He said that on Monday morning the price difference between Western and Russian oil was $13 per barrel.He stated that anyone claiming that Hungary’s “utility cost cuts” policy can be maintained without Russian energy “is either a fool or lying”.In Hungarian:Retaliatory steps and vetoes announcedSpeaking about government responses, Orbán said:In coordination with Slovakia, Hungary halted diesel shipments to Ukraine.Hungary vetoed the disbursement of a previously approved €90 billion payment to Ukraine (which he said had been decided earlier without Hungary’s participation and without burdening Hungary).The government also decided to veto the EU’s pending “20th war sanctions package”, and said Hungary’s position in Brussels is that as long as Ukraine does not allow Russian crude to reach Hungary, Hungary will block every Brussels decision supporting Ukraine.If you missed today: EU’s 20th Russia sanctions: Germany and Lithuania criticize Hungary; the US and G7 are cautious, the Czech Republic supports it – UPDATEOrbán on war losses and EU spendingOrbán said that in the Russia–Ukraine war, 9,000 people are killed or become war-disabled each week, calling this an irreplaceable loss and an unimaginable tragedy.He said the war consumes immense financial resources and claimed the European Union has spent around €200 billion on Ukraine so far. He said electricity and natural gas prices in Europe are three to four times US and Chinese prices, arguing Europe is undermining its own competitiveness.He added that one million jobs have disappeared from European industry in recent years, with chemicals and the automotive sector suffering in particular, and said Europe’s interest is to end the war as soon as possible.Orbán claimed the opposite is happening, saying Brussels openly supports continuing the war. He said the European Commission has presented a strategy arguing Russia can still bear the burdens but “not for much longer”; that Russia will weaken economically and be forced to accept a peace favourable to Ukraine and the EU; therefore, he said, Brussels believes the war must continue.Orbán said the Hungarian government believes this war strategy is wrong. He argued that Ukraine and Europe will run out of military stocks, money and deployable manpower sooner than Russia, and said there is no answer to how a nuclear power can be defeated.He said Europe cannot finance the war and will “collapse under it”, becoming heavily indebted for decades, and Hungary must stay out of this.Further claims on future EU costsOrbán claimed that beyond the €200 billion already spent, Europe will allocate €90 billion to Ukraine in 2026–2027, and that the next EU budget would include €360 billion for Ukraine at the expense of development and agricultural subsidies, which he said would be cut by 20%. He also cited what he called a European Commission “Ukrainian welfare plan” worth $800 billion, and said Ukrainians had announced a demand for €700 billion in military spending.He said: “You can’t scrape together that much money. That much money is not in the EU’s common budget. But it is not in member states’ budgets either.”He warned that several member states’ debt already exceeds 100% of GDP, and claimed that written agreements have been reached between France and the UK to station troops in Ukraine, with Germany expressing readiness to join.He called Brussels’ policy “enormous irresponsibility” economically as well as geopolitically.Winter weather response and energy bill support at homeOrbán also spoke about severe weather between parliamentary sessions. He said:an оператив task force was set up,around 800 machines and 2,300 personnel were deployed,costs exceeded HUF 10 billion (about €26.3 million).He said extraordinary conditions in western Hungary were brought under control; 12,000 homes were without power at one point and 40 km of lines were paralysed, but by Monday morning only 85 homes remained without electricity.He said January’s extreme cold strained household budgets, so the government decided to cover 30% of January gas bills, describing this as a “utility stop” measure. He put the required funding at HUF 55 billion (about €144.8 million), financed by energy traders and producers and from budget reserves.He said Hungary maintained utility protection despite pressure from Brussels, and claimed Hungarian families still pay the lowest gas and electricity bills in the EU. He said average Hungarian consumption equals HUF 250,000 per year (about €658), while the same would cost HUF 800,000 in Poland (about €2,106) and more than HUF 1 million in Czechia (more than €2,632).Domestic economic measures listedOrbán also listed recent economic measures, including:doubling the family tax allowance via two 50% rises (from last July and from 1 January), affecting around 1 million families;expanding lifetime income-tax exemptions for mothers in certain categories, and outlining a plan under which all mothers of two children would become income-tax exempt over the next three years;introducing a 14th-month pension, with the first instalment paid in early February, and stating pensions rose by 3.6% from 1 January;the fixed 3% interest home-creation loan programme, with 25,000 contracts signed by mid-February;minimum wage increases: HUF 322,800 (about €850) and a guaranteed minimum wage of HUF 373,200 (about €982) from 1 January.He said public-sector pay rises continued, including teachers and kindergarten educators (he cited an average gross pay of HUF 950,000, about €2,501).He also said judges’ and court staff wages are set to rise substantially by 2027 under a multi-year programme, and that “six months’ weapon money” (a bonus) was paid to nearly 80,000 police, soldiers and other uniformed personnel.Orbán said that since October 2025, 23,000 businesses joined the fixed 3% Széchenyi programme, representing around HUF 1,200 billion in credit (about €3.16 billion).He also noted raising the VAT exemption threshold for sole traders to HUF 20 million (about €52,600) from 1 January, with a planned rise to HUF 24 million (about €63,200).He said an “5+1 point” hospitality action plan would support restaurants and confectioneries worth over HUF 100 billion (about €263 million).He said applications for a HUF 4 million interest-free “work loan” for under-25 workers exceeded 40,000 in January (about €10,500 per loan), and that a rural home-renovation programme for settlements under 5,000 inhabitants had been used by 50,000 applicants.Finally, he mentioned a solar tender offering HUF 2.5 million non-refundable support per household (about €6,580), with more than 100,000 applicants. --- ### Polish presidential adviser claims halting Russian oil transit to Hungary is due to Brussels-Kyiv pact URL: https://reportary.com/article/polish-presidents-adviser-russian-oil-transit Published: 2026-02-24 13:14:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: energy crisis in Hungary, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Slovakia Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, an adviser to Polish President Karol Nawrocki, has told Conservative Radio Wnet that the halting of Russian oil transit to Hungary is part of a “political operation” designed to thwart Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s prospects ahead of April’s general election. Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, an adviser to Polish President Karol Nawrocki, has told Conservative Radio Wnet that the halting of Russian oil transit to Hungary is part of a “political operation” designed to thwart Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s prospects ahead of April’s general election.Brussels-Kyiv pact behind Russian oil transit stopSaryusz-Wolski claimed on the Polish station that Slovakia and Hungary refused to approve the EU’s 20th sanctions package after Ukraine blocked all Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline. He alleged that an agreement between the European Council and Ukraine’s President lay behind the move, with the deliberate aim of damaging PM Orbán before the poll, the Hungarian News Agency wrote.Photo: FB/Jacek Saryusz-WolskiThe adviser went further, suggesting that the recent attack on an oil pumping station in Hungary might have been a political act—and thus intentional. He expressed hope that his theory proved unfounded, warning that Ukraine would otherwise “shoot itself in the foot”, given its reliance on electricity supplies from Slovakia and Hungary, which have now also been interrupted.The Polish president is regarded as a political ally of Orbán. He nonetheless declined to meet Hungary’s prime minister last November, after the latter’s trip to Moscow.Karol Nawrocki. Photo: depositphotos.comNo technical obstacles to restarting oil transfer to Hungary, says Orbán“Facts are facts: there are no technical obstacles to restarting the oil transfer via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary. It only requires a political decision by Ukraine,” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in his reply to Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, on Tuesday.“As you are aware, I am one of the most disciplined and consistent members of the European Council. I fully understand your concerns. But you also certainly see the absurdity of the situation: we take a decision financially favourable to Ukraine that I personally disapprove, then Ukraine creates an energy emergency situation in Hungary, and you ask me to pretend that nothing happened,” Orbán said in his letter published on Facebook.Photo: Facebook/Orbán Viktor“This is not possible,” the prime minister said. “I am not in a position to support any decision whatsoever favourable to Ukraine until they return to normality.”If you missed our previous articles in the issue:PM Orbán: Ukrainians want Hungary to suffer from a fuel shortageFalse-flag military operation linked to Russians could destabilise Hungary ahead of 2026 election? --- ### Government-close media increasingly portray Germany as Hungary’s new political enemy URL: https://reportary.com/article/government-close-media-germany-enemy Published: 2026-02-19 17:54:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: diplomacy, Germany, Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, Russia, Ukraine In recent months, several pro-government Hungarian media outlets and commentators have begun to depict Germany not as a key European partner, but as a hostile political force working against Hungary’s interests. In recent months, several pro-government Hungarian media outlets and commentators have begun to depict Germany not as a key European partner, but as a hostile political force working against Hungary’s interests. Through intelligence-based claims, energy disputes and increasingly sharp rhetoric, Berlin is being framed as an external actor interfering in domestic politics and aligning with Kyiv to pressure Budapest.Articles published by government-close platforms such as Mandiner and Index suggest that German intermediaries played a role in informing the opposition Tisza Party about Ukraine’s alleged decision not to restart oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline. According to these reports, the party’s leader Péter Magyar signalled openness to ending Hungary’s reliance on cheap Russian energy if elected, which is a move government narratives present as economically harmful.Both outlets rely heavily on references to intelligence briefings prepared for the Hungarian government. These accounts imply that Ukraine’s decisions were politically motivated and that Germany acted as a go-between. The underlying message is that Berlin is portrayed not as a neutral EU partner, but as facilitating moves that could weaken Hungary’s energy security.From partner to adversaryThe tone has become even more confrontational in opinion pieces and commentary. Mária Schmidt, a prominent conservative historian and government ally, recently declared on social media that “the Germans have declared war on Russia”, suggesting that Berlin is dragging Europe into a dangerous confrontation. In a longer essay titled Deutschland, Deutschland unter Alles, she paints modern Germany as arrogant, morally hypocritical and historically untrustworthy.Her writing accuses Germany of undermining Hungary both politically and culturally, while characterising Berlin’s support for Ukraine as reckless militarism. The text repeatedly implies that German leadership seeks dominance over Europe and pressures smaller member states into compliance.Security conference and political symbolismThe criticism intensified following remarks attributed to German political figures at the Munich Security Conference, where German leaders reportedly expressed hopes for political change in Hungary. Reports linked these statements to Friedrich Merz, portrayed in Hungarian pro-government media as an advocate of confrontation with Russia and stronger European military commitments.Such framing presents Germany not only as an ideological opponent but as actively supporting Hungary’s domestic opposition and threatening its sovereignty.A shift in the narrativeThe increasingly hostile portrayal marks a notable shift. For years, Germany has been one of Hungary’s most important economic partners, with deep trade and industrial ties, particularly in the automotive sector. Yet recent coverage suggests a deliberate political narrative: casting Berlin as part of a broader Western bloc pressuring Hungary over energy policy, Ukraine and EU alignment.Analysts say this rhetoric fits a familiar communication strategy. By identifying external adversaries (whether Brussels, Washington or now Berlin), government-friendly media can frame domestic political disputes as matters of national sovereignty. --- ### This is where the Hungarian language comes from: Harvard solved the mystery URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungarian-language-origin-2026 Published: 2026-02-21 07:04:00 Language: English Categories: History Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungary, language, science The latest DNA research has upended what we thought we knew about the origins of Hungarian and other Uralic languages. Genetic evidence now points far to the east - deep into Siberia - suggesting these languages began their westward migration more than four thousand years ago. The latest DNA research has upended what we thought we knew about the origins of Hungarian and other Uralic languages. Genetic evidence now points far to the east — deep into Siberia — suggesting these languages began their westward migration more than four thousand years ago. An eastern fingerprint hidden in the Hungarian languageResearchers have long known that Finns, Estonians, and other Uralic-speaking peoples carry a distinct East Eurasian genetic signature. For decades, this was tied to the Ural Mountains region — a logical, if somewhat vague, explanation. But Harvard researchers went further, collecting genetic samples from Siberian communities that had never before been studied.What they found was striking: the Yakuts, an indigenous people of northeastern Siberia, share a genetic pattern closely linked to Finns, Estonians — and the ancient Hungarians who settled the Carpathian Basin over a thousand years ago. No other language family carries this same signature. According to the Harvard Gazette, the connection is not coincidental. It is a thread running through history.Not the steppe — The taigaThe spread of Uralic languages did not happen across the open, easily travelled grasslands of the Eurasian steppe. Instead, researchers believe it unfolded through the vast northern taiga.The genetic data also reveals that this Siberian ancestry has survived to varying degrees. Estonians carry roughly 2%, Finns around 10%. In the Nganasans — one of the northernmost peoples of Russia — it is almost total.In modern Hungarians, the signal has nearly vanished, diluted by centuries of mixing with other European populations. But in the DNA of medieval Hungarian conquerors, it is unmistakably present, proof that the communities who brought the Hungarian language westward still carried this ancient eastern heritage with them.These are where the Hungarian language most likely originates from. Source: news.harvard.edu.comCloser to Alaska than to FinlandThis shifts the picture dramatically. The earliest homeland of the Uralic language family may have been far further east than previously assumed — somewhere in the remote northern reaches of Siberia.Which means the ancestral Hungarians’ origins may stretch even beyond the Ural region that history books have long pointed to. The communities that carried proto-Hungarian westward were likely related to ancient northern peoples who lived across the taiga belt, maintaining contact with one another across enormous distances for centuries.A language family that crossed an oceanThe research also sheds new light on the Yeniseian language family, which once spread across central Siberia and today survives only in the critically endangered Ket language. Place names in Mongolia and surrounding regions suggest these languages once covered a far larger territory.More remarkably, the genetic findings lend fresh support to linguist Edward Vajda’s theory that Yeniseian languages are related to the Na-Dene languages of North America. If true, a single ancient language family effectively bridged two continents — carried by people moving through the far north at a time when the world was more connected than we ever realised.What ancient DNA is teaching usThis research does more than confirm the eastern origins of Hungarian and Finnish. The spread of languages and cultures was a complex, multi-layered process driven not by great empires or massive migrations, but by small, adaptable, highly mobile communities who shaped Eurasia’s linguistic map across thousands of years. The Hungarian language is not an isolated curiosity of European history. It is one thread in a vast, continent-spanning story — and ancient DNA is finally letting us read it.If you missed it:Why Hungarian language is so hard to learn – And tips to make it easier --- ### Anxiety from sugary drinks? A new study warns of another risk for teenagers URL: https://reportary.com/article/can-sugary-drinks-cause-anxiety-teens Published: 2026-02-25 07:04:00 Language: English Categories: Health Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: health, research A recent review study suggests that among young people there is a clear link between the regular consumption of high-sugar beverages — such as fizzy soft drinks, energy drinks, flavoured milks, or sweetened fruit juices — and the frequency of anxiety symptoms. A recent review study suggests that among young people there is a clear link between the regular consumption of high-sugar beverages — such as fizzy soft drinks, energy drinks, flavoured milks, or sweetened fruit juices — and the frequency of anxiety symptoms.Until now, sugary drinks have mostly been associated with weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of diabetes. However, a new evidence-based review prepared by researchers at Bournemouth University found that teenagers who consume large amounts of sugary drinks are also more likely to report anxiety symptoms.Too much “refreshment” can leave a mark on wellbeingThe Bournemouth team carried out a review of multiple studies, analysing data from earlier research conducted among adolescents. These studies typically used self-reported questionnaires to measure how often teenagers consumed sugary drinks, and assessed mental wellbeing using standard scales designed to capture anxiety-related symptoms.Across the combined findings, higher sugary drink intake was consistently associated with a greater likelihood of anxiety symptoms in the groups studied.What counts as a sugary drink?In the review, the category of “sugary drinks” included:fizzy soft drinksenergy drinkssweetened fruit juices and syrupssweetened teas and coffeesflavoured milksThe researchers also pointed out that these beverages provide a large amount of energy, while offering very little nutritional value.A single 330 ml can of cola contains close to 35 grams of sugar — an amount that can almost reach, or even exceed, the recommended daily sugar intake for an average adult.This large amount of sugar is absorbed quickly, which can lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar levels followed by a sudden drop in many people. Such fluctuations may be linked to tiredness, irritability, or difficulties with concentration, especially when sugary drinks are consumed regularly.Over time, this kind of instability may contribute to a more sensitive stress response in the body, which can also intensify anxiety symptoms.Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health challenges in young people. In 2023, estimates suggested that around one in five children and adolescents struggled with a mental health disorder, and anxiety was one of the most frequently reported issues.While the findings show a consistent pattern across multiple studies, the researchers stressed that the review drew largely on questionnaire-based, observational research.For more on energy drinks and regulation, see our earlier report on Hungary’s ban on energy drink sales to minors.The WHO is calling for stricter measuresIn separate developments, the World Health Organization has recently urged governments to significantly raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages in new global reports.According to Economx, the WHO argues that these products contribute to the spread of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, especially among children and young adults.In connection with the WHO’s proposal, Hungary’s National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) also highlighted that although 116 countries currently tax sugary drinks, in many places the rules apply only to carbonated soft drinks. Other high-sugar beverages — such as 100% fruit juices or ready-to-drink coffees and teas — are often left outside the scope of these taxes.Overall, researchers say the link between sugary drinks and anxiety is worth paying attention to, particularly because mental health problems in adolescence have risen sharply in recent years. While the review does not prove that sugary drinks directly cause anxiety, the consistent pattern across multiple studies suggests the issue should be taken seriously. --- ### Budapest tram guide 2026: Routes tourists actually use to explore the city easily URL: https://reportary.com/article/budapest-tram-guide-routes-tourists Published: 2026-02-24 16:44:00 Language: English Categories: Travel Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Budapest, Explainer, Hungary, travel, transportation Budapest’s public transport network is often praised for its efficiency, but many visitors overlook one of the most convenient ways to get around: the tram. While most travellers immediately look for the metro, the tram system is often more scenic, easier to navigate and better connected to major Budapest’s public transport network is often praised for its efficiency, but many visitors overlook one of the most convenient ways to get around: the tram. While most travellers immediately look for the metro, the tram system is often more scenic, easier to navigate and better connected to major attractions.With the help of a simple route map and frequent services, Budapest tram lines can take you past historic landmarks, across the Danube and through neighbourhoods you might otherwise miss. In many cases, trams are not just transport – they’re sightseeing rides in their own right.Here’s a practical guide to the tram routes tourists actually use in Budapest and how to make the most of the service.Contents of our guideWhy use trams in Budapest?Tram 2 – The most scenic route in BudapestTrams 4 and 6 – The city’s busiest linesTram 19 and 41 – Views from the Buda sideTickets and how to use the tram serviceTips for first-time usersThe bottom lineBudapest tram: Frequently asked questionsWhich Budapest tram route is best for sightseeing?Are tram tickets different from metro tickets?How often do Budapest trams run?Which tram lines are most useful for everyday travel?Are Budapest trams easy for tourists to use?Photo: depositphotos.comWhy use trams in Budapest?Trams run frequently throughout the day and are often faster than buses, especially during rush hour. They avoid underground stairs, making them easier if you’re travelling with luggage, pushchairs or mobility issues.They’re also:easy to spot and clearly numberedwell connected to metro and train stationsincluded in standard public transport tickets and passesideal for short hops between sightsBest of all, several lines offer fantastic views of the city.Tram 2 – The most scenic route in BudapestIf you only try one tram, make it Tram 2.Running along the Pest side of the Danube, this line passes some of the city’s most famous landmarks and is often described as one of Europe’s most beautiful tram journeys.From your window, you’ll see the Hungarian Parliament Building, the riverfront promenade and panoramic views of Buda Castle across the water.It’s perfect for sightseeing between stops and connects key areas near the city centre.Best for: photos, first-time visitors, relaxed sightseeingTrams 4 and 6 – The city’s busiest linesTrams 4 and 6 run along the Grand Boulevard and are among the most useful routes for everyday travel. They operate almost 24 hours a day and connect several major transport hubs, shopping areas and nightlife districts.These lines pass busy squares, cafés and residential areas, making them ideal if you’re exploring beyond the main tourist spots.Photo: Facebook/BKK – Budapesti Közlekedési KözpontYou’ll also pass close to Nyugati railway station, one of the city’s main stations, which makes transfers simple.Best for: quick cross-city travel, evening outings, connecting to other linesTram 19 and 41 – Views from the Buda sideFor equally impressive scenery on the opposite bank, try Trams 19 or 41. These run along the Buda riverfront and offer wonderful views back towards Parliament and the city skyline.They’re useful for reaching thermal baths, parks and quieter residential districts. The ride is calmer than central routes and feels more local.Tram 19. Photo: BKKIf you want photos without the crowds, this side of the river is often a better choice.Best for: peaceful sightseeing, exploring BudaTickets and how to use the tram serviceBudapest’s tram service is operated by the Budapest Transport Centre (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ, BKK), and tickets are shared across all public transport.You can buy:single ticketsday passes72-hour passesweekly travel cardsTickets must be validated when boarding. If you’re using multiple lines in one day, a travel pass is usually cheaper and more convenient.Trams typically run from early morning until late evening, with very frequent service on popular routes.A validated physical ticket. Photo: BKKTips for first-time usersCheck route numbers carefully at the stationUse Google Maps or transport apps for live arrivalsValidate tickets immediatelyAvoid rush hour if possible (07:30–09:00 and 16:30–18:00)Sit by the window on scenic routesIf you missed it:Budapest public transport: everything you need to know about tickets, routes and the BudapestGO app –⁠ a 2026 guideThe bottom lineIf you want an easy, affordable and surprisingly scenic way to explore Budapest, don’t rely on the metro alone. The tram network connects many of the city’s biggest sights while offering views you won’t get underground. With frequent