The Budapest Times

Attila Leitner

Photo: László Wiandt

Marrakesh – The Red City, where history and the modern world meet

Written by László Wiandt
The enchanting city of Marrakesh, resplendent in red, has been one of Morocco's most important cities for more than nine centuries. Who would have thought that this settlement, founded in the 11th century, would grow from a military camp into an imperial capital and then a commercial center, once located at the crossroads of the sub-Saharan caravan routes, along which Africa's treasures were transported to the Atlantic Ocean to continue their journey to Europe by ship. Today, Marrakesh has become one of the world's most famous tourist destinations.

The beginnings: strategic foundation

The city was founded around 1070 by the Almoravid dynasty to control the gold and salt trade routes across the Sahara. Its geographical location at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, at the crossroads of caravan routes, made it an ideal military and economic center. During the Almohad period, Marrakesh was already one of the most powerful capitals in North Africa. It was then that the city’s iconic religious building, the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, was built, its minaret becoming a symbol of power and

Palaces and power representation

The city experienced its golden age during the 16th-century Saadi dynasty. The magnificent Saadi tombs proclaimed the glory of the royal family with rich marble and mosaic decorations.

The impressive Bahia Palace was built at the end of the 19th century by grand viziers to showcase their power and wealth. The name “Bahia” means “splendor.” The palace was not only intended for residential purposes, but also for representation: riads, interior gardens, carved cedar ceilings, and colorful zellige tiles made it one of the pinnacles of Moroccan court architecture.

The symbol of royal power today is the Royal Palace of Marrakesh (Dar al-Makhzen), which still serves as the residence of the monarch, although its interior is not open to visitors, as it is the king’s residence when he is in the city.

Photo: László Wiandt

 

The birth of the market – Jemaa el-Fnaa

The heart of the city is Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. It was already a commercial and social centre in the Middle Ages: caravans met here, and desert goods changed hands here. The square became the scene of public life – a gathering place for storytellers, musicians, healers, and merchants. Today, it is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

The surrounding souks (covered market streets) were organized thematically: leatherworkers, metalworkers, and weavers worked in separate quarters. This medieval guild system still determines the structure of the Medina today.

Photo: László Wiandt

 

The Majorelle Garden – modern art in Marrakesh

At the beginning of the 20th century, during the French protectorate, a new era began. It was then that French painter Jacques Majorelle created the unique Majorelle Garden. With its exotic plants and buildings painted in intense “Majorelle blue,” the garden was born as an artistic refuge. Later, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent saved it from destruction, making it one of the city’s most famous attractions today.

Photo: László Wiandt

 

The image of the red city

The characteristic color of Marrakesh comes from the local red clay soil. The traditional rammed earth (pisé) technique resulted in a natural terracotta hue. During the French period, a decree was issued to preserve the uniform color scheme, so new buildings are also given reddish plaster. The inner courtyards, geometrically decorated tiles, and carved gates reflect the characteristics of Islamic-Andalusian architecture.

Photo: László Wiandt

Population and districts

In the Middle Ages, the city’s population reached 100,000. As in many other Moroccan cities, the Berber population was joined by Arab, Andalusian, and Jewish communities. Today, the metropolitan area has a population of nearly one million.

Next to the walled Medina, modern Gueliz is the result of French urban planning, with wide boulevards and cafés. Hivernage is the district of luxury hotels and clubs, while Palmeraie is known for its palm-lined villas.

Photo: László Wiandt

Transportation and national role

The city’s international gateway is Marrakesh Menara Airport, which primarily serves European tourist flights. It can be reached by rail via the ONCF network from Casablanca and Rabat, and is also connected to the high-speed Al Boraq line.

Photo: László Wiandt

 

Marrakesh today

Today, Marrakesh is a unique blend of tourism, cultural heritage, and modern lifestyle. Not only was it the historical capital, but it is also one of Morocco’s economic and cultural engines today. Walking among the red walls, you can feel both the caravan city’s past and the openness of the 21st century world – perhaps it is this duality that gives Marrakech its timeless charm.

Photo: László Wiandt
Illustration – Photo: Flickr

Industrial production still lags

The volume of industrial production declined by 2.5%, while based on working-day adjusted data it increased year-on-year by 0.3% in January 2026. According to seasonally and working-day adjusted data, industrial output was 1.5% higher than in December 2025.

Production volume decreased in the great majority of the manufacturing subsections compared to the same month of the previous year. Out of the subsections having the largest weight the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products, as well as the manufacture of electrical equipment grew, at the same time a decline occurred in the manufacture of transport equipment, as well as in the manufacture of food products, beverages and tobacco products.

