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Budapest Pride Sees Record Turnout Despite Ban, Marking Defiant Stand For LGBTQ Rights

June 29, 2025, 12:53 am

A record-breaking number of people swarmed into the streets of Budapest on Saturday for the 30th annual Pride parade, defiantly ignoring a government ban and expressing fierce resistance to Hungary’s increasing anti-LGBTQ policies. Organizers estimated that up to 200,000 attended twice the previous record of 35,000 despite warnings of fines, monitoring, and legal action.

The nationalist government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently altered national legislation and the constitution to suppress LGBTQ events in the name of “child protection.” While this year’s parade was banned by national authorities, Budapest’s opposition city hall co-hosted the event, permitting it to take place with apparent backing.

Volunteers paraded with rainbow flags and signs saying “Freedom and love can’t be banned,” under intense observation. The government used facial-recognition software and additional security cameras along the route, sparking concerns about privacy.

“This is the greatest embarrassment so far for Fidesz,” stated Szabolcs Pek of the Iranytu Institute, the ruling party. The large turnout made the government’s messaging and enforcement problematic.

Attendees described the march as emotional and empowering. “I’m proud to be gay, but I’m scared of what this government is doing,” said 66-year-old Zoltan. “Seeing this many people makes me want to cry.”

Solidarity was also fully demonstrated by Europeans, with scores of EU legislators in attendance. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously called on Hungary to overturn the ban, and 33 countries released a collective statement in solidarity with the parade.

There were far-right counter-protests, though small in number. Opposition leader Peter Magyar taunted the government’s effort to quash the event as a “huge own goal.” Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony thanked Orbán for inadvertently advertising tolerance.

The event was peaceful despite the political tension, transforming into an emblematic declaration of equality in a growingly constrictive environment.

‘The Shorter, The Better’: Hungary Newspaper Ask for Women’s Pics in Skirts

June 5, 2025, 1:52 pm

A Hungarian newspaper has faced criticism after inviting readers to submit photos of women in short skirts, prompting a public backlash and protests by women’s rights groups. According to news website Telex, the offending spread appeared in Metropol, a daily publication, in its June 4 issue.

The photos of women in skirts were allegedly snapped in public places such as streets and subways, without the consent or knowledge of the photographed individuals.

‘The Shorter, the Better’

The feature was in Metropol’s regular “Take a photo and send it in!” page, already infamous for divisive entries. This time, the spread came with a caption that read: “The shorter, the better.”

The post below it read, “This is undoubtedly true of fashion, if not life. But in the case of dresses and skirts for girls, it is undoubtedly true with the start of summer.”

The offending words and unasked photographs elicited fierce protests both online and off.

Public Protest Outside Publisher’s Office

It was reported by HVG.hu that 50 to 60 protesters marched in front of Mediaworks, the publishing company behind Metropol, to demand answers. Protesters waved signs bearing messages like “Harassment is not journalism” and “My body is not an object,” criticizing the editorial decisions of the newspaper.

Others demanded that Metropol issue a formal apology, which is given for free and is affiliated with Hungary’s governing regime.

Social Media Users React

The outrage was also directed at online websites, as the users criticized the motive and the message behind the photo call. A user on Reddit posted, “So is the purpose to titillate the paper’s (presumably straight male) readers, or to shame women wearing short skirts? Both?”

A person called it, “State sponsored harassment of young women.”

Repeated these words, a commenter contributed, “Traditionalism. They want women to be domestic servants with ‘modest dress’ outside the bedroom. This kind of harassment is intended to drive women in that direction.”

The controversy touches on longstanding issues about privacy, consent, and media ethics in Hungary’s changing media environment.

Ukraine Uncovers Hungarian Spy Network Targeting Ukraine’s Western Defences

May 9, 2025, 11:01 pm

Ukrainian officials say they have discovered a Hungarian spy network on its soil, accusing Budapest of collecting military intelligence with possible intentions to target Ukraine’s western territories. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said two Ukrainian military veterans were arrested and accused of being part of a spy ring headed by a Hungarian military intelligence officer.

The group gathered intelligence on military defenses and public opinion in western Ukraine, the SBU said. One of the suspects, a 40-year-old veteran from the Hungarian-majority town of Berehove, was allegedly recruited as a sleeper agent in 2021 and activated in 2024. He was allegedly paid in Hungary to supply sensitive information and recruit others into the spy network. High treason charges have been brought, which are punishable by a life sentence.

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto responded to the allegations as “propaganda” and called for proof. He confirmed expelling two diplomats from Budapest, whom he branded “spies under diplomatic cover.

The accident puts further pressure on already strained relations between the two neighbors. Viktor Orban Prime Minister has stood in favor of neutrality on Russia-Ukraine crisis and frequently blamed Kyiv and opposed EU sanctions against Russia. His government also supports language rights for Ukraine’s 80,000 ethnic Hungarians, which frequently collides with Ukrainian policy.

Although Hungary has not made any formal territorial claims, the idea has surfaced in rhetoric from the far right and Russian state media, proposing a possible partition of Ukraine.

The allegations of spying come as suspicion mounts and national interests clash. Hungarian ethnic communities in Ukraine, situated between two capitals, remain in diplomatic limbo, with some feeling more cultural affinity with Budapest than Kyiv.

The alleged espionage may enhance regional suspicion and complicate efforts by Ukraine to keep international sympathy as it continues its war with Russia.

Hungary to Exit ICC as Netanyahu Faces War Crimes Charges

April 3, 2025, 5:52 pm

Hungary has revealed plans to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC), synchronised with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting Budapest. PM Netanyahu has an ICC arrest warrant over allegations of war crimes in Gaza. The action is a cause for concern regarding Hungary’s adherence to international justice and its increasing alignment with Israel.

Hungary’s Exit and the ICC’s Arrest Warrant

Hungary’s State Secretary for International Communication, Zoltan Kovacs, earlier confirmed the country will initiate the ICC withdrawal procedure on Thursday. If completed, Hungary will become the sole member state of the European Union which is not part of the ICC, a court founded by the Rome Statute in 2002 to try war crimes and crimes against humanity.

This move comes as Netanyahu’s first foreign trip in years after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him in May 2024. The court had charged him with war crimes such as “starvation as a method of warfare” and crimes against humanity. According to the Rome Statute, Hungary being an ICC signatory was duty-bound to arrest Netanyahu. Rather, he got a red-carpet welcome from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The European Union is still divided on Netanyahu’s legal status. While Spain and Ireland have threatened to arrest him if he enters their countries, others such as France and Germany have challenged the court’s authority over Israel since it is not a member of the ICC. Hungary’s decision now eliminates any doubt about where it stands, strongly supporting Netanyahu.

Hungary’s Pro-Israel Stance and Political Implications

Hungary has always stood as one of Israel’s most robust European supporters. Hungarians favor Israel, as evidenced by Budapest’s public displays of support, such as posters and stickers remembering victims of Hamas’ October 7 attack. Hungary has also opposed EU sanctions against Israel and vetoes resolutions criticizing its Gaza war.

Orban’s invitation of Netanyahu in the face of the ICC warrant showcases his government’s open defiance of international norms. Critics claim Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC constitutes a pullback from global systems of accountability and emboldens authoritarian forces within the country.

As geopolitical tensions mount, Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC will fuel controversies surrounding justice, international law, and alliances in an evolving world order.

Hungary to Withdraw from ICC as Netanyahu Arrives in Budapest

April 3, 2025, 2:15 pm

Hungary said it was withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the government announced on Thursday. The declaration followed just after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has an ICC arrest warrant against him, arrived in Budapest on a state visit.

Right-wing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had invited Netanyahu in November, a day after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Israel, which had launched a military offensive after the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on southern Israel, has discredited the allegations. It asserts that the ICC ruling is politically driven and antisemitic, saying that the court has lost credibility by going after a democratically elected official who was acting in self-defense.