trains, simple routes and comfortable vehicles, Budapest’s trams are both practical transport and a sightseeing experience rolled into one.Budapest tram: Frequently asked questionsWhich Budapest tram route is best for sightseeing?Most visitors choose Tram 2, which runs along the Danube and offers views of the Hungarian Parliament Building, the riverfront and Buda Castle. It’s often considered one of the most scenic tram rides in Europe.Are tram tickets different from metro tickets?No. The tram service uses the same ticket system as the metro and buses. You can use single tickets or travel passes across all public transport operated by the Budapest Transport Centre (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ, BKK).How often do Budapest trams run?Trams run very frequently during the day, usually every 3–6 minutes on busy lines. Some routes, such as 4 and 6, operate late into the night, making them useful for evening travel.Which tram lines are most useful for everyday travel?Trams 4 and 6 are among the most practical routes, connecting major boulevards, shopping areas and transport hubs, including Nyugati railway station. They’re ideal for quick cross-city trips.Are Budapest trams easy for tourists to use?Yes. Stops are clearly marked, route maps are displayed at each station and most connections are straightforward. With a simple route map or mobile app, visitors can navigate the tram network without difficulty. --- ### Economy minister would oust several foreign banks from Hungary, named those that can remain URL: https://reportary.com/article/economy-minister-foreign-banks-in-hungary Published: 2026-02-24 09:44:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Austria, Hungarian economy, Hungary, Italy, OTP Bank, Sweden Hungary’s National Economy Minister Márton Nagy has signalled plans to shrink the country’s roster of major banks to just five, naming four frontrunners and leaving a solitary vacancy. Days ago, in a speech, Prime Minister Orbán suggested that at least one foreign bank should leave the country Hungary’s National Economy Minister Márton Nagy has signalled plans to shrink the country’s roster of major banks to just five, naming four frontrunners and leaving a solitary vacancy. Days ago, in a speech, Prime Minister Orbán suggested that at least one foreign bank should leave the country.Economy minister would oust foreign banksSpeaking at a conference hosted by the Ludovika University of Public Service on Monday, the minister endorsed OTP, MBH Bank, K&H and UniCredit to continue serving Hungarian customers, declaring the “fifth spot up for grabs”.This is not the first occasion on which Nagy has aired such views. Just a day earlier, he reiterated that Hungary should cap its big banks at five—explicitly OTP, MBH, K&H and UniCredit, with that final place open to competition.Márton Nagy speaking at the Ludovika University of Public Service. Photo: MTI/Noémi BruzákAccording to the Hungarian National Bank, seven large banks currently dominate the market. Alongside those named by Nagy are Erste and Raiffeisen, both Austrian-owned, and CIB, which is Italian-controlled. K&H and UniCredit are also Italian, while OTP and MBH are domestic outfits—the latter aligned with the interests of Lőrinc Mészáros, Hungary’s richest man and a close associate of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who collected most of his fortune under the Orbán government.Lőrinc Mészáros in Munich. Photo: PrtScr/YouTubeNews website 444.hu reported that PM Orbán, in his recent State of the Nation address, branded Erste the “tax collector of death”—a barb suggesting the Austrian lender is unlikely to claim the contested slot.Erste Bank office in a Budapest mall. Will it need to leave the country alongside other foreign banks if PM Orbán and his Fidesz party win the 2026 elections? Photo: Daily News HungarySwedish, Austrian examplesIn a Facebook post shared today, Nagy argued that fewer big banks are needed to drive down costs in the sector. He said a leaner industry with fewer institutions would be more size-efficient, while also spurring greater competition. Nagy cited international examples in support: Austria and Sweden each have fewer than five major banks.Notably, he made no mention of the extra taxes imposed by the Hungarian government on the banking sector as a drag on efficiency or profitability.Fewer foreign banks, more domestic ones? Photo: FB/OTP BankBudget deficit ‘under control’Nagy brushed aside accusations of “fiscal alcoholism”, pointing out that the general government deficit had narrowed to 4.7 per cent of GDP last year under European Union accounting rules. He attributed much of the shortfall to debt-servicing costs, while stressing a stable primary balance, a current-account surplus and the pressing need to reverse rising state debt.The minister touted government successes in elevating domestic ownership of strategic sectors, though he conceded foreign investors still predominate in telecommunications, IT and building materials. A slip in retail from 41 per cent to 40 per cent domestic ownership was, he said, “distressing”.He praised the banking sector’s steady performance and noted that the National Bank of Hungary’s international reserves had hit a record €60 billion.Price caps deemed ‘necessary’Nagy defended sectoral taxes as a means to distribute the public burden more equitably, revealing that levies on banks, energy firms and retailers had generated HUF 17,000 billion (£35 billion) in revenues from 2010 to 2026. He forecast a further HUF 2,000 billion from sectoral and windfall taxes this year.Government-imposed price restrictions, he insisted, were a “necessary step” against inflation—measures dismissed by critics as “unorthodox” but replicated elsewhere in Europe.If you missed our previous articles in the issue:Major change in banking in Hungary: You can now withdraw twice as much cash for free!Hungarian currency guide: Everything visitors and expats need to know about money in HungaryTisza Party’s economy expert shares when Hungary could adopt the euro --- ### False-flag military operation linked to Russians could destabilise Hungary ahead of 2026 election? URL: https://reportary.com/article/false-flag-military-operation-2026-elections Published: 2026-02-24 12:04:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Daily News Hungary Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: Hungary, Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party, Russia, Transcarpathia, Viktor Orbán, war in Ukraine The Orbán government and its allied media machine have spent months warning that Hungarian soldiers will die in eastern Ukraine should the Tisza Party seize power in April. With Fidesz polling poorly, experts suggest that a false-flag operation involving Russian complicity is now conceivable to heighten war psychosis. They have even revealed when and where it might occur. The Orbán government and its allied media machine have spent months warning that Hungarian soldiers will die in eastern Ukraine should the Tisza Party seize power in April. With Fidesz polling poorly, experts suggest that a false-flag operation involving Russian complicity is now conceivable to heighten war psychosis. They have even revealed when and where it might occur.Escalating war psychosisThe Orbán regime faces its greatest test since 2010, confronting a credible internal Fidesz rival against whom all previous campaign tactics have failed. Surveys indicate Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party command 300,000–400,000 more supporters across the population.The country has been plastered with posters for weeks claiming that a Tisza victory in April would send taxes and burdens soaring while subsidies vanish. Meanwhile, the government and its media allies stoke fears that a Magyar premiership would drag Hungary into war against Russia, resulting in countless Hungarian deaths on the front line. They recently amplified this with a major scandal involving an AI-generated video, which you can watch below:Russian-backed false-flag operation on the cards?László Róbert of Political Capital and Bódi Mátyás of Election Geography discussed on the Heti Válasz podcast how the government will intensify war psychosis in coming weeks—potentially via a false-flag operation coordinated with Russia.The possibility has been raised not only by national security expert Péter Buda, a former intelligence chief, but by Péter Magyar himself. László and Bódi agree this threat can no longer be dismissed outright.Details of the potential operationLászló Róbert posits that such an operation could target the substantial Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, or indeed Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County—or even Budapest. He added that it might entail an assassination attempt.Photo: FB/OrbánA false-flag operation, by definition, involves one group masquerading as another to divert suspicion. History abounds with examples: Adolf Hitler, the German dictator, launched his invasion of Poland only after German agents, dressed as Polish militiamen, attacked and seized the Gleiwitz radio station.Bódi Mátyás concurs with László, though he narrows it to Transcarpathia. Both pinpoint late March or early April as the likely window.The simulation of a terrorist attack against the Budapest metro in 2016. Photo: FB/OrbánPresidential system or election postponement?In 2022, Fidesz secured a larger-than-expected two-thirds majority amid the war, capitalising on opposition candidate Péter Márki-Zay’s gaffes regarding Russia’s full-scale invasion and the appropriate response. Fidesz can thus reasonably hope a similar campaign will succeed again.The experts rule out Orbán postponing the election or imposing a presidential system. Such moves, they argue, would signal defeat—potentially even delivering a two-thirds majority to Tisza and Magyar.Hungary’s election is on 12 April.The two experts note prior testing of public opinion via social media events like those below:Anti-Hungarian hate graffiti and arson in Ukraine: A coordinated false flag operation involving the Orbán Cabinet?The Russian government claims Ukraine is planning attacks on NATO, citing a Hungarian article --- ### Alcohol Labeling and Ban: Ireland in The Dark Path Of Lithuania URL: https://reportary.com/article/alcohol-labeling-and-ban-ireland-in-the-dark-path-of-lithuania Published: 2026-02-15 07:57:00 Language: English Categories: Uncategorized Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Spain European Union member states are busy regulating alcohol use and limiting consumer choice even though historically, it has shown that bans and limitations on use have had the opposite effect as had been intended. There are two recent examples of strict alcohol regulations, both coming from countries where alcohol consumption is high. Hence, lawmakers believe that limitations are needed to decrease the number of drinkers. Lithuania started down this road in 2017 when Parliament put the following into to law: they banned the advertisement of alcohol; the legal age to buy alcohol was raised to twenty; the opening hours for shops to sell alcohol was shortened; in restaurants, maximum alcohol content was maximized; and alcohol sale at sports events or on the beach is also restricted.The measures have become very unpopular among consumers in the past years. However, there has yet to be a severe political movement to repeal the law. As usual with similar bans (think of the Prohibition in the USA a century ago), people have found ways to find loopholes in the system. Youngsters asking their older friends to purchase alcohol, people crossing borders to find alcohol in other countries after the ban hours, or the illegal sale of alcohol at houses are just a few examples of the creative ways people come up with.At the other end of the continent, Ireland has been active in regulating alcohol sales. Recently, plans have been introduced to label alcohol products with possible health risks once consumed. The decision is very disadvantageous for Irish consumers who will be deprived of some of the best wines of Italy, France or Portugal, because it will just not be worth it for them to take on the costs associated with relabeling bottles for a market as small as Ireland. Both sellers and buyers will lose due to this decision.We at the Consumer Choice Center condemn any alarmist measure that is unjustified but would have the effect of influencing consumers to make negative decisions. It worries us to see that politicians are jumping on the bandwagon of populistic legislation for unfounded reasons, as treating all responsible drinkers as if they drink excessively is anything but a sound decision.The message from consumers to lawmakers when they are obsessed with regulating their lives is that they should finally be considered adults and not treated like children when they want to make their own choice. If problematic drinking is an issue of concern in either of these countries, then legislative action should be taken in a targeted way that focuses on those who struggle with substance abuse, rather than a heavy handed approach that treats all drinkers as if they are alcoholics.  --- ### Munich 2.0 vs Yalta 2.0 or both? URL: https://reportary.com/article/munich-20-vs-yalta-20-or-both Published: 2026-02-15 07:46:00 Language: English Categories: International Affairs Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Spain Tags: international affairs, politics, history, russia, united states The events of the past few days have once again highlighted the fragility of the relationship between the United States and Europe, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine. US policy increasingly points to a desire to end the war over the heads of those involved, while Europe does not seem to be US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he has held lengthy talks with Vladimir Putin on peace clearly shows that Washington does not want to settle the conflict on Ukraine’s terms. His comment that he believes both sides want peace ignores the fact that Russian aggression has created this situation and that Ukraine is not just a bargaining chip but the victim of war itself. All this recalls historical examples of the past: while some see this as Munich 2.0, another stage in the politics of appeasement, others see a new Yalta 2.0 unfolding, where the great powers divide the world along their own interests. Concerns are further heightened by US Vice President JD Vance’s speech in Munich, which reflects a radical new approach to US foreign policy. Vance did not identify Russia and China as the main threats to Europe, but the irresponsibility and weakness of the European political elite itself. The continent is preoccupied with its own internal contradictions, he said, while underspending on defense and engaging in domestic political games rather than developing a real security strategy. This approach exonerates Moscow and Beijing and suggests that European leaders are drifting closer to crisis through no fault of their own. On another note, Vance was right in pointing out that Europe has been sitting idly in the past decades and has forgotten to spend on defense, mainly due to green and left-wing pacifist lobbying. Now that most countries have downsized their armies, they are facing the almost impossible: to pull together and create a new defense system within NATO to counter the Russian threat. While European leaders are perplexed by the new US rhetoric, an important meeting between Russian and US foreign ministers took place in Riyadh. Although the talks did not produce any breakthroughs, they clarified that Washington and Moscow want to continue the dialogue on Ukraine’s future. The fact that representatives of the European Union and Ukraine were not invited only reinforces fears that a new geopolitical bargain is being struck at the expense of Europe.Events are forcing European leaders to define their positions clearly. Will they continue to drift into protracted negotiations in which others decide for them, or will they finally take a firm stand on Ukraine’s sovereignty? They must make it clear that there is no bargain over Ukraine’s territorial integrity and that peace cannot mean accepting the policies of an aggressor. The European community must now prove it can act as an independent geopolitical actor. Otherwise, we could well witness a repetition of history, whether in the form of a new Munich or a new Yalta. --- ### Fidesz–DK: Avagy a tökéletes érdekházasság Veszprém 3. vk-ban URL: https://reportary.com/article/fidesz-dk-avagy-a-tokeletes-erdekhazassag-veszprem-3-vk-ban Published: 2026-02-13 18:22:00 Language: Hungarian (Magyar) Categories: Politics Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: ajka, sümeg, tapolca, navracsics, tisza, fidesz, dk, balatincz Gondoltuk volna? A Fidesz mindent megtesz, hogy megemelje a DK-t csak azért, hogy vigye a szavazatokat. Még el sem kezdődött a hivatalos kampány, de az ország már lassan csatatérre hasonlít. Ordítanak a plakátok, zúgnak a propagandagépek az ellenzék lejáratására. Ennek a káosznak egy különösen tanulságos színfoltja Veszprém 3-as választókerülete, ahol egy furcsa, már-már romantikus viszony van kialakulóban.Navracsics Tibor, az állampárt ide ejtőernyőzött, mindenhez (is) értő minisztere az elmúlt hetekben mindent elkövet azért, hogy minimális választói figyelem is terelődjön valamire, de lehetőleg ne rá. Hanem a DK-s jelöltre.Navracsics „Pistám” posztjai szinte tankönyvi példái annak, amit évek óta mondunk: a Fidesznek addig jó, amíg a Demokratikus Koalíció létezik. Mert addig kényelmesen lehet riogatni, addig lehet a múlt árnyaival hadakozni, és addig biztos a győzelem. Nem véletlen, hogy amint Dobrev Klára pártja az elmúlt egy évben minden mérés szerint parlamenti küszöb alá került, a Fidesz hirtelen elkezdett életet lehelni beléjük.Mert hát, ahogy mondani szokták: összenő, ami összetartozik.A képlet pofonegyszerű. A Fidesz jelöltje tudomást sem vesz a valódi kihívójáról, a Tisza Párt jelöltjéről, Balatincz Péterről; még a létezését is agyonhallgatja. Miért? Mert pontosan tudják: ha a választók fejében kétpólusú meccs alakul ki Fidesz és Tisza között, akkor vége a kényelmes világnak.Ezért kell életben tartani a DK-t. El kell hitetni az emberekkel, hogy van egy „legitim baloldali alternatíva”, amely majd képviseli őket a Parlamentben. Csakhogy ez hazugság. Minden, a DK-ra leadott szavazat valójában a Fideszt erősíti, hiszen helyben esélyük sincs nyerni, országosan pedig a bejutási küszöböt sem érik el.Tökéletesen eljátszott politikai színjáték.És persze ez a választókerület mindig is tudott ilyen „alternatívákat” produkálni. Ha nincs jobb ötlet, előveszik a volt badacsonyi LMP-s képviselőt, aki indult már négy éve is, aztán Tapolcán segített trollkodni valami egyesület színeiben, most pedig DK-s jelöltekkel turnézik mint „független politikai szakértő”. Hitelesség felsőfokon.Neki például az a legnagyobb baja Dr. Balatincz Péterrel, hogy a Tisza jelöltje kijelentette: a parlamenti munka mellett továbbra is dolgozni akar az ajkai Magyar Imre Kórházban orvosként.Ejnye-bejnye, hát olyat nem lehet!Egy seggel két lovat csak Navracsics Tibor tud megülni. Ő lehet egyszerre országgyűlési képviselő, egyetemi oktató az Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetemen, és mellékesen miniszter is. Hogy ehhez hány segg kell, azt ne firtassuk, nála valahogy sosem probléma a halmozás.De ha egy dolgozó orvos azt mondja, hogy nem akar elszakadni a hivatásától, és a parlamentben is a valós élet tapasztalataival akar dönteni, az már botrány.Micsoda képmutatás!A választóknak pontosan ebből a Fidesz–DK tandemből van elege. Abból, hogy két, látszólag egymást gyűlölő politikai erő valójában kéz a kézben dolgozik a status quo fenntartásán. Mert mindkettőnek ugyanaz az érdeke: hogy ne jöjjön semmi új, semmi friss, semmi valódi alternatíva.Csakhogy az idők változnak. Az emberek nem hülyék. Egyre többen látják át ezt a színjátékot, és egyre kevesebben kérnek belőle.A kérdés csak az: sikerül-e még egyszer eladni ugyanazt a lejárt lemezt, vagy végre tényleg eljön a változás? --- ### Hungary Is Preparing for an Election It May Refuse to Accept URL: https://reportary.com/article/hungary-is-preparing-for-an-election-it-may-refuse-to-accept Published: 2026-01-27 11:01:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: orbán, fidesz, tisza, péter magyar, hungary, elections, european union There are scenarios for the Hungarian election, in which the opposition wins, but Orbán keeps governing. For the first time in sixteen years, Hungary is heading into a national election where the ruling party is no longer the favorite. Polls suggest that an opposition force led by Peter Magyar is ahead, and that alone marks a historic break in Viktor Orbán’s political dominance. The rise of the Tisza Party has transformed a fragmented opposition into a single, credible alternative. In most European democracies, this would signal a tense but routine transfer-of-power election. In Hungary, it signals something else entirely.Orbán’s Fidesz is entering the campaign with overwhelming structural advantages. The media landscape is almost entirely captured, particularly in rural areas. State resources flow seamlessly into party messaging. Financial constraints that apply to challengers do not apply meaningfully to incumbents. The coming months will likely bring a campaign of unprecedented intensity, amplified by AI-generated content, synthetic videos, and personalized smear operations designed to blur the line between reality and fabrication. This is not speculation; it is already visible.Yet the most consequential phase of the election may not take place before voters cast their ballots, but after.Hungary’s electoral system has been carefully engineered to allow the ruling party to survive electoral setbacks. Gerrymandered districts, winner-compensation rules, and institutional bottlenecks mean that even a parliamentary majority may not guarantee the ability to govern. A scenario in which the opposition wins more votes, but Fidesz retains power is not hypothetical. It is a well-known system feature.But Orbán appears to be preparing something even more radical.In recent statements, Orbán has begun framing the election itself as a matter of national security. He has suggested that Hungary is facing foreign interference, explicitly linking the opposition to Brussels and Kyiv. Peter Magyar is no longer portrayed as a domestic political challenger, but as a candidate imposed from outside, serving foreign interests rather than the Hungarian electorate. This narrative is not accidental. It is a preemptive strike against the legitimacy of an opposition victory.Once an election is framed as externally manipulated, its results become contestable by definition. Courts can be mobilized, procedures delayed, mandates questioned, and ultimately, the vote itself can be declared invalid. This is not a theoretical concern. The European Union already has a precedent. Last year, Romania annulled the first round of its presidential election amid allegations of foreign interference. While Romania’s institutions acted within a broadly democratic framework, the case shattered a long-held assumption in Brussels: that elections in EU member states are final and binding once held.Hungary does not share Romania’s institutional safeguards. Its constitutional court, election authorities, prosecution service, and regulatory bodies are deeply intertwined with the ruling party. If an election were challenged in Hungary under the banner of foreign intervention, there would be no neutral referee. There would only be power adjudicating its own survival.Orbán’s political system was never designed to lose. It was designed to reinterpret loss as illegitimacy. By redefining opposition as treason, criticism as foreign subversion, and electoral defeat as an attack on sovereignty, the Hungarian prime minister is laying the groundwork for rejecting outcomes he cannot control. This is how competitive authoritarian systems evolve when pressure mounts: not by cancelling elections outright, but by hollowing them out until they no longer matter.The question Europe must confront is not whether Hungary’s election will be unfair. That much is already clear. The real question is whether the European Union is prepared for a member state to hold an election that the governing party is structurally, legally, and rhetorically prepared to ignore.If the opposition loses, Hungary’s trajectory continues unchanged. If the opposition wins but is blocked from governing, the country enters a constitutional crisis. And if the results are nullified under the banner of foreign interference, Hungary will cross a line that the EU has so far pretended does not exist.This is not just Hungary’s election. It is a test of whether elections in the European Union still function as a point of no return, or merely as a suggestion, subject to approval by those already in power. --- ### How Spanish Banks Punish EU Citizens for Earning in the Wrong Currency URL: https://reportary.com/article/how-spanish-banks-punish-eu-citizens-for-earning-in-the-wrong-currency Published: 2026-01-15 12:58:00 Language: English Categories: Economy & Policy Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Mijas, Andalusia, Spain Tags: spain, okupa, squatter, corruption When you want to get a mortgage at a Spanish bank and your money is not in euros, you bump into walls of discrimination. For the past two years, I have been trying to get a mortgage in Spain. I have spoken to countless banks, brokers, and “specialized agencies.” I have handed over every paper they asked for and more. And yet, every road led to the same polite refusal — “foreign income not in euros, application denied.”It makes no sense. My salary is decent, and my wife is a doctor; together, we could easily afford half of the property value as a down payment. In any other EU country, that would show stability and financial responsibility. Here, it breeds only suspicion. The banker’s face tightens, the documents are returned, and the conversation ends.After all this, I finally decided to settle down in Spain. This country has so much to offer — beauty, warmth, life itself. However, it’s also a place where bureaucracy and distrust have become integral to the national identity.The justification is always the same: “transparency.” They say it is about clear documentation, predictable risk, and compliance. But what kind of transparency are we talking about when, in reality, it leads to opacity, discrimination, and even fraud? When official channels push honest buyers out of the system, only the grey and black markets flourish.And this is not just about Spain. It’s about Europe’s addiction to hyperregulation — the endless layers of laws, decrees, and “compliance requirements” that choke the system. These rules were meant to protect consumers and bring order to the markets, but they’ve created an entirely different monster. Banks hide behind them, overreaching with internal policies that exceed the law's requirements. They use government regulation as an excuse to invent their own additional layers of control, paperwork, and arbitrary decisions — all in the name of “safety.”The result? Real competition in the banking sector is on the decline. Overregulation has eliminated more minor, flexible players, leaving only a handful of giants that all behave in a similar manner: risk-averse, faceless, and slow. They no longer compete to serve customers — they compete to comply with regulations. And in that race, the ordinary person loses.During my search, I have stumbled upon brokers and so-called “advisers” who openly offer forged payslips, fake tax records, and pre-approved documentation to foreigners whose income comes in dollars, forints, or pounds. They whisper it as a secret, but it is an open secret: lawyers, real estate agents, and certain bankers are aware of it, and everyone takes their cut. The whole machinery is oiled by discrimination.As an EU citizen, I am entitled to equal treatment within the single market. Yet when it comes to mortgages, I am treated as a second-class applicant. A Spanish national can obtain a home with a 20 percent down payment. I could pay 50, but no one is willing even to process my case.This is not just a case of bad banking practice; it is a moral and political failure. We like to think of the European Union as a space of free movement, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination. But these principles collapse at the counter of a local bank branch.So the question remains: what would it take to design a mortgage system that does not discriminate between EU nationals? Where the only thing that matters is solvency, not the color of your passport or the currency of your payslip?Until we answer that, Europe will continue to be one union on paper and twenty-seven small fiefdoms in practice — each wrapped in red tape, each stifling competition, and each finding new ways to punish those who dare to believe in the promise of a truly single market.  --- ### How to Defeat Populism URL: https://reportary.com/article/how-to-defeat-populism Published: 2026-01-15 12:49:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: illiberalism, cronyism, populism, putin, orban, maduro, erdogan I delivered this speech in 2017. It is still valid today. Do you know what 500 years mean? Can we actually comprehend how muchtime half a century is? Once, on a trip Austria I had the opportunity to visit anexceptional castle where the most amazing thing for me, besides the beautifulview, was when I learnt that this gorgeous building was owned by the samefamily for the last 500 years. 500 years of respect for private property… For usHungarians, who live right here, right in the neighbourhood of Austria, thisnumber is incomprehensible. We do not even know what is going to happen inHungary next year and we really don’t have a perspective of five, fifty or fivehundred years ahead.Here, time is measured differently. Let me illustrate with another example onhow different it is. I can see that we have a lot of American friends here, andthey are probably not too surprised when they meet a 100 years old person. Inthe next few decades it is going to become quite ordinary for someone to havesuch a long lifespan in the United States. There is a lot to experience in Americaduring such a long time but if someone was 100 years old here in Hungary, theyhave lived through two World War defeats, at least two crises of the worldeconomy, several unsuccessful freedom fights and eight (!) political transitions.That is everything in the country restarted eight times. New laws, new socialrules, new mandatory ideologies. Here in Hungary, there is no opportunity forlong term plans because individual freedom often dissolves in the internal andexternal storms hitting the nation. We live in a difficult region of Europe where500 years of uninterrupted property rights is unheard of. There was no period,be it 200 or 30 years long, during which the individual right for property wasn’tinfringed upon is some way. When walking around in New York I like to look atthe numbered street signs: Those will not be renamed every few decadesunlike here, where the state constantly changes the names of the streets andsquares of Budapest. I am only in the beginning of my forties but this is thethird political system in my country since I was born. How many more are thereto come?Dear Friends,Welcome to Budapest, the beautiful European capital of populism! You askme why? How did Hungary, which was the most advanced Eastern-Bloc countryin terms of freedom and convergence to western values, and served as abeacon of western spirit during the 80s and 90s, become a black hole suckingin individual freedom, civil rights and freedom of the press? A country that ismore and more becoming a burden for its allied partners. A place wherePresident Maduro of Venezuela would feel just as much at home as Erdogan, aman who casually throws his political opponents in jail and Putin who nowvisits our country twice a year, like a squire visiting his serfs. The answers are inour past and also in our very complex present. I cannot explain all of them but Iwould like to point out some important reasons for the success of populism inHungary: In other European countries which experienced a more brutal form ofdictatorship, like the Czech Republic, Slovakia or especially Romania,memories of the terror are still vivid in the memories of people, andconsequently they are more sensitive to infringements upon theirfreedom. We could say that the immune system of such nations isstronger against oppression. Poland and Hungary gained independence following a softer form ofSoviet influence and authoritarian oppression compared to other nationsof the Eastern Bloc. Thus, the catharsis of liberation was inferior, orwasn’t experienced at all so in these countries, freedom is valued less.We, Hungarians, never appreciate enough the liberty we have gainedwhen the Cold War ended. In Eastern-Europe, the fascist and communist regimes beheaded theproperty owning, patrician classes of society, literally destroying many oftheir members. However, these citizens would constitute basis forcentrist political powers to stabilize and to form strong roots (seeEngland, the United States, or Germany in the last 70 years).Unfortunately, we did not have such groups. The decades following the democratic transition of 1990 did not bringeconomic convergence for the region. Hungarians are disappointed,many of them are longing for the good old times when they did not haveto take individual responsibility because the state did that for them inexchange for their liberty. We have spent twenty years in freedom, in aliberal democracy, in a lagging, but market based economy, but this didnot make Hungarians happy. This situation was ripe for a politician that is patient and shrewd enoughto wait until the eventual amortization of the political system. So, he canclaim without any programme whatsoever, that he is going to fixeverything. Viktor Orbán, whose chameleon like abilities remind me ofWoody Allen’s famous character Leonard Zelig, could perfectly adapt tothe disappointment of Hungarians. He seduced them with his populistpromises and now he is holding the whole nation hostage. The relativemajority of the electorate, tired of 20 years of unsuccessful politicsdecided that they want a strong leader to decide upon their lives. Thisrelative majority melted away in recent years to become nothing morebut a large minority. Nonetheless, due to the new electoral law, they cansustain the regime for years.I know that this answer is not very satisfying, since today populism is a globalplague, there is no continent where it hasn’t appeared. Populists have strongpresence in countries much more successful than Hungary is, with muchstronger democratic traditions. They are also changing their colors constantly,that’s what makes it true populism. It always appears in a form that is mostappealing to voters. In one moment, it is radically left-wing such as it is in thepoverty-stricken Venezuela, or in other unfortunate South-American states, ora truly Bolshevik like in Belorussia. Other times it has some false religious pietylike in Turkey, or involves a strong cult of personality like in Kazakhstan. Andoften, it is radically right-wing, xenophobic and racist, especially towardsEurope.Do not forget that populists are especially dangerous enemies because they arestrategizing in the terms of democratic competition. They have a lot to lose andare willing to do anything to stay in power. Viktor Orbán lost several times,after one of these defeats he reportedly claimed “You only have to win once,but that one time you must win by a lot.” – Ladies and Gentlemen, that is themain principle of populism. Gaining power once and never ever letting it go.Reshaping democracy and deconstructing the rule of law step-by-step as if itwas made of LEGO bricks: Emasculating the Constitutional Court, throwing out our constitutionand replacing it with a party rulebook; Eliminating free media and filling up every position with peoplesubservient to the party; Gerrymandering in the electoral constituencies, putt ing party lackeysin control of election management bodies, transforming free and fairelection into a theatre, just like in Russia; Setting up a Mafia-state where there is no individual corruptionbecause all EU funds are channelled into the pockets of the partyleadership and their close circle. For these people, government is justa cover story for stealing as much public funds as they can. Choosing enemies who can’t fight back: Refugees, westernbureaucrats far away, poor people at homeLadies and Gentlemen!Francis Fukuyama was wrong, history did not end in the 90’s. Unfortunately, Imust add because the trends we have been seeing since the defeat ofbolshevism are harmful and dangerous. The many different enemies offreedom and western values launched an attack all over the world after themillennium. The last one and a half decade was about them gaining strength.After 1990, the free world thought that with their victory over the Bolsheviks,the great conflicts in the world will subside and we can finally focus on topicslike the environment, education and other important issues we face. The westleaned back. “Globalization will take care of everything” – they thought. Theyhave paid the price of their complacency and so did we. Siren calls of the newwave of populist all over the world want us to retreat behind our borders andlet isolationism solve all problems. This policy had already proven to be afailure for the US and for the whole world. Two World Wars, or the Yugoslavianwar for example were all caused because the west thought they can remainabsent and certain problems will somehow sort themselves out. They didn’t.Because the new populists, the anti-freedom coalition does not want peace,they want tension, conflicts or even war. Populists only understand thelanguage of power and cannot be defeated by pacifist ideas.Still, this fight is not hopeless, not even in Hungary! We can defeat populism,even here! First, everyone must understand: While international action is animportant part of fighting populism, at the end of day, it is less important thanlocal work, because populists can only be beaten locally. Do you ever thinkabout what the opposite of populism is? It is an interesting question becauseits opposites, as I have already mentioned, are not socialism, liberalism orconservatism. The opposite of populism is responsibility, more preciselytaking responsibility and working hard for the citizens. Populists are loud butthey are never looking for answers since they thrive on the problems and allthey want to do is to constantly talk about them. Their political capital is solelymade of these problems and their cheap explanations. I am the best examplethat these people can be beaten with new methods, with a new approach. Imyself have defeated the candidate of the populist government, which causedthe Orbán regime to lose its two thirds supermajority in the parliament. I cantell you that the recipe for success is neither a secret nor is it very difficult tofollow. Let’s be honest, the traditional western political elite became andcomplacent. At the same time, the populists are anything but lazy. If youare a candidate, hit the campaign trail in your country or in yourconstituency. I would not have won if I didn’t do more than 100% of thelocal groundwork. Engaging and interacting with the electorate must be a permanentactivity, not limited to campaign season. Strong local presence in thecommunities and close connection with individuals builds up trust. We must stay honest, even about controversial, sensitive topics becausethis is the domain of populists. Putting populists into a quarantine does not work. Political powersdeemed undesirable by the establishment just become more attractiveto voters when they made outcasts. Populists must be fought withreason, engaged in open debates, they cannot be ignored. According to populists, all problems are caused by external powers (e.g.:George Soros, Jews, Chinese, Chemtrails, Martians, etc.). This is aninternationally tested recipe, populism is all about drama and hysteriaeverywhere. They must always fight against something that is the reasonbehind Victor Orbán’s permanent, militant campaigns for example. Butpeople do not want to live in fear forever, this can be used to beat them. Populist regimes are difficult to defeat because they abuse theirmonopoly power on government and use propaganda with considerableforce. Today, Hungarian national media resembles more to its Russian,or even North-Korean counterparts than to the British in terms of bothstyle and content. Responsible and serious messages are much more difficult tocommunicate effectively than the oversimplifying lies that our populistgovernment is using on all available channels, instigating against Brusselsand refugees. If we cannot appear on national media, we have to bepresent online and go to even the smallest rural villages personally. Onthe few channels we have access to, we must communicate better, morevisibly and with more content than the government does. Populists are not earnest and they are never ready for any compromise.To defeat them we must be tough, and both resist corruption andgovernment threats. Whoever wants to win against a