Government ministers make major property purchases amid economic crisis
The land and real estate deals came to light as Hungary's hospitality sector began demanding assistance from the government. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2021. február 4.
2021. január 28.
Hungary the only country not to sign EU statement condemning violence against Russian protesters
Twenty-six EU nations called for the release of detained protesters and an end to the violence. Hungary was not one of them. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2021. január 21.
Hungary's government orders LGBT publisher to place disclaimer on children's books
In its latest attack on LGBT rights, the government required the publisher to alert consumers if a book contains characters that "display patterns of behavior that differ from traditional gender roles." This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2021. január 14.
Hungary's pro-government media spins alternative reality in reactions to storming of US Capitol
"Biden's presidency," antifa, Black Lives Matter and internal conspiracy are among the culprits identified by Hungary's right-wing media. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2021. január 7.
Vaccinations in Hungary proceed slowly amid confusion over rollout plan
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in November that a vaccination plan was complete, but a lack of transparency around the rollout and other signs indicate Hungary may not be ready for mass vaccinations. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. december 17.
Hungary's minister for families tells women not to expect the same salaries as men
Katalin Novák said women should be glad that they are able to give life and care for others. Also this week: Hungary's parliament passes constitutional amendment banning gay adoption, and the European People's Party declines to expel MEP Tamás Deutsch.
2020. december 10.
Orbán predicts "victory of common sense" ahead of EU summit amid hopes of solution to budget impasse
Hungarian officials are celebrating a compromise plan meant to bring an end to the EU budget stalemate, even as rule of law conditionality which they opposed remains on the books. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. december 3.
Szájer resigns from Fidesz amid sex party scandal, Orbán calls his actions "unacceptable, indefensible"
His resignation brings an end to a 30 year career in the party he co-founded, which has vigorously sought to curb the rights of LGBTQ people in Hungary. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. december 1.
Fidesz MEP József Szájer admits to participating in Brussels party raided by police
The Belgian press reports that Szájer attempted to escape the party through a window but was detained by police. He has admitted he attended the party, but did not acknowledge reports that it was a sex orgy.
2020. november 19.
Hungary joins Poland in vetoing €1.8 trillion EU budget and coronavirus relief package
Orbán argues the rule of law mechanism is an attempt to blackmail Hungary into accepting migrants, but some EU leaders say European taxpayers are fed up with funding projects in countries that violate fundamental rights. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. november 12.
Constitutional amendments and gay adoption ban proposed as lockdown hits Hungary
A host of late-night draft bills would change Hungary's election law, cement access of Fidesz-tied foundations to public funds, and further marginalize the LGBTQ community.
2020. november 5.
Orbán predicts Hungary's hospitals will exceed capacity by mid-December, imposes new pandemic restrictions
A midnight curfew, the closing of discos, and reduction of capacities at events and theatres are among the only measures taken by the government during the second wave, but still lag far behind steps taken by other European countries. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. október 29.
Diplomatic tensions rise after Ukraine bans Hungarian officials over alleged election interference
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry says the Hungarian government interfered in Ukraine's internal affairs when officials campaigned in a local election in Transcarpathia. FM Szijjártó called the accusation "pathetic nonsense". This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. október 22.
Hungary's Foreign Minister attacks Joe Biden, accusing him of corruption
Foreign Minister Szijjártó demanded Biden respond to corruption allegations involving his son's business dealings in Ukraine. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. október 15.
Former military colonel shuts down internet at arts university campus amid ongoing student occupation
Government-appointed leadership is taking increasingly aggressive measures to bring an end to the occupation and strike at the university. Also: Fidesz retains its two-thirds majority with by-election, coronavirus deaths surpass 1,000, and a Budapest district prohibits construction of permanent housing for the homeless.
2020. október 4.
Orbán turns attention from pandemic defense to the "great battle" of 2022 elections
Fears of an economic downturn and its electoral consequences are driving the Hungarian government's Covid policy as scientists go unheard.
2020. október 1.