Industrial output – according to seasonally and working-day adjusted indices – was above the level of the previous month by 1.5%.

“Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne” by Chris Enss (published by Citadel Press)

Insatiable wife pushed hubby deeper and deeper into crime

Written by Christopher Osterberg
George Kelly’s wife Kathryn loved luxury – top hotels, swanky restaurants, nice clothes, expensive furs and jewellery – so it was she who bought him a useful machine gun. For while her man was doing well enough as a bootlegger, they both were ambitious and she especially planned a career trajectory into bank robbing then kidnapping. One wild ride lay ahead.
Books
8. March 2026 6:10

Kelly was born into an upper-middle-class family in Chicago on July 17, 1900, and author Enss portrays a polished, attractive, smartly attired Irishman. But George had an abusive father and an ailing mother, and at age 15 he started making money selling whisky to neighbours. It was the United States Prohibition era when it was illegal to produce, import, transport and sell alcoholic drinks, and he was jailed more than once for smuggling and selling booze.

Advancement came when he caught his father with another woman, and boy George pledged to keep the secret from his mother in exchange for use of the family car. This extended his ability to traffic alcohol, and it helped that he became known as a skilled driver.

Despite the extracurricular activities, his grades at school remained good and the 17-year-old graduated in 1918. He was accepted at Mississippi State University and met and married Geneva Ramsay, whose father was a reputable contractor overseeing the building of railways and levees statewide. Kelly tried going straight, running a warehouse for his father-in-law.

When Ramsey died and his business was sold, Kelly moved on to owning a used-car dealership, which failed, then farming goats and selling insurance. But none paid like selling liquor and he returned to the trade. Geneva filed for divorce on October 28, 1926, saying he had deserted her and their two sons, was cruel, drank to excess and stayed out all night.

Kelly had brushes with the law for violating the National Prohibition Act, and he landed three years in Leavenworth, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. As Enss recounts, it was here on February 11, 1928 that he first made acquaintance with Kathryn Thorne, who was visiting a family member. They began writing to each other and after Kelly’s release on July 3, 1930 they married in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the following September 24.

Even by the time they met, Kathryn was an experienced criminal. Her stepfather and mother bootlegged, an aunt was a prostitute and uncles stole cars and counterfeited. She liked reckless living and defying authority, accompanying her bootlegging boyfriend. She had married thrice, divorced twice and was ready to marry a man who could give her the posh life of her dreams – shopping sprees and acting like a starlet. Kathryn and Kelly relished shortcuts in life, robbing instead of working and stealing what they wanted instead of buying.

It was the Great Depression and on his release Kelly picked up bootlegging where he had left off, but his interest waned because the risk versus reward was too high. He set his sights on robbing banks instead and was believed to be one of five armed men who held up the Bank of Willmar in Willmar, Minnesota, on July 15, 1930, escaping with USD 100,000 in cash and bonds in a hail of bullets. Others included the Ottumwa Savings Bank in Ottumwa, Iowa, the Central State Bank in Sherman, Texas, and the Citizens State Bank in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Kathryn was as good with a gun as Kelly and, disguised as a man, she drove the getaway car at times. But bank robbing told on the nerves and so it was decided that kidnapping would be safer and easier in the long run. The couple’s goal for 1933 was to select a rich target, and “In celebration and preparation for their plan, Kathryn decided to purchase her husband a special gift from the Wolf & Klar Pawn Shop. She bought Machine Gun Kelly a model 1921 tommy gun,” Enss writes. It was part of her shaping of Kelly’s criminal image, spreading stories to inflate his notoriety and ensure he was feared in the underworld.

This formidable woman was born Lera Cleo Brooks on March 18, 1904 in Tupelo, and was a school dropout. She had married 17-year-old Lonnie Fry in 1918 and they had a daughter Pauline before divorcing two and a half years later. Sixteen months on, husband number two was Lennie Elbert Brewer, 27. They divorced in 1924. At age 23 she wed Charles Thorne in March 1927 and accompanied him on his bootlegging runs. She liked the risky lifestyle.

More than once Kathryn was heard to say she would kill Charles if he cheated on her. After a day drinking he apparently shot himself in the head, leaving a suicide note. Some residents believed she was involved but the police found nothing suspicious. Later she and a man drove to a remote lake for a romantic tryst where two thugs set upon her companion and robbed him. Had she enticed him there? She was released for lack of evidence.

The Kellys and partner Albert Bates had tried a “test” kidnapping on January 26, 1932,  but received less than a fifth of the USD 50,000 demanded.  So Kathryn scoured the social pages for a richer victim. They chose prominent oil tycoon Charles Urschel, and Kelly and Bates took him from his home in Oklahoma City in July 1933, Kelly armed with his machine gun.