populist regime must be ready to risktheir career on beating the system. It is a hard choice to make but thereis no other way.We have to start working consciously against populism. We must act, if wedon’t want the world to be ruled by the Maduros, the Orbans, the Le Pens, theDutertes or the Erdogans. Locally, politicians who value freedom must workharder, more effectively, with more responsibility. Globally we needcooperation against populists who are also aiming for forming internationalalliances. We must work together because for the first time since the end ofthe Cold War, we have a common cause! --- ### Open Letter to President Milei URL: https://reportary.com/article/open-letter-to-president-milei Published: 2026-01-15 09:31:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Zoltan Kesz Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: milei, orbán, argentina, hungary, cronyism, crony capitalism, economics Argentinian President Javier Milei has endorsed Viktor Orbán during his campaign. This open letter details why he should not have done that as Orbán is not the conservative he claims to be. An Open Letter to President Javier MileiDear President Milei,I write this letter with genuine surprise and a measure of concern, following reports that you have expressed support for Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary’s elections.Surprise, because your rise to the presidency of Argentina has been defined by an uncompromising rejection of statism, cronyism, and the moral corruption that follows when politics replaces markets. Concern, because Orbán’s Hungary represents many of the very pathologies you have spent your public life opposing.I do not question your sincerity as a reformer, nor your intellectual commitment to economic freedom. Precisely for that reason, I believe this moment deserves clarification and perhaps reconsideration.Orbán’s system is not capitalismOrbán is often marketed internationally as a “national conservative” or an anti-progressive counterweight to the global left. But rhetoric is not economics.In economic terms, Orbán presides over a system best described as state-directed cronyism, where political loyalty determines access to capital, markets are subordinated to power, and the state remains the ultimate arbiter of success or failure.Allow me to briefly outline why many of us who defend capitalism view Orbán not as an ally, but as a warning.Punitive sectoral taxes have been imposed on banking, retail, telecoms, and energy, selectively targeting industries and firms deemed politically inconvenient. This is not neutral taxation; it is economic coercion.Price controls on fuel, food, and household energy have repeatedly distorted markets, caused shortages, and exported inflation elsewhere in the economy. These are textbook interventionist policies with predictable outcomes.Politically managed ownership transfers have reshaped entire sectors of the Hungarian economy. Assets do not change hands through competition, but through proximity to power, regulatory pressure, and state-backed favoritism.Hostility toward independent capital is openly articulated. Orbán has called for the creation of a “national bourgeoisie”, a concept fundamentally incompatible with free-market principles, where success should derive from value creation rather than political alignment.Dependence on redistribution, particularly through EU funds, has replaced structural reform. External money is recycled through domestic patronage networks, entrenching the state rather than shrinking it.This is not capitalism. It is not liberalism. And it is certainly not the radical market reform you have championed in Argentina.Why this matters for youEndorsements are not cost-free. They signal values, alliances, and, whether intended or not, approval of systems of governance.Your greatest political strength lies in credibility: the belief that you are willing to confront entrenched interests rather than accommodate them. Orbán’s system is built on precisely such accommodation, a durable pact between political power and economic privilege.By aligning yourself, even rhetorically, with Orbán, you risk blurring a vital distinction: the difference between market-oriented reformers and state-capitalist strongmen who merely oppose different cultural enemies.That distinction matters not only to economists, but to investors, reformers, and young people across the world who see in you something rare: a leader willing to tell uncomfortable truths about the failures of interventionism.A friendly warningThis letter is not written in hostility, but in respect.History is unkind to reformers who lend their moral authority to systems that contradict their own principles. You have taken enormous political risks to dismantle Argentina’s culture of economic illusion. It would be tragic to see that clarity diluted abroad.Orbán is not a misunderstood capitalist. He is not a conservative reformer unfairly maligned by progressives. He is the architect of a European model where markets serve power, not the other way around.Those of us who defend capitalism should be especially careful not to confuse anti-progressive rhetoric with pro-market policy.Mr. President, the fight for economic freedom is difficult enough without lending credibility to its imitators.Respectfully, Zoltán Kész – former member of the Hungarian Parliament and member of the Atlas Network  --- ### Brave New World? URL: https://reportary.com/article/brave-new-world Published: 2026-01-12 04:08:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Lánczi Richárd Type: News Article Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: donald trump, greenland, sovereign nations, venezuela, geopolitics The United States, citing that Venezuela’s leader rules his country as a dictator and heads a drug cartel, captured Nicolás Maduro and transported him to the U.S., carrying out a military operation in a sovereign nation. What’s going to happen with Greenland? If we look at just the bare facts, from an American perspective, the following occurred: on January 3, the United States carried out an operation in Venezuelan territory, during which President Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife, was captured and transported to the U.S., where he was brought to trial.However, if we look beyond the terse news reports, we are confronted with a far more thought-provoking phenomenon. America claims that Nicolás Maduro is the leader of a drug cartel, manipulated his way to election victory, and leads a corruption-ridden dictatorship—yet it attacked a sovereign country and removed its leader when it carried out the operation in Venezuela.This action violates multiple UN and international regulations. This is particularly alarming in light of the fact that, after World War II, it was precisely under U.S. guidance that countries established rules guaranteeing state sovereignty and condemning interference in the internal affairs of independent nations. The United States ignored these very rules, then withdrew from 66 international organizations, including several UN bodies.The problem is that now, if China were to launch an operation in Taiwan and abduct its leader, it could justify its actions by claiming that Taiwan was poorly governed and riddled with corruption, therefore they were taking control. In some respects, the American operation has set a precedent: from now on, a stronger country could argue that it is removing the leader of another nation and taking control simply because it considers the current leadership anti-democratic, corrupt, and oppressive. And that’s all the justification needed.Moreover, the U.S. President declared that the United States will govern Venezuela for a while, which is nonsensical from an international law perspective. There are no regulations outlining under what laws or rules a sovereign country can be governed after its leadership has been removed through intervention. For example, if a Venezuelan resident wanted to expand their home or officially register a business, where would they do it—Venezuela or the U.S.? Trump stated that the U.S. would run the South American country. Does that mean Venezuelans will have to conduct official business in Washington?Of course, protests and condemnation are possible, but even after the U.S. operation in Venezuela, it was clear how little impact critical statements actually had.How could all this have happened?Another possible explanation is that America did all this to gain control of Venezuela’s oil reserves. If that is the case, it is not unprecedented; historically, this was called establishing a colonial empire. That is, one country would take another country’s resources, install a puppet government, and take direct control. But this classical method largely died out nearly a century ago. Yet, there seems to be renewed interest: recently, Donald Trump, then President of the United States, met with leaders of American oil companies to discuss extracting Venezuela’s oil, in a tone as if they were discussing the exploitation of domestic U.S. mineral resources.Another theory suggests Trump removed Maduro and placed Venezuela under U.S. control because he was frustrated by Venezuela buying Russian weapons with Chinese loans while maintaining excellent relations with Cuba, which is also friendly toward China and Russia. In other words, he wanted to prevent a conflict similar to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. At that time, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union arose over missiles stationed in Cuba, threatening to spark World War III. Russian submarines equipped with nuclear warheads approached U.S. territorial waters, and the U.S. considered invasion, but ultimately opted for a naval blockade. A deal was eventually reached between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.Viewed in this light, Trump’s intervention could be somewhat understandable—but even so, a sovereign country was attacked and brought under foreign control, violating multiple international agreements.The Americans also argued that Maduro’s removal was necessary because of drugs being transported to the United States. Experts consider this reasoning weak, as Venezuelan drug trafficking is primarily directed toward Europe. Most drug shipments to the U.S. originate from Colombia and Mexico.What’s going to happen with Greenland?The latest developments are even more shocking: Trump has claimed Greenland for the United States, although the territory is part of Denmark, a fellow NATO member. The U.S. President stated: “We will do something about Greenland, whether they like it or not… I would like to make a deal with them, preferably an easy one. But if that doesn’t work, we will take the harder path.” These are not exactly friendly words from a NATO member to another NATO member. Trump argues that Greenland is important for American defense because, in his words, it “is swarming with Russian and Chinese ships.” He added: “I like the Chinese and I like the Russians, but I don’t want them as our neighbors in Greenland. That cannot happen.”It is also worth noting that Greenland’s melting ice has made uranium and iron more accessible, with significant oil and gas reserves potentially available as well.All things considered, we are witnessing an interesting reshuffling in the world, one that carries shadows of the past. During the Cold War years that followed World War II, amid the threat of nuclear war, a mindset developed among the great powers: what happened in the East was the business of the Soviet Union and its allies, while what happened in the West was the business of the U.S. and its allies. This created a twisted, militarized, and threatening world, where each side turned a blind eye to the other’s misdeeds until their own spheres of interest were threatened.I hope we are not witnessing the opening act of such a “new world” again… --- ### Work on progress URL: https://reportary.com/article/work-on-progress Published: 2026-01-12 00:51:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Béli Balázs Type: Photo Gallery Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Laszlo Kover, Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament holds a newspaper at the plenary hall, 22th November, 2022 --- ### Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Hungarian Parliament's plenary hall in Budapest, 24th November 2025. URL: https://reportary.com/article/prime-minister-viktor-orban-speaks-at-the-hungarian-parliaments-plenary-hall-in-budapest-24th-november-2025 Published: 2026-01-12 00:39:28 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Béli Balázs Type: Photo Gallery Location: Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Hungarian Parliament's plenary hall in Budapest, 24th November 2025. Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at the Hungarian Parliament's plenary hall in Budapest, 24th November 2025. --- ### Budapest URL: https://reportary.com/article/budapest Published: 2026-01-12 00:22:00 Language: English Categories: Photography Author: Béli Balázs Type: Photo Gallery Location: Hungary Aerial view of Budapest, 10th January, 2019 --- ### Massive Fraud Scheme Rocks Minnesota: Somali-Linked Programs at Center of Potential Billion-Dollar Scandal URL: https://reportary.com/article/massive-fraud-scheme-rocks-minnesota-somali-linked-programs-at-center-of-potential-billion-dollar-scandal Published: 2025-12-28 13:30:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Csekő Balázs Type: News Article Tags: usa, minnesota, somali community, fraud, corruption, day care, tim walz A sprawling federal fraud investigation in Minnesota has exposed what prosecutors describe as "staggering industrial-scale" schemes involving child nutrition programs, autism therapy, housing assistance, and other social services, linked to members of the state's large Somali-American community. A sprawling federal fraud investigation in Minnesota has exposed what prosecutors describe as "staggering industrial-scale" schemes involving child nutrition programs, autism therapy, housing assistance, and other social services, primarily linked to members of the state's large Somali-American community. MINNEAPOLIS — A sprawling federal fraud investigation in Minnesota has exposed what prosecutors describe as "staggering industrial-scale" schemes involving child nutrition programs, autism therapy, housing assistance, and other social services, primarily linked to members of the state's large Somali-American community. The core Feeding Our Future case, involving phony meal sites and day care centers, accounted for approximately $250-300 million in stolen federal funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as probes have expanded across multiple interconnected programs, federal prosecutors now estimate that fraud across 14 high-risk Minnesota-administered initiatives since 2018 could exceed $1 billion—or potentially half or more of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds allocated to these programs.The Feeding Our Future scandal, labeled the largest pandemic-era fraud in the U.S., began unraveling in 2022 with charges against dozens for wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Defendants allegedly created fake meal distribution sites—often posing as day care centers, after-school programs, or community centers—claiming to serve millions of meals while submitting falsified rosters and invoices to the Minnesota Department of Education for federal reimbursement."These schemes exploited programs meant to help the most vulnerable," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson at a December 2025 press conference, noting the fraud's expansion into Medicaid-funded autism services (where providers recruited Somali families, falsified diagnoses, and paid kickbacks) and housing programs (billing for non-existent services to seniors and disabled individuals). Recent charges include cases like a purported day care receiving millions despite no activity, and providers defrauding autism programs of tens of millions.Minnesota, home to the largest Somali-American community in the U.S. (approximately 80,000-100,000 individuals), has seen the vast majority of defendants—82 out of 92 charged across key schemes—tied to this demographic, though officials repeatedly emphasize that the actions of a few do not represent the community. Stolen funds allegedly financed luxury purchases: homes, vehicles, jewelry, overseas real estate (often in Kenya), and international transfers. No proven links to terrorism have been established, despite political claims.The scandal exploded amid relaxed COVID-era oversight, allowing rapid fund distribution with minimal checks. State auditors faulted the Department of Education for overlooking warnings, exacerbated by accusations of bias when scrutiny targeted Somali-linked entities. Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock was convicted on fraud charges but plans to appeal.As of late December 2025, over 90 defendants face charges, with dozens of convictions and guilty pleas. Prosecutors warn of ongoing discoveries, with Thompson stating that final losses "could exceed $1 billion" in confirmed schemes alone, and potentially $9 billion+ if half of the $18 billion across 14 programs proves fraudulent. This includes recent examples like a single empty "day care" receiving $4 million in 2025 funds.Politically explosive, President Donald Trump has spotlighted the cases, calling Minnesota a "hub of fraudulent money laundering," terminating protections for some Somali migrants, and alleging billions stolen—figures echoed in conservative outlets but described by prosecutors as preliminary estimates for broader probes. Governor Tim Walz has defended his administration's response amid federal guidance for quick aid distribution, appointing a former FBI agent to lead prevention efforts and implementing reforms like AI detection tools.The crisis has eroded trust in Minnesota's robust welfare system, prompting program pauses, audits, and calls for systemic change. Community leaders decry stigmatization, stressing the contributions of law-abiding Somali-Americans while supporting accountability.Ongoing trials continue, with prosecutors vowing to pursue recovery and prevent future "fraud tourism" drawn to perceived lax oversight. --- ### Why the U.S. Media Crisis Is Structural, Not Political URL: https://reportary.com/article/why-the-us-media-crisis-is-structural-not-political Published: 2025-12-27 10:46:00 Language: English Categories: Society Author: Levente Nagy-Pál Type: News Article Location: United States Tags: ai, society, media, freedomofspeech, mainstream, poll The media crisis in the U.S. isn’t political. It’s structural - and the numbers prove it. Over the past two decades, the traditional media system has not simply changed. The media crisis in the U.S. isn’t political. It’s structural - and the numbers prove it. Over the past two decades, the traditional media system has not simply changed. It has structurally collapsed. Public trust has eroded, ownership has concentrated to unprecedented levels, and Big Tech platforms have taken control of content distribution. Together, these forces have created a landscape in which the classic media model can no longer fulfill its original social role.The shift is not only visible, it is now measurable. According to an October 2025 Pew Research Center survey, only 56 percent of U.S. adults say they trust information from national news organizations “a lot” or “somewhat.” That number is low on its own, but what makes it truly alarming is the speed of the decline: an 11-point drop in just a few months. The trend is unmistakable: Americans are turning away from traditional media at an accelerating pace. The findings also show that most people can no longer reliably distinguish trustworthy information from manipulated or distorted content. Partly because legacy newsrooms themselves are operating under increasingly intense real-time pressure.Beyond the collapse of trust, the U.S. media market is dominated by a handful of giant corporations, significantly reducing editorial diversity and journalist autonomy. A single ownership decision can now shift entire news channels from one narrative to another. This concentration-driven logic is far removed from the openness that a pluralistic democratic public sphere requires.The economic model has also collapsed. Journalists produce the content, but the majority of the revenue, data, and reach ends up with the platforms. In this equation, traditional media companies are reduced to mere intermediaries between their own product and their audience. Taken together, this is no longer a crisis, it is system fatigue. You cannot fix it by tightening a few screws or replacing old parts. Trust in the media is collapsing because the underlying structure has lost its connection to the very society it is supposed to serve.This is why a new ecosystem is needed. Not a new institution, but new principles. A model where credibility is tied not to logos, but to people. Where quality is not determined by clicks but evaluated through transparent, professional frameworks. And where journalists and audiences meet not through intermediaries, but in a direct and authentic relationship.Reportary points toward this new direction. It is not a repackaging of the old system, but the foundation of an entirely new infrastructure: decentralized, community-driven, and ethical. A space where journalists can reclaim the essence of their profession and freedom and where readers regain what they have long been missing: trust.The future of media will not come from patching up the past. It will come from rebuilding the foundations of trustworthy information. This time with people at the center. --- ### Protesters march to Buda Castle URL: https://reportary.com/article/protesters-march-to-buda-castle Published: 2025-12-26 10:36:09 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Levente Nagy-Pál Type: Photo Gallery Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: demonstration, tisza party, hungary, budapest Protesters march across the Chain Bridge to Buda Castle on December 13, 2025, during a child protection demonstration organized by the Tisza Party. Protesters march across the Chain Bridge to Buda Castle on December 13, 2025, during a child protection demonstration organized by the Tisza Party. --- ### Péter Magyar gives a speech URL: https://reportary.com/article/peter-magyar-gives-a-speech Published: 2025-12-22 16:42:00 Language: English Categories: Politics Author: Levente Nagy-Pál Type: Photo Gallery Location: Budapest, Budapest, Hungary Tags: péter magyar, tisza party, hungary, demonstration, opposition Péter Magyar President of Tisza Party gives a speech on October 13, 2025, at a child protection demonstration in Buda Castle, Budapest. Péter Magyar gives a speech on O. Péter Magyar gives a speech on October 13, 2025, at a child protection demonstration in Buda Castle, Budapest.  --- ### An environmentalism everyone can get behind URL: https://reportary.com/article/an-environmentalism-everyone-can-get-behind Published: 2025-12-18 19:36:00 Language: English Categories: Climate & Environment Author: Jason Reed Type: News Article Location: Greater London, England, United Kingdom Tags: policy Conservatives and liberals alike must get behind protecting the environment Over the last few years, the world has begun to wake up to the urgent reality of climate change for the first time ever. In Britain, the US and across the world, more people than ever before are listing protecting the environment as one of their primary concerns. But that doesn’t mean a consensus is forming around the issue – yet. The denial of climate science is yesterday’s foe but the battles over how we ought to go about confronting existential threats to our natural world are only just beginning.There’s no escaping the fact that protecting the environment is an inherently political issue. The way we approach it creeps into every nook and cranny of our economy and every second of our everyday lives. That means it’s vulnerable to politicisation. From Greta Thunberg to Extinction Rebellion and Rebecca Long-Bailey to George Monbiot, those who have been fighting for a large state and a planned economy are rallying around ecosocialism, openly weaponising climate change as a political instrument to transform society into the collectivist utopia they have long envisioned.Be in no doubt – the left has no moral qualms about manipulating genuine concerns for the future of the natural world to extreme political ends. Saikat Chakrabarti, a senior staffer to congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and one of the chief architects of the eco-socialist manifesto and bible, the Green New Deal, said on the record that his boss’s flagship policy was not “a climate thing” but rather “a how-do-you-change-the-entire-economy thing.” If conservatives and liberals are to resist that narrative before it truly takes hold and stays put for a generation, time is of the essence.After all, it wasn’t the left which set this global climate awareness shift in motion – it was the liberal-conservative right. More specifically, it was our very own Conservative Party. Margaret Thatcher was the first world leader to sound the alarm for saving the planet in 1990, continuing the centuries-old Burkean tradition of conserving what is good and already exists and firing the starting pistol on a decades-long international campaign for a right-of-centre environmentalism.By having to contend with ecosocialism at all, conservatives are already on the back foot. Too many are guilty of kicking the can down the road and pretending this inconvenient problem can be ignored. There is no good reason why the environment should be widely perceived as a socialist issue – that ideological ground is ripe for the taking. As the late Sir Roger Scruton put it: “The cause of the environment is not, in itself, a left-wing cause at all. It is not about ‘liberating’ or empowering the victim, but about safeguarding resources. It is not about ‘equality’, but about conservation and equilibrium.”Even if we were to set philosophy aside and think like utilitarians, conservative environmentalism would still be the best way forward. There is no shortage of conservative-friendly policies like measures designed to stoke biodiversity and the protection of our national parks which enrich our lives and do much more to protect the environment than any Green New Deal. Perhaps more importantly, there is no good reason for conservatives of any and all ideological stripes to shy away from safeguarding the beauty and strength of our natural world for future generations. --- ### Rotary hoe race URL: https://reportary.com/article/rotary-hoe-race Published: 2025-12-18 13:44:00 Language: English Categories: Sports Author: Béli Balázs Type: Photo Gallery Location: Hungary Tags: motorsports, rotaryhoe, sportevent Rotary hoe race in Lébény, Hungary 27th September, 2025 Rotary hoe race in Lébény, Hungary 27th September, 2025 --- ### Free Speech is Only for Humans: How Reportary Restores the Human Foundations of the Digital Public Sphere URL: https://reportary.com/article/free-speech-is-only-for-humans-how-reportary-restores-the-human-foundations-of-the-digital-public-sphere Published: 2025-12-11 15:15:00 Language: English Categories: Artificial Intelligence Author: Levente Nagy-Pál Type: News Article Location: Hungary Tags: news, free speech, ai Freedom of speech is a human right, and when we blur the line between human voices and machine output, the public sphere loses its integrity. This is why Reportary was built: to restore authorship, accountability, and human presence in digital media. 