Military colonel appointed chancellor of Budapest's University of Theatre and Film Arts
The mechanized infantry officer was chosen by a government-appointed board of directors, which students and faculty have rejected as the occupation of the university enters its second month. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. szeptember 25.
No Facts, Only Interpretations: Modern Disinformation with Dr. Péter Krekó
Imported and homespun modern disinformation campaigns - designed to confuse and disorient audiences - have led to polarization, political tribalism and shifting geopolitical dynamics. An interview with political scientist and disinformation expert Dr. Péter Krekó.
2020. szeptember 24.
Foreign Ministry sought information on journalists' foreign trips
The ministry said that journalists attending training courses abroad was part of a political attack by George Soros. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. szeptember 17.
Orbán: no broad restrictions planned, "the country must function"
The Prime Minister said Hungarians don't want the country to shut down as it did during the coronavirus' first wave. Also this week: EU countries impose restrictions on travelers from Hungary, US Ambassador David Cornstein resigns, and Foreign Minister Szijjártó says Trump deserves the Nobel Prize.
2020. szeptember 10.
Hungary's second coronavirus wave breaks spring records
Active coronavirus cases are nearly triple the highest total from the first wave in spring as the disease spreads throughout the country. This week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. szeptember 3.
Students occupy top arts university after leadership resigns over autonomy fears
Students and leadership at SzFE argue a new board of directors stacked with government appointees threatens to place the university under political control. Also this week: V4 citizens permitted to travel to Hungary, media organizations call on the EU to act on Hungary undermining media freedom, and public workers stage a three-day strike.
2020. augusztus 27.
Foreign Minister Szijjártó threatens public employees with dismissal if they work from home during pandemic
Requests by public employee trade unions to be allowed to work from home were denied, and now they are planning a three-day strike in September. This and other stories in this week's InsightHungary newsletter.
2020. augusztus 22.
Against the wind: Budapest Pride celebrates its 25th year amid political pushback
Hungary's LGBTQ festival has weathered two and a half decades of struggle for tolerance and equal rights. A history of its victories and setbacks.
2020. augusztus 14.
Opposition parties to unite against Orbán in 2022
The six largest opposition parties announced they will author a common platform and run joint candidates in all electoral districts in a bid to unseat Fidesz.
2020. augusztus 13.
Hungarian government silent on Belarus election and violent repression of protesters
At a meeting in Minsk in June, Alexander Lukashenko told Viktor Orbán than Hungary "understands us more than any other" country in the EU. Plus: Hungary buys $1 billion US missile defense system, Mike Pompeo skips visit to Budapest, and other stories from this week.
2020. augusztus 6.
Foreign detainees begin hunger strike at immigration detention center
The detainees have asked to meet with lawyers and journalists, and complain of overcrowding at the detention center. Plus, leadership at Index.hu struggles to hire new staff after mass resignations, Hungary donates €1 million to Beirut, and more stories from this week.
2020. július 23.
Resignations begin at Index after firing of editor-in-chief, protest for press freedom planned
Several journalists have resigned so far after their demands for the reinstatement of Szabolcs Dull were rejected. Also, Viktor Orbán claims victory over EU budget negotiations, and other stories from this week.
2020. július 16.
Orbán accused of "blackmail" over threats to veto EU budget and coronavirus relief package
The Hungarian government says it will only approve the desperately needed measures if rule of law conditions are removed and Article 7 proceedings closed.
2020. július 9.
Orbán criticizes "semi-Marxist" West in "Europe Uncensored" video conference
Orbán joined the leaders of Slovenia and Serbia and emphasized an East-West divide in Europe. Also, external advisor recommends removal of Index editor-in-chief, and other important stories from this week.
2020. július 2.
Hungarian ambassador receives one year suspended sentence for possession of child pornography
19,000 pornographic images of minors were found by an international investigation on computers owned by the former ambassador to Peru. This and other stories from the week.
2020. június 25.
Fearing for its autonomy, university holds protest against privatization plan
Students, teachers and sympathizers opposed plans to bring the University of Theatre and Film Arts under the control of a foundation led by government appointees. This and more stories from the week.
2020. június 18.
