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.

The Arctic and IMEC — The Future of Global Trade?

‘To some, it may seem like time for the world to throw in the towel and give in to the reality that the future of international trade lies in the hands of Moscow and Beijing, whose plans benefit first and foremost them. However, an alternative route has been proposed.’

Cardinal Erdő Reflects on Late Pope Francis’ Bond with Hungary

During his first public discussion since the conclave in early May, Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő shared insights on both the late Pope Francis and the new pontiff, Leo XIV. According to him, Francis had a special bond with Hungary and believed that it is a country of faith.

A Return of Caesar? Hungary Reflects on Trump’s Second Hundred Days

‘Whether this era will bring consolidation or rupture remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the age of managerial drift is over. In its place stands a presidency more Caesar than consul and more instinct than theory. History, once again, is taking sides—and Donald Trump appears determined to pick one first.’

Migrants are helped off a boat by members of the Spanish Red Cross and Guardia Civil officers at La Restinga port in El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain on 4 February 2023.

Spain’s Urgent Need for New Migration Governance Amid Renewed Pressure

‘Yet nearly two decades later, Spain appears increasingly unprepared to manage a renewed wave of migratory pressure. In 2023 alone, over 56,000 migrants arrived by sea, with more than 61,000 arrivals recorded by the end of April 2024. The Canary Islands remain the epicentre, experiencing a 140 per cent year-on-year increase.’

Vatican Emerges as New Epicentre of Ukraine Peace Talks

As the Trump administration signals its intention to step back from peace talks over the war in Ukraine—pressuring Kyiv and Moscow to engage in direct negotiations—a new structure for peace efforts is beginning to take shape. In parallel, the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV is assuming an increasingly active role in the process, positioning Rome as the new epicentre of the negotiations.