Hungary, as a founding member of the ICC, is theoretically obligated to arrest individuals targeted by the court’s warrants. But Orban rejected the ruling, terming it “brazen, cynical and totally unacceptable.” Hungary had joined the ICC’s founding treaty in 1999 and ratified it in 2001, but its legislation never included the treaty. Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, explained in November that because the Rome Statute “was never incorporated into Hungarian law,” the court’s actions cannot be applied within Hungary.

On Thursday, Gulyas said the government would officially initiate the withdrawal process later in the day. Orban had already signaled this step after former U.S. President Donald Trump sanctioned ICC prosecutor Karim Khan in February. “It’s time for Hungary to rethink what we’re doing in an international organization that is under U.S. sanctions,” Orban said on X in February.

Hungary’s legislature, controlled by Orban’s Fidesz party, is poised to pass the bill launching the one-year withdrawal process. Orban has been a vocal supporter of Netanyahu, having formerly vetoed EU remarks and action against Israel.

The ICC issued the warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister based on “reasonable grounds” to believe that they were criminally liable for war crimes like murder, persecution, and starvation as a war tactic during Israel’s Gaza assault. The offensive has left more than 50,000 Palestinians dead and caused wide-scale devastation, Palestinian health officials said. As it happened, Hamas-led Israel on October 7, 2023, saw 1,200 people slain and more than 250 abducted, according to Israeli counts.

Apart from Netanyahu’s warrant, the ICC also issued another arrest warrant of a Hamas chief in November. His death later came after a warrant had already been issued for him.

Baba Vanga’s Shocking Prophecy: Hungary To Welcome Aliens In 2125! Here’s Why

March 26, 2025, 9:27 pm

Famous mystic Baba Vanga, who made sensational and cryptic prophecies, has once again come up with a remarkable prediction aliens will establish their first contact with humans in 2125, but from Hungary, as their hub of communication. As per her vision, extraterrestrial aliens will first make signals to Hungary, which will be the ground for all the future communications between humans and aliens. She also foresaw that a hundred years hence, these entities would try to physically come down to Earth in the same nation.

Vanga’s followers, who think that she possesses an unusual capability to predict events in the future, interpret this prophecy as a further demonstration of her remarkable intuitions. Skeptics and scientists, however, remain skeptical and cite the absence of empirical data supporting her predictions. Scientists still scour the universe for extraterrestrial messages, but no concrete evidence has been forthcoming to confirm her vision.

In spite of the doubt, the quest for extraterrestrial life continues to be one of the areas of scientific investigation. Initiatives such as the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and recent observation of strange radio signals such as those emanating from a binary star system in 2020 illustrate continued attempts at finding cosmic signals. Although those signals were attributed to stellar activity instead of intelligent life, they further develop the understanding of the universe.

While scientists continue the search for provable evidence of alien life, Baba Vanga’s Hungary prediction is an interesting topic of discussion and not scientific fact. If her prophecy is to be fulfilled in 2125 is a matter only of time. At present, it is an intriguing, if unsubstantiated, part of the growing fascination surrounding the existence of aliens.

Hungary Bans Pride Events, Opposition Responds with Smoke Bombs

March 19, 2025, 7:42 am

Hungary’s parliament passed a controversial law on Tuesday, banning Pride events and authorizing authorities to use facial recognition technology to track participants. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s right-wing populist government continues to tighten restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, drawing sharp criticism from activists and international organizations.

Stricter Laws Target LGBTQ+ Gatherings

Lawmakers approved the bill in a 136-27 vote, amending Hungary’s assembly laws to criminalize events that violate the country’s so-called “child protection” legislation. The law also prohibits the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors under 18. Those attending banned gatherings now face fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approximately $546), with authorities directing the funds toward “child protection” programs, according to the Associated Press.

Parliament pushed the bill through an expedited process, introducing it just one day before the vote. Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party and its coalition partner, the Christian Democrats, fully supported the measure. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers protested the decision by setting off smoke bombs, filling the chamber with colorful smoke.

