In a wide-ranging government briefing held unusually on Wednesday, Chief of the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás addressed a number of pressing national issues including surging cyber fraud, extended price control measures, and financial support for regions hit by drought.
Gulyás revealed that recent months have seen a spike in bank fraud cases, which have cost private citizens a total of 8 billion forints. Only 1.5 billion forints have been recovered so far, despite swift police and banking cooperation. According to the minister, roughly 80 per cent of these frauds are linked to Ukrainian organized crime groups. To tackle the growing threat, the government has received a report from the Prime Minister’s national security advisor and approved the creation of a dedicated task force focused on halting cyberattacks and curbing the influence of foreign criminal organizations. Gulyás emphasized that public awareness is essential, urging banks to do more to educate account holders about online scams.
As part of the government’s efforts to contain inflation, Gulyás announced an extension of the food price margin cap until 31 August. He stressed the government’s ongoing commitment to fight unjustified price hikes, highlighting that store inspections have revealed few violations, with some prices even falling.
With large parts of Hungary at risk from drought, the government has declared a drought emergency and allocated 4.7 billion forints to reinforce water reservoirs and irrigation channels. Immediate measures include filling dead river branches and initiating preparatory work for infrastructure upgrades.
Regarding recent concerns over the Parajd salt mine, Gulyás confirmed that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has spoken with RMDSZ President Hunor Kelemen, pledging full support to the local Szekler population through the ethnic Hungarian party in Romania.
Gulyás also announced new banking regulations aimed at financial inclusion: all settlements with over 1,000 residents must have an ATM by the end of this year, while communities with 500 or more people must be covered by the end of 2026.
Responding to journalist questions, Gulyás commented on alleged ties between Tisza Party leaders and Ukrainian intelligence agents, citing this as a reason for a recent extraordinary national security committee session. He warned that NATO-related secrets are at stake, though they cannot be disclosed publicly. He also addressed criticisms aimed at former Chief of Staff Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi over his conduct and controversial purchases during his tenure. Investigations are ongoing, including one related to a cosmetic surgery scandal.
Gulyás stated that Hungary opposes Ukraine’s EU accession under current conditions. He also criticized Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony’s financial decisions, questioning his spending priorities amid infrastructure issues like the Petőfi Bridge’s poor condition.
On social tensions, he confirmed the appointment of a government commissioner to combat rising antisemitism. Gulyás also clarified that criticism of judicial decisions is acceptable, but threatening judges—as alleged in the case of Péter Magyar—is not.
When asked about Hungary’s observer status in the Organization of Turkic States, Gulyás said it brings strategic benefits, especially in energy cooperation.
Related articles:
