Events in Hungary: 21 January 2024
Orbán finds a new ally in the EU
Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, has found a new ally within the European Union. The Hungarian leader has formed an alliance with the Polish government, as both leaders seek to protect their conservative values and resist pressure from the EU to uphold democratic standards.
The alliance comes as no surprise, as Orbán and the Polish government have been at odds with the EU over their opposition to immigration, their crackdown on media and judicial independence, and their anti-LGBTQ+ stance. The two leaders have also joined forces to push back against the EU’s efforts to tie funding to rule-of-law criteria.
The budding alliance is expected to further strain relations between the EU and Hungary and Poland, with some EU officials expressing concerns about the erosion of democratic values in the two countries.
Budapest palace may be sold
In other news, the iconic Budapest palace, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance, may be up for sale. The Hungarian government is considering selling the property to help fund the country’s economic recovery efforts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The potential sale has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing concern that the palace, which has been a symbol of Hungarian heritage for centuries, should remain in public hands. Others, however, see the sale as a necessary step to generate much-needed revenue for the country.
The fate of the Budapest palace continues to be a topic of debate, as the government weighs the economic benefits of selling the property against the cultural and historical significance of preserving it.
New shop at Budapest Airport
Travelers passing through Budapest Airport will soon have a new shopping option to explore. A new retail shop is set to open at the airport, offering a wide range of products for travelers to purchase before or after their flights.
The addition of the new shop is part of the airport’s ongoing efforts to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers. The retailer will provide a variety of goods, from souvenirs and gifts to travel essentials and luxury items, catering to the diverse needs of travelers passing through the airport.
The opening of the new shop is expected to further enrich the retail offerings at Budapest Airport, providing an enhanced shopping experience for travelers.
Three superb ice rinks in Budapest
Winter sports enthusiasts in Budapest have a reason to celebrate, as the city is home to three superb ice rinks for skating and other cold-weather activities. The ice rinks offer a variety of attractions, including ice skating, ice hockey, and other winter sports activities for visitors to enjoy.
These ice rinks provide a fun and exciting way for both locals and tourists to embrace the winter season and partake in some chilly outdoor recreation. Whether it’s gliding on the ice, attending an ice hockey game, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, the ice rinks in Budapest offer something for everyone to enjoy during the winter months.
The availability of these three superb ice rinks further enhances Budapest’s reputation as a winter sports destination, providing opportunities for people of all ages to experience the joy of ice skating and other winter activities.
