Hungary

THE VIEW FROM MITTELEUROPA: Turkish result shows that 'all for one and one for all' is rarely the best tactic to bring down a strongman

Marcus How of ViennEast Consulting in Vienna May 29, 2023

The failure of the Nation Alliance under optimal conditions shows that 'big tent' coalitions under a single list often do not succeed in extending the opposition's reach.

Freedom House says Ukraine war threatens democracy across Emerging Europe

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow May 25, 2023

Democratic governance deteriorates in Emerging Europe and Central Asia, with worst declines in already authoritarian regions.

Hungarian central bank begins monetary easing

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 23, 2023

The MNB's monetary council cut the O/N rate by 100bp to 17% but left the base rate on hold at 13%

Austria protests as Hungary starts releasing human traffickers early

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 23, 2023

Orban's regime, notorious for its anti-migration rhetoric, says it cannot keep holding the traffickers, citing high costs and overcrowded jails.

EBRD 2023: Bank to expand into the whole of Africa plus Iraq

Ben Aris In Samarkand May 18, 2023

The first investments are due to begin in six counties in sub-Saharan Africa in 2025.

EC budget control committee finds string of shortcomings in Hungary

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 18, 2023

Justice ministry says delegation had “put forward political expectations beyond the EU’s conditionality procedure and super milestones".

Hungary blocks next tranche of EU military support for Ukraine

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 17, 2023

Hungarian move follows reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy suggested that Druzhba (Friendship) oil pipeline to Hungary should be blown up.

Hungary remains in recession as economy contracts 0.2 q/q in Q1

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 16, 2023

Most Hungarian analysts believe that GDP will grow 0.5-1% this year, which is below the government’s 1.5% target.

Hungarian foreign minister claims Chinese automotive companies set to invest another €3bn

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 16, 2023

Investments would strengthen Hungary’s position as the number one Central European investment destination for Chinese companies.

EBRD cuts regional growth forecasts again but Central Asia still going strong

Clare Nuttall in Samarkand May 16, 2023

Inflation remains a drag on growth in Emerging Europe, along with sluggish growth in advanced economies and stricter financing conditions in Central Europe and the Baltic states.

Vehicle industry remains driver of Hungary’s industrial performance

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 15, 2023

Hungary’s industrial production fell 4.1% y/y in March, and by 4% when adjusted for working days.

Hungarian inflation edges lower to 24% in April

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 11, 2023

Analysts debate whether monetary easing will start in May or in June.

ING: Hungarian budget posts biggest April deficit on record

Peter Virovacz, Dávid Szőnyi May 10, 2023

Hungary’s budget follows last year’s trajectory as deteriorating economic activity puts pressure on the revenue side. The expenditure side also looks challenging, with sky-high inflation at the forefront.

China's Eve Power to build €1bn battery plant in eastern Hungary

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 10, 2023

Hungary wins yet another big battery investment from Asian producers.

Hungary’s retail sales extend slide in March

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 8, 2023

Retails sales plunge 13.1% when adjusted for calendar year effects, the fourth straight month of decline.

ING: Hungary’s retail sales and industrial output continue to tumble

ING May 7, 2023

The rapid deterioration in domestic demand is bad news for both the retail sector and industry, as they continue to struggle. With the latest set of data showing continued weakness, we expect the economy to remain in a technical recession.

NEMETHY: Some thoughts on inflation

Les Nemethy CEO and founder of Euro-Phoenix Financial Advisors May 7, 2023

I have been writing that we are facing a period of high inflation since long before it was fashionable. Now I believe that, on the balance of probability, we face an entire decade of high inflation.

Hungary has the antidote to liberal virus of migration and gender ideology, says Orban

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 5, 2023

Orban's hosting of the Conservative Political Action Conference for the second time in two years demonstrates how his electoral successes have made him a role model among right-wing populists in Europe and the United States.

bneGREEN: Europe suffers second-worst year for wildfires since records began

bne IntelliNews May 4, 2023

Fires in 45 countries burnt an area the size of Montenegro, with Ukraine, Spain and Romania the worst affected countries.

Hungarian government approves set of justice reforms to access frozen EU funds

Tamas Csonka in Budapest May 4, 2023

EU member states have suspended €6.3bn of EU budget funds and held back €5.8bn of RRF funds due to concerns over the rule of law, corruption and lack of judicial independence.

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