LGBTQ+ Groups Condemn the Law

Budapest Pride organizers strongly denounced the bill, accusing the government of using the LGBTQ+ community as a scapegoat to suppress opposition. In a firm statement, they declared, “This is not child protection, this is fascism,” arguing that the law not only restricts peaceful protests but also targets minority rights.

This latest crackdown builds on a series of anti-LGBTQ+ policies introduced under Orbán’s administration. In 2021, the government passed another “child protection” law, which critics widely condemned as discriminatory. The European Commission took legal action against Hungary in 2022, arguing that the law violated EU principles by discriminating based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Orbán’s Government Justifies the Crackdown

Orbán’s government, which claims to defend Christian civilization and traditional family values, insists that these laws protect children from what it calls “sexual propaganda.” The new restrictions expand previous measures by banning LGBTQ+ representation in media accessible to minors, prohibiting discussions of LGBTQ+ issues in schools, and outlawing public portrayals of “gender deviating from sex at birth.”

In February, Orbán hinted at further steps to prevent Budapest Pride, an event that attracts thousands each year. However, organizers remain determined to hold this year’s Pride parade on June 28, which will mark its 30th anniversary. Another Pride event takes place annually in Pécs, a city in southern Hungary.

LGBTQ+ Activists Vow to Keep Fighting

Despite the government’s increasing restrictions, LGBTQ+ rights groups refuse to back down. Activists have pledged to continue fighting for freedom of expression and the right to protest, making it clear that they will not be silenced.

Hungary’s Oil Supply Disrupted After Ukraine’s Drone Strikes On Russian Infrastructure

March 12, 2025, 12:18 am

Hungary’s Russian oil imports were suspended temporarily on Tuesday after Ukraine launched massive drone attacks on Moscow, leading Budapest to call on Kyiv to refrain from attacking energy infrastructure that serves Hungary.

In a report by Politico, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, in a video address, confirmed that oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline were halted because of the damage inflicted by the attacks. He explained that a drone attack had destroyed a measuring station, rendering deliveries impossible for the moment. Nevertheless, he went on to say that Russia’s deputy energy minister informed him that repairs were being done and shipments would be possible later in the day unless unexpected complications were encountered.

Szijjarto urged Ukraine not to attack critical energy infrastructure, pointing out that Hungary is still dependent on the pipeline for fuel supply. Ukraine’s military forces, in the meantime, reported that they had attacked a number of strategic Russian facilities backing Moscow’s military campaigns.

The disruption comes after a September agreement permitting Hungary to keep buying Russian oil even after Ukraine imposed sanctions on a major supplier. In the agreement, as soon as the fuel is inside Ukrainian territory, it is considered Hungarian, allowing it to be transited.

Hungary has utilized an EU exception to the bloc’s Russian oil embargo to expand crude imports on land at cheaper prices. Budapest has also resolutely fought against EU moves to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban last week vetoed a draft joint declaration by European leaders that would subject Moscow to harsher sanctions and show support for Ukraine.

Since Hungary is among Russia’s scant allies in the EU, the recent incident points to the geopolitics involved in energy security amidst the war.

Hungary President Viktor Orban Exits From WHO Amid Growing Global Backlash

February 6, 2025, 9:56 pm

Hungary is pondering its possible withdrawal from the World Health Organization, similar actions taken by Argentina and the United States, a statement from Viktor Orban’s office said Thursday.

Hungary, which is managed by the Minister in charge of the Prime Minister’s Office, Gergely Gulyas, said the country will thoughtfully consider whether to follow when the United States, under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, and Argentina, under Javier Milei, decided to resign from the health agency. “If the strongest democracy in the world leaves with its free will, we should consider whether that is in our interest, or not,” said Gulyas, who stated that Hungary was still undecided over the decision.

Trump and his supporters have claimed that the WHO has violated national sovereignty, has been overly subservient to China, and has handled the COVID-19 pandemic badly. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus earlier this week came out in defense of the agency’s impartiality: “As a UN agency, WHO exists to serve all countries and all people.”

