Karla’s Choice — A Review
‘Karla’s Choice: A John le Carré Novel by Nick Harkaway (Viking, 2024) has not yet been turned into a screen drama. But it is surely only a matter of time—and when that does happen, Budapest will at last be able to play itself. A strong Hungarian storyline and realistic local detail add extra layers of enjoyment to this accomplished spy thriller.’
Ukraine, Russia Agree on Maritime and Energy Ceasefire
After the second round of peace talks in Saudi Arabia, Washington announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea and on each other’s energy infrastructure. If upheld, the deal could mark the first concrete step toward a broader truce.
From Buda to Brussels: Sovereignty under Europe’s Technocratic Regime
‘The defence of democracy, human rights, and sovereignty cannot be contingent on political expediency or the geopolitical convenience of targeting smaller or less powerful states. A genuinely united Europe must demonstrate a consistent and impartial commitment to its principles, respecting the agency of all member states.’
Singing about Singing: Brassens, Brel, Balavoine and the True Self on Stage
‘French chanson has always gone beyond melody. It demands reflection—on fame, identity and the role of the performer. Brassens defends privacy with irony, Brel pleads for fleeting adoration through fantasy and Balavoine anticipates the emptiness behind applause.’
Péter Magyar’s ‘Oradea March’ Ends in Tense Confrontation with Hungarian Minority Parties
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar ended his Oradea march—meant to promote unity with minorities abroad—by accusing the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania of serving Viktor Orbán’s interests. Magyar seeks to capitalize on Orbán’s widely criticized remarks, seen as backing anti-Hungarian candidate George Simion, which have shaken Transylvania’s long-standing political status quo.
The First Party Divide in American History: Federalists vs Democratic–Republicans
In this historical article, we take a look at the two earliest political parties vying for power in the United States, Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist Party against Thomas Jefferson and James Madison’s Democratic–Republican Party.
Hungary Strengthens Efforts Against Antisemitism with New Commissioner
Hungary reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has appointed EU Affairs Minister János Bóka to coordinate national and international efforts against rising antisemitism across Europe.
Energy Independence or Economic Burden? Hungary’s Road to Decoupling from Russian Hydrocarbons
The EU plans to end all Russian gas and LNG imports by 2027, aiming to cut financial support for Russia and boost energy security. Measures target gas, oil, and nuclear imports, with national decoupling plans required. Hungary faces major costs—up to €3 billion—for refinery upgrades, infrastructure, and contract exits, though EU funds may offer partial relief.
Preserving Hungarian Culture — A Conversation with Former Mayor of Lansdale Andy Szekely
‘In October of 2021, in the same elementary school, the homoerotic book, All Boys Aren’t Blue by George Johnson, was an approved book in the school library. Parents were criticizing the book at a school board meeting, but what was tragically comical is that the local newspaper couldn’t accurately report on the book because of pornography laws.’
Beyond the Óperencia: ‘I was free to go anywhere, no one told me what to do’
In its ‘Beyond the Óperencia’ series, Magyar Krónika will be looking at the meeting points of America and Hungary, and at Hungarians in America, from penniless peasants to political emigrants and soldiers of fortune. To start with, here is the story of a turn-of-the-century emigrant, whose words help us understand the goals, dreams, and plans with which Hungarians set out for America back in the day.