1. The crisis of freedom of speech in the digital age The digital revolution of the 21st century has set in motion a dual process in the structure of the public sphere. On the one hand, it has radically expanded access to content production: never before has so much information circulated and never have so many “authors” entered the public arena. On the other hand, it has fundamentally shaken the normative framework within which freedom of speech has traditionally been understood. Today, the public sphere is no longer primarily populated by human beings, but by algorithms, automated content generators, bot networks, troll farms and machine-based content distribution systems. This transformation is not merely technical in nature: it has ontological, political-philosophical, and jurisprudential consequences. The modern concept of freedom of speech, as interpreted by Timothy Garton Ash (2016) and by classical and contemporary liberal thinkers (Locke, Mill, Rawls, Habermas), presupposes human agency, autonomy, responsibility, and the capacity to weigh social consequences. The freedom of speech is not the protection of an abstract quantity of content. It is a human right, attached to a legal person who can be held responsible, a social being embedded in a community. In his most recent work, the Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari (2024) states unambiguously: AI-generated content is not part of freedom of speech, because it lacks an author with moral and legal personality behind it. Artificial intelligence is not a person and therefore cannot be the subject of the right to free expression. Despite this, a narrative has spread in digital discourse that AI-generated content is also “speech” which should be protected in the same way as human expression. This narrative increasingly conflates human speech with machine output, thereby endangering the human foundations of freedom of speech.2. The philosophical and legal foundations of freedom of speech: Why human authorship Is NecessaryThe modern concept of freedom of speech is deeply rooted in a political-philosophical tradition that understands the human being as an autonomous agent capable of moral reasoning. The Enlightenment created a normative framework that interprets expression not simply as technical communication, but as one of the essential manifestations of human dignity. Classical liberal thinkers (especially John Stuart Mill) viewed freedom of expression as a means to pursue truth, enable individual flourishing, and foster social progress. Modern legal frameworks, including the foundational documents of the United Nations and the European Union, build their catalogue of rights on the same basis: the subject of freedom of speech is, in every case, the human being as a responsible, morally capable entity. Every act of expression is grounded in intention, autonomous judgment, and conscious action. Speech is not content that exists for its own sake; it is an act created by human reason that implies responsibility. This responsibility is not merely legal, but also moral and social: the speaker accepts the consequences of their words, is accountable to the community, and participates in a form of dialogue that underpins the functioning of society. Freedom of speech therefore cannot be understood independently of the concept of responsibility.Freedom of speech is thus not an abstract right to the unlimited dissemination of content, but the freedom of human action. Timothy Garton Ash also emphasizes that free speech cannot be separated from the acting subject. The idea that we apply freedom of speech to content rather than to people is a mistaken and dangerous shift that obscures the true nature of the right. The human autonomy that grounds this right cannot be transferred to machines or systems that lack the capacity for moral deliberation. Modern digital technologies, however, have created a situation in which speech is increasingly detached from the traditional notion of an identifiable author. The spread of AI-generated content has given rise to a phenomenon for which classical legal frameworks were not prepared. AI is capable of producing linguistically coherent texts that often resemble human authorship to a misleading degree, while there is no intention, no responsibility, and no moral subject behind them. Artificial intelligence does not embody the normative conditions of speech: it is not autonomous, it is not responsible, and it is not a legal person.In this respect, Eugene Volokh’s argument is particularly significant: AI output cannot legally be considered “speech,” because it cannot be attributed to a person who bears responsibility. The law protects the persons behind actions, not the machine processes that are capable of generating content but incapable of morally interpreting those actions. The essence of free speech is therefore not the content itself, but the acting subject and that subject can only be a human being. If we extend freedom of speech to entities that are not responsible, we abolish its moral foundation. As a result, freedom of speech loses its role in democratic society: it ceases to be a space for reasoned debate among citizens and becomes a chaotic mass of content that cannot be linked to any person, or intention.3. The dehumanization of the digital public sphere: A review of the literatureThe spread of artificial intelligence has transformed the functioning of the public sphere at multiple levels: content production and content distribution, and increasingly content moderation as well. Taken together, these processes have altered the nature of communication to such an extent that it no longer fits within the traditional, human-centered framework of freedom of speech. Today, the public sphere is no longer simply a forum in which people exchange ideas. It has become a digital ecosystem in which human beings are only partially active participants, and the structure of the space is largely determined by machine systems.In the field of content production, artificial intelligence has entered the world of communication in a way that fundamentally changes the concept of authorship. As Natali Helberger’s research shows, media systems increasingly rely on automated content generation tools capable of independently producing news articles, summaries, narrative structures, and visual content. As a result, the author behind a given piece of content is less and less identifiable, and often is not a human at all, but an algorithm. This erosion of authorship means that there is no clear agent in communication to whom the concept of responsibility could meaningfully be applied. The traditional requirement of authorship dissolves. Taken together, these three processes create a structure of the public sphere in which human speech loses its central role and is replaced by machine models. In the digital environment, genuinely human communication occupies an ever-shrinking space, while a growing proportion of content is created, steered, or filtered by algorithms. This process is not neutral: it leads to a deterioration in the quality of social dialogue, a decline in trust, and distortions in democratic processes. When the public sphere is organized by machine systems, the human foundations of freedom of speech are weakened or disappear entirely. A dehumanized communicative space cannot fulfill the role that the institution of the public sphere has been tasked with for centuries in liberal-democratic societies.Free speech graphics4. The Reportary normative and technological model: Restoring human public sphereOne of the most ambitious responses to the crisis of the digital public sphere is the Reportary model, which explicitly aims to restore the human foundations of communication. The platform’s philosophy is based on the recognition that the rise of artificial intelligence does not necessarily require a complete redefinition of freedom of speech, but it does make its reconsideration unavoidable. The first normative pillar of the platform is the requirement of identifiable authorship. Reportary links every piece of content to a real person, thereby reinstating the long-standing journalistic and legal norm that opinions have a source, and that the author is responsible for them. In a digital space where anonymity and machine-generated content both create opacity, this requirement is of fundamental importance. Identifiability is not a restriction; it is the infrastructure of credibility. Through this, the platform recreates a structure in which the identity and responsibility of the communicator are clearly distinguishable.The second pillar is the regulated integration of AI. Reportary acknowledges that AI has become an everyday tool of journalism and content creation but rejects the notion that AI can function as an autonomous author. The platform makes it explicit: AI is a tool that can assist in the work, but it cannot be a subject of communication. If AI has been used in producing content, the author must transparently disclose this fact and remains fully responsible for the output. This practice is significant not only ethically, but normatively as well: it restores the natural relationship between responsibility and authorship and prevents machine-generated content from infiltrating the public sphere disguised as human speech.The third pillar is the reduction of algorithmic distortion and the human-centered reorganization of content distribution. Reportary consciously avoids recommendation systems that manipulate visibility based on commercial or optimization goals. The platform’s functioning is built on community evaluation, interaction, and the SER (Social Endowment Rating) system. The five dimensions of SER (authenticity, narrative power, informational value, craftsmanship, and social impact) provide a normative framework that privileges quality, professionalism, and social relevance. In doing so, Reportary does not simply offer another ranking method; it presents an alternative, human measure in opposition to the logic of algorithmic maximization.The fourth pillar is the creation of a decentralized yet fundamentally human public sphere. Reportary’s decentralization does not mean that control is handed over to machine systems. Instead, it means that communication is returned to individuals and creator communities. The platform’s structure is designed so that human interaction becomes the primary basis for assessing, making visible, and legitimizing content. Here, decentralization does not imply a weakening of control, but a reorganization of responsibility.Reportary is therefore not merely a media platform, but an attempt to realize a normative vision that seeks to preserve the human foundations of freedom of speech amid the challenges of the digital age. Its model aims to maintain the advantages of artificial intelligence while eliminating its most harmful distortions, and to create a communicative space in which authorship, responsibility, credibility, and social dialogue can once again be understood within a human framework. This approach is not only technologically, but also political-philosophically and democratically significant: Reportary offers an alternative in which the public sphere does not lose, but regains its human character.5. Reclaiming human spaceExtending freedom of speech to machine systems is therefore not only a conceptual mistake but a political danger. The original meaning of free speech vanishes the moment we apply it to entities that cannot bear responsibility. If we want to protect what freedom of speech has traditionally served (the deliberative functioning of democracy, the search for truth, individual self-realization, and social oversight) then we must recognize that this right can only be exercised by human beings. Machine-generated content may exist, may be useful, and may be efficient, but it cannot be part of the normative domain we call freedom of speech.This is why the human-centered media model represented by Reportary is so significant. The platform recognizes that the challenges of the digital age require not only technological innovation but also normative correction. By tying every piece of content to a real person, by reinterpreting authorial responsibility, by treating AI as a tool rather than a communicative subject, and by basing distribution not on opaque algorithms but on human evaluation, it creates a model of the public sphere that can resist the dehumanizing tendencies of the digital environment. Reportary is not just a technological innovation; it is a normative statement that the public sphere remains viable only if it preserves its human character.The future of freedom of speech does not lie in declaring ever more content “speech,” but in re-establishing what can meaningfully count as speech in the first place. The claim that all content is of equal status is not only a professional error; it is a thought that endangers the functioning of democracy itself. Freedom of speech is not a technological phenomenon; it is a human practice. As long as we fail to recognize this, the digital public sphere will become increasingly distorted, and with it the very foundations of democratic society. The task of the media in the future is not to amplify every possible voice, but to distinguish the human voice from machine noise. In this recognition lies one of the most important political-philosophical stakes of the digital age. If we fail to separate the two, the conversational space of the public sphere will vanish and be replaced by an information environment in which it is not human beings who communicate with one another, but machine systems that shape the collective interpretation of reality. ---