Argentina said it was pulling out Wednesday, citing “peaceful differences” in health policies, especially regarding the pandemic. Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni reiterated that Argentina was committed to not allowing international interference with national sovereignty.

Milei is described as an “anarcho-capitalist” who vehemently supports Trump, who had ordered the withdrawal of the United States from WHO within weeks of taking over in January.

Hungary’s potential exit signals growing discontent among right-wing governments toward global health governance, raising concerns about the future of international cooperation in public health.

Hungary’s Orbán Invites Netanyahu Despite ICC Warrant, Travel Risks In 124 Nations Loom

November 23, 2024, 5:09 pm

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has extended an invite to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary, despite the recent issuance of an international arrest warrant against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The warrant, issued on Thursday, also targets former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, alleging them of ‘war crimes’ and ‘crimes against humanity’.

Orbán, has previously expressed defiance toward the ICC, refusing to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin despite a similar warrant, called the court’s decision “outrageously brazen” and “cynical.” He declared that Hungary would not comply with the ICC’s terms, ensuring Netanyahu that he would not be arrested if he visits.

The ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants against leaders of a democratic country has divided global opinion. Netanyahu and Gallant face potential arrest if they travel to any of the 124 countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute, including EU nations, Canada, and Australia. However, they are free to visit countries that are not signatories, such as the US, China, India, and Russia.

While Hungary has refused to act on the warrants, other European nations have pledged to comply. Spain, Ireland, and Switzerland have confirmed they would arrest Netanyahu if he visits, while Germany, France, and Norway have yet to clarify their stance. US has rejected the ICC’s decision, and Israel has condemned the warrants as “absurd” and “antisemitic.”

This divide highlights the tension between upholding international law and the political and diplomatic considerations surrounding conflicts like the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Viktor Orban Meets Xi Jinping In Beijing Amid Ukraine Conflict And NATO Summit

August 2, 2024, 5:19 pm

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday, following a contentious visit to Moscow and a subsequent trip to Kyiv, which Orban described as part of a “peace mission.” The meeting, held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, focused on discussions related to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Talks Center on Ukraine Conflict

During the meeting, Xi Jinping and Viktor Orban engaged in “in-depth communication” about the conflict in Ukraine, according to a readout from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. This visit by Orban comes just one day before the start of a NATO summit in Washington, where US President Joe Biden will host leaders from the alliance, including Hungary. The summit aims to rally continued support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.

Orban’s “Peace Mission” and Upcoming NATO Summit

Orban’s social media post referring to his trip as “Peace mission 3.0” highlights his positioning as a mediator in the conflict, despite criticism from the West for his pro-Russia stance. Orban’s spokesperson confirmed that Washington would be his next destination after Beijing, signaling his intention to continue diplomatic efforts on the global stage.

China’s Role and Ceasefire Advocacy

China, a key ally of Russia, has positioned itself as a potential peace broker in the Ukraine conflict. Despite accusations from the West about Beijing’s support for Moscow’s war effort, China has maintained that it has not supplied weapons to either side and defended its control over dual-use exports. During the meeting, Xi reiterated China’s call for a ceasefire, a stance criticized in the West for potentially enabling Russia to consolidate its territorial gains without addressing the withdrawal of Russian troops.

Xi and Orban Align on Ukraine Policy

Xi Jinping and Viktor Orban appeared to align on their perspectives regarding the Ukraine conflict, with both advocating for a ceasefire rather than continued military support for Ukraine. Xi suggested that a collective positive effort from major powers is crucial for achieving a ceasefire, reflecting Beijing’s stance that the US and its allies are exacerbating the conflict by supplying weapons to Kyiv.

Diplomatic Implications

Orban’s visit to Beijing and his ongoing diplomatic efforts underscore the complex dynamics of international relations surrounding the Ukraine conflict. As NATO leaders prepare for their summit, the interactions between European and Chinese leaders highlight differing approaches to resolving the crisis and managing international support for Ukraine.