EU court rules against Hungary's NGO law
Hungarian legislation requiring nongovernmental organizations that receive foreign funding to register with the government and disclose their donors violates European law, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Thursday.
2020. június 16.
When the Prime Minister Said, "They Really Love Interest", Everyone In Hungary Knew Who He Meant
The evolution of overt and covert anti-Semitism under the government of Viktor Orbán.
2020. június 11.
European Commissioner: national consultation question "fake news"
The 13 questions were released on Monday, and European Commissioner Vera Jourová said the commission may need to once again fact-check the questionnaire. This week's Insight Hungary newsletter.
2020. június 4.
"Soros plan" makes another appearance in a National Consultation
A new round of National Consultations, uniformed guards in Hungarian schools, a Fradi midfielder reprimanded for a show of solidarity with George Floyd, and the "Slave Law 2.0" in this week's Insight Hungary newsletter.
2020. május 28.
New bill would "allow rule by decree indefinitely" after end of state of emergency, NGOs say
New extraordinary powers could be granted to the government after it suspends the Authorization Act on June 20. This and other important stories from the week.
2020. május 14.
Second person in 24 hours arrested for "fearmongering" after sharing a Facebook post
The man's phone and laptop were confiscated after he shared a post by a member of Parliament. Also this week, new Special Economic Zones could come to Hungary, and the EP debates the emergency powers law.
2020. május 7.
Freedom House: Hungary downgraded from democracy to "hybrid regime"
Hungary dropped two categories in six years, leaving the group of democracies entirely. Also this week: the EC predicts a 7% drop in GDP in 2020, and Parliament rejects the Istanbul Convention on violence against women.
2020. április 30.
Budapest spars with central government over transparency, protective equipment
Budapest has created its own emergency task force, and claims the government refuses to coordinate pandemic response and has not provided adequate tests or protective equipment. This and other important stories from this week.
2020. április 7.
In His Element: How Orbán Regained Control of the Crisis
Viktor Orbán was at first reluctant to allow the coronavirus to interrupt his political plans, until he learned how to use the crisis to his advantage.
2020. április 3.
The Politics of Crisis: emergency powers law ignites international firestorm
The passage of the emergency powers law, and the introduction of an omnibus draft bill that would give the government even more control over public life, caused chaos as Fidesz opponents in Hungary and abroad scambled to find a response.
2020. március 26.
Rule by decree: emergency bill could grant government extraordinary powers
The law, which is expected to pass on Tuesday, would subvert parliamentary democracy and could have serious consequences for independent media.
2020. március 19.
"The pandemic has entered its second phase" - Gov't implements economic relief measures, military task force as coronavirus spreads
The Minister of Defence announced military task forces will monitor and coordinate the operations of 140 companies, and said soldiers would be on the streets beginning Friday morning.
2020. március 12.
State of Emergency declared as coronavirus cases reach 16
Universities close, events are cancelled, and tourists stay home as Covid-19 fears ramp up in Hungary. This and other important stories from this week.
2020. március 6.
A backdoor for exerting influence over the courts
After years of failed attempts and political setbacks, the Hungarian government is trying a novel method for expanding its influence over the judiciary and eroding public trust in the courts. Europe-wide judicial solidarity and pressure from within the EU seem to be the only ways to limit the ambitions of the country’s ruling party.
2020. március 5.
Two students test positive for coronavirus in Hungary's first cases
State media censors stories on Greta Thunberg, stricter rules come to the Party District, and more important stories from this week.
2020. február 27.
"We want peace" - Roma demonstrators lead protest for judicial independence
The coronavirus spreads, police investigate a TikTok video, Budapest takes over financing of four theatres, and other stories from this week.
2020. február 26.
Dunaújváros and the future of opposition unity
Total unity in Dunaújváros brought the opposition its first ever victory in a national election, and could light the path toward defeating Fidesz in 2022.
2020. február 20.
Orbán: There are no liberals, only communists with university degrees
Right-wing extremists march in Borsod county, the opposition wins a key by-election, Trump and Orbán have a chat, and other stories from this week.