Dark screens in public media & legal changes
Significant transformations have begun in the Hungarian media and legal systems: on Tuesday, state television broadcasting ceased, and parliament decided to abolish a controversial office. Additionally, a drastic price increase is hitting the fruit market, while a new automotive investment is expected in Kecskemét.
Since 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Hungarian state media has not been broadcasting programs; currently, only an apology message regarding the news of recent years is visible on screens. Future Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that he is suspending state news broadcasting and introducing a new media law to ensure objective reporting. The planned regulation aims to provide equal conditions for all parliamentary parties in public media.
As part of the transformation of the legal environment, the National Assembly voted with an overwhelming majority on June 30 to abolish the Sovereignty Protection Office. The institution—whose task was to investigate foreign influence attempts—was established by the previous Fidesz government, but with the current decision, the office's activities will come to an end.
Alongside the political changes, there has also been a significant shift in consumer prices: the price of Hungarian raspberries has risen to 21,000 forints per kilogram, turning the fruit into a luxury product. Despite the extremely high price, the situation of producers is also difficult; due to unsustainable costs, many have decided to liquidate their plantations, leading to a decrease in domestic supply.
While difficulties are being experienced in agriculture, expansion is expected in the automotive industry, particularly in the Kecskemét region, where Mercedes-Benz plans to manufacture a new, smaller SUV at the local plant. The mass production of a small-scale version of the G-Class could mean new opportunities and stable jobs at the factory.
Among our news, you can also read about the global market situation of Hungarian sour cherry exports, an international bioeconomy research project, and Merkantil Bank's latest corporate acquisition in the News section of the application.