EU Strips Hungary Of Role To Host Foreign And Defence Ministers Meeting

July 23, 2024, 3:31 pm

EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has removed Hungary’s right to host the upcoming meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers due to the country’s controversial stance on the war in Ukraine. The decision follows Hungary’s recent assumption of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, a role that traditionally includes hosting such events.

Controversy Over Meeting with Putin

The move comes in response to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Borrell criticized Orbán’s comments, which included accusations that the EU follows a “pro-war policy” and emphasized the need for a symbolic response to Hungary’s actions.

In a statement, Borrell said, “If you want to talk about the war party, talk about Putin,” and added that nearly all EU member states, with the exception of Slovakia, have expressed strong disapproval of Hungary’s behavior.

Change of Venue for August Meeting

The informal EU foreign and defence ministers’ meetings, originally scheduled to take place in Budapest from August 28-30, will now be held in Brussels. Borrell’s decision reflects the EU’s attempt to signal its discontent with Hungary’s recent actions and stance on the conflict.

Hungary’s Response and Alternative Proposals

Hungary has reacted sharply to the EU’s decision, with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó describing the move as “completely childish” and likening it to a “kindergarten” response. Despite the criticism, some EU figures, like Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, have suggested maintaining dialogue with Hungary rather than a full boycott. Bettel expressed that engaging with Hungary directly would be more constructive than ignoring the situation.

Additionally, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski proposed relocating the August meeting to western Ukraine, but this suggestion was blocked by Budapest.

Orbán’s Diplomatic Missions and EU Criticism

Orbán’s meeting with Putin was part of a broader diplomatic initiative he described as a “peace mission,” which also included visits to Ukrainian and Chinese leaders and US presidential candidate Donald Trump. This trip has been met with widespread condemnation from EU leaders, including European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who criticized it as an “appeasement mission.”

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also denounced Orbán’s actions, arguing that they lacked legitimacy and sent negative signals regarding the EU’s stance on the conflict.

Hungary’s Persistent Divergence from EU Policies

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has frequently found itself at odds with the rest of the EU over how to address the crisis. Orbán’s administration has used Hungary’s veto power to delay a €50 billion package of non-military aid to Ukraine and has been vocal in its opposition to various EU measures.

The current dispute underscores the deepening divide within the EU over how to manage relations with Russia and support for Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Ukraine Outrage As Hungarian PM Orban Makes Uncoordinated Trip To Moscow

July 6, 2024, 3:08 pm

Kiev has voiced strong displeasure over Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s unexpected visit to Russia, asserting that Ukrainian authorities were not informed beforehand about the trip.

Orban arrived in Moscow on Friday morning for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at establishing an immediate ceasefire and initiating peace negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Earlier in the week, Orban visited Kiev where he held similar discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In an official statement on its website, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry criticized Orban’s decision to travel to Moscow as being made without prior approval or coordination with Ukraine. The ministry emphasized Ukraine’s firm stance against any negotiations regarding the conflict that exclude direct Ukrainian participation.

“We remind that the principle of ‘no agreements on Ukraine without Ukraine’ remains inviolable for our country and call on all states to strictly adhere to it,” the ministry’s statement read. It also affirmed Zelensky’s proposed ‘peace formula’ as the only viable path to achieving a just peace.

Orban’s Moscow visit has drawn criticism from other Western leaders as well. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, slated to assume the role of EU chief diplomat, accused Orban of causing confusion and exploiting Hungary’s current EU presidency.

European Council President Charles Michel also condemned Orban’s trip, asserting that Hungary lacks a mandate to negotiate with Russia on behalf of the EU. He reiterated that discussions concerning Ukraine must involve Ukraine itself.

Orban defended his actions by stating that he does not require a mandate to pursue peace efforts and emphasized Hungary’s relatively limited political influence and lack of formal negotiating authority.

“We can be a tool for those who want peace,” Orban remarked, expressing hope to persuade Moscow and Kiev to collaborate towards a ceasefire and peace talks.

Meanwhile, Kiev continues to advocate for Zelensky’s peace plan, which includes demands such as the full withdrawal of Russian forces from claimed territories, reparations, and an international war crimes tribunal for Russian leadership.

Moscow, however, has rejected Zelensky’s plan outright, insisting that any negotiations must acknowledge the current realities on the ground.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions and differing perspectives among key stakeholders in the efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict diplomatically.

Hungary’s President Katalin Novak Resigns

February 11, 2024, 12:23 pm

Hungary’s President Katalin Novak resigned on Saturday after intensifying pressure for pardoning a man convicted of colluding to conceal a sex abuse case in a children’s home, according to Al Jazeera.

Announcing her resignation, Novak said, “I made a mistake…Today is the last day that I address you as president,” she said in a speech broadcast on state television.
“I made a decision to grant a pardon last April, believing that the convict did not abuse the vulnerability of children whom he had overseen. I made a mistake as the pardon and the lack of reasoning was suitable to trigger doubts over the zero tolerance that applies to paedophilia,” she added.

On Friday, at least a thousand people protested in the nation’s capital, demanding her resignation. Opposition parties in Hungary also demanded her resignation.
Ahead of Pope Francis’ visit in April 2023, Novak decided to pardon over two dozen people, including the deputy director of a children’s home who helped the former director conceal his crimes.

In 2022, Endre K was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. She was also barred from participating in any activities or working in any position that involved minors for a period of five years. However, Katalin Novak was released and allowed to resume her profession after securing a pardon, according to Al Jazeera.
Novak is a former family minister and close supporter of Conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban. She was also Hungary’s first female president and the youngest ever to assume the role.

Her departure from the presidency was a rare show of political unrest for Fidesz, Hungary’s nationalist party that has governed with a constitutional majority since 2010.

Thousands protest against inflation in Hungary

October 24, 2022, 1:57 pm

Thousands of Hungarians, including teachers and students, on Sunday protested against the government by marching through Budapest. They demanded higher wages and a stop to the rapidly rising inflation that is destroying people’s incomes.

A few hours after nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban promised to maintain economic stability and maintain a cap on household energy bills even as the EU descended into an “economic crisis,” protesters carried banners reading “Orban get lost” and “No teachers, no future” as they crossed a bridge over the Danube.

Participants in the most recent of several anti-government demonstrations, however, said that the administration had let down teachers by paying them meagre salaries while the inflation rate, which peaked at 20% in September and is still increasing, was reaching intolerable proportions.

“I am here…for my children, there should be change,” said Gyongyi Bereczky, a mail carrier, who joined the protests for the first time. “This runaway inflation… we cannot save up at all anymore, simply we cannot make ends meet as prices are soaring.”

In recent years, teachers and students have demonstrated in support of higher pay, the ability to strike, and a solution to the growing teacher shortage.

Orban, who was reelected in April for a fourth consecutive term, warned earlier on Sunday that the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine would pose difficulties in the upcoming year as the nation observed the anniversary of the 1956 revolt against Soviet control.

“A war in the east, and an economic crisis in the West,” Orban told supporters in Zalaegerszeg, about 200 km (124 miles)west of Budapest, adding that there was “financial crisis and economic downturn in the EU”.

“In 1956, we learnt that unity is needed in difficult times… we will preserve economic stability, everyone will have a job, we can defend the scheme of caps on energy bills, and families will not be left on their own.”

Gas and electricity bill caps have been a cornerstone of Orban’s policy, but this year’s high energy prices drove up the cost of the programme, straining the state budget. From August 1, the government was compelled to eliminate the cap for homes with higher usage.

The 2023 budget is scheduled to be amended in December since the budget law, which was enacted in July, predicted growth of 4.1% and inflation of 5.2% for the following year—forecasts that have already been rendered obsolete by the rise in prices into the double digits. Currently, 1% economic growth is predicted for the next year. The forint hit historic lows earlier this month, forcing the central bank to raise interest rates as a last resort.