Hungarian Conservative

‘Strategic uncertainty is not a universal elixir, but merely one of the tools in a politician’s and a strategist’s toolbox. It is important to know when to use it, but it is perhaps even more important to know when not to. For strategic uncertainty to be an effective tool, serious kinetic action must sometimes be added to the bluffing and the show of force.’

In his regular Friday morning interview with public Kossuth radio, Viktor Orbán stated that in terms of European political struggles, traditional categories have been used so far, such as right-wing, left-wing, globalist, or sovereigntist forces, but now a new dimension has opened up: the decisive question will not be about party affiliation, but about who is for peace and who is for war.

According to Nicola Procaccini, those who attempt to demonize Viktor Orbán are seeking to impose their minority political perspectives onto others. The remarks made by the co-chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists signify another indication that Fidesz may indeed join the conservative political group following the European elections in the summer.

There are about fifty places in Hungary and in Hungarian-inhabited areas beyond the borders where Hollywood filmmakers or actors were born or have ancestral roots. The wall of Hollywood celebrities of Hungarian origin inaugurated in Budapest on 21 March pays tribute to them.

The question whether parents should be involved in what goes on in the school comes up frequently. In this interview Anthony O’Hear shares his opinion on the topic, while also discussing the issue of examinations and the inclusion of AI into education.

During the programme, participants will be supported with monthly scholarships ranging from 350,000 to 500,000 forints, allowing approximately 8,000 students, educators, and researchers to gain international experience at the world’s leading universities.

A new VR-assisted surgical procedure was first performed in January at the Paediatric Clinic of Semmelweis University, involving a seven-year-old child suffering from a malignant tumour of the sympathetic nervous system. Prior to the operation, the tumour and its surroundings were virtually visualized through a VR headset, providing a precise image of the neuroblastoma’s location.

In his speech at the event, Viktor Orbán emphasized that in the debate with liberals, it will not be the Soros Empire or Brussels bureaucrats, but nations that will prevail, highlighting that the ideal of an open society has not taken root in Central Europe.

Discussions will be held in foreign languages, with interpretation provided for the audience by the organizers. Books by the authors will also be available for purchase on the spot, with book signings.

The once-forgotten, dusty, and dilapidated sites of Hungary are gradually reopening, providing entertainment, culture, and educational opportunities for visitors and income from tourism for local residents.

At an event launching the project aimed at improving teachers’ salaries with EU support State Secretary Bence Rétvári reminded that teachers’ salaries nearly doubled over four years, while other governmental measures are also being implemented to increase the number of people choosing the profession.

Under the new scheme, the state will cover 50 per cent of the employee’s salary for four or six months. If the workplace is more than 60 kilometres away from the place of residence, rental support up to 70 per cent of the minimum wage, or 180,000 forints, can be requested under the programme. Within a sixty-kilometre radius, travel expenses of 10,000 forints per 10 kilometres will be provided.

The President of the European Council has published a fiery opinion piece ahead of the European Council summit, scheduled to commence on Thursday. The primary conclusion drawn by Michel is that in order to achieve peace, it is imperative to prepare for war against Russia.

Head of the Communication Department of the Hungarian Prison Service Colonel György Makula explained that the metal cell furnishings of the new prison will be entirely different from the previously standardized ones, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Following talks with his Thai counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó revealed that tourist traffic between the two countries has doubled, with more than 10,000 Thai tourists visiting Hungary last year, while more than 30,000 Hungarians travelled to Thailand.

Among the nominees for Category B of the New European Bauhaus Prize there is a Hungarian project titled Cooperative Ownership for Communities. It aims to create a multifunctional space by transforming a four-story building in one of Budapest’s old industrial areas. The New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024 Ceremony will be held during the New European Bauhaus Festival in Brussels between 9 and ⁠13 April.

The 2K12 KUB weapon system has been in service in Hungary since the late 1970s; some of the equipment was jointly modernized by the Hungarian and Polish defence industries between 2001 and 2002.

Political activism in schools, the introduction of politics into the curriculum and the regulation of AI in education are all important questions today. In this interview, Stuart Waiton offers insight into the controversies surrounding these topics.

The Hungarian price monitoring system, which will possibly be purchased by the Slovak government, is an online database developed by the government and the Hungarian Competition Authority. The system provides consumers with information on the selling prices of individual products.

Budapest’s recognized initiatives as part of the programme included the car-free weekend organized with the involvement of the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), as well as the European Car-Free Day held on weekdays, during which Mayor Gergely Karácsony presented plans for the human-friendly and green renewal of the lower embankment of Pest. The programme also included events aimed at showcasing best practices in pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly developments, jointly organized with the city of Vienna, targeting both the general public and professionals.

At a press conference titled Park City or Rákosdubai, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony stated that in April they will launch a month-long online voting process where every Budapest resident over the age of 14 with a registered address can express their views on the investment plans for Rákosrendező.

The new rules prohibit AI applications that could violate citizens’ rights. These include biometric categorization based on sensitive personal data or the creation of facial recognition databases using images downloaded from the internet or closed-circuit television networks.

During the Hungarian presidency, the debate must continue on whether it is preserving or eliminating connectivity that makes the EU stronger and more competitive, János Bóka emphasized in his lecture at the event marking the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Hungarian Youth Association.

In a recent interview, Minister of Culture János Csák quoted iconic interwar education minister Kuno Klebelsberg, who identified the task of governments as supporting high culture, creating Hungarian great achievements, showcasing them internationally, bringing international great achievements here, but most importantly, taking culture to the broadest sections of the nation. This task can be achieved not through separate entities but through one robust institution, the minister argued.

Citizen can submit their responses to questions related to 13 important issues ranging from solar panels to reducing utility bills to electromobility.

The new online jazz radio will be launched on International Jazz Day on 30 April. The radio is named in tribute to one of Hungary’s most esteemed jazz artists, pianist and composer Béla Szakcsi Lakatos.

At the opening of the competition final Zsolt Kutnyánszky, State Secretary for Defence Policy, Military Development, and Defence Industry at the Ministry of Defence emphasized that Hungary needs ‘young people who love their country and are willing to make sacrifices for it’ .

The European Commission proposes starting accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday in Strasbourg. Issues being discussed at the European Parliament Plenary also include the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and European security, among others.

Crucial milestones regarding the expansion of the nuclear plant in Paks are the construction of the containment structure and the reactor vessel, of which the former has been completed, while the manufacturing of the latter is set to commence shortly. It is expected to reach another milestone, the ‘first concrete’, by the end of this year.

There were 18 fewer homicides last year in Hungary than in the previous year, with the police solving every new homicide case, and in most cases, apprehending the perpetrator within a few hours.