They locked him in a one-room windowless shack near the home of Kathryn’s family, the Shannons, outside the small town of Paradise in Wise County, Texas. In eight days captivity, Urschel carefully noted that two airplanes were flying over daily, so he began casually asking the time. One day the weather halted the planes and he again committed this to memory.

After collecting the full USD 200,000 ransom (almost USD 5 million today) in a Kansas City street, the Kellys decided not to kill him and bury him in the desert, but let him go, a decision they were to regret. Urschel’s memory allowed agents to study flight and weather records and find the hideout. Kathryn’s family were arrested as accomplices and the hunt was on for the Kellys. It lasted weeks and spanned from Chicago to the Rio Grande, making headlines.

The fugitives gave a ride to a family, Luther and Flossie Arnold and their daughter Geralene, a precocious 12-year-old, near Waco, Texas, then persuaded the parents to allow Geralene to travel with them to fool the various law enforcement agencies on their trail who were  seeking a couple rather than a couple and child. But the Kellys broke their promise to return the girl that day and kept her for two weeks. When she was eventually sent home she told agents where the pair was hiding in Memphis, Tennessee. She had to fight to receive part of the reward and went on tour telling of her abduction to fascinated audiences in theatres.

Kidnapping was an epidemic in the United States between 1925 and 1934, and as well as Urschel, federal resources were strained dealing with the abduction of two other millionaires and the killing of aviator Charles Lindbergh’s baby. The Urschel crime is the bulk of Enss’ book, with the author drawing from scores of newspaper reports, US Department of Justice Federal Bueau of Investigation (FBI) files, historical archives, court transcripts and a handful of  original letters by the Kellys. They were sentenced to life under the newly strengthened Federal Kidnapping Act of 1932, known as the Lindbergh Law, which made the crime across state lines a federal law. J. Edgar Hoover’s Bureau of Investigation now became the FBI.

“Machine Gun” Kelly (did he ever actually fire it on a job? – editor) and his wife were caught without a fight in Memphis on September 26, 1933. Kelly spent much of his prison time at Alcatraz then Leavenworth until dying of a heart attack aged 53 in 1954. Kathryn Thorne Kelly, who claimed in court that her husband coerced her, was released in 1958 aged 54 after serving nearly 25 years. She mostly dropped out of public life, dying quietly aged 81 in 1985.

Chris Enss has dug in and put it all down on paper for we lovers of true crime to soak up.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán - Photo: PMO

We must win the fight to reopen the oil pipeline, PM says

At the Debrecen antiwar rally, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned that Hungary faces growing pressure over the war in Ukraine, energy supplies, and the country’s future within Europe.

PM Orbán opened by saying that leading a nation inevitably means facing difficult moments, and that anyone who takes on the responsibility of governing must be prepared for them. Hungary, he said, is a country that prefers building and development over confrontation, but it must always be ready to defend itself. “In one hand there is always a trowel, in the other a sword,” the prime minister said, adding that Hungarians will always choose building over the sword if they can.

A central topic of the rally was the growing dispute with Ukraine, particularly the oil blockade. PM Orbán said Hungary is not seeking conflict, but Kyiv has opened a western conflict against Hungary instead of focusing on its war with Russia.

“We will never agree under the weight of blackmail,” PM Orbán declared, adding that Hungary has its own strategy to deal with the situation, noting that “they will run out of money sooner than we run out of oil.”

The prime minister also stated Hungary must win the struggle with Ukraine over reopening the oil pipeline, calling it an existential issue for the country. “We must win this fight to reopen the oil pipeline,” PM Orbán said, adding that the government’s strategy is already in motion and expressing confidence that it will lead to results, possibly even before the upcoming elections.

The prime minister also referred to a recently intercepted Ukrainian convoy transporting large amounts of cash and gold through Hungary. While saying the authorities still have unanswered questions, he suggested that the case raises concerns about foreign influence. PM Orbán stated that the scale of pro-Ukraine political and media voices in Hungary does not reflect the views of the broader public. “I suspect that some of the pro-Ukraine voices in Hungary come not only from the heart, but from the pocket,” he said.

Energy security was another central issue, which the prime minister linked directly to the ongoing dispute with Ukraine. He highlighted that Ukraine had already disrupted Hungary’s energy supply earlier in the war by shutting down the pipeline that carried Russian gas through Ukrainian territory. Hungary avoided a deeper crisis, he said, because the government had previously built a southern bypass route that allows Russian gas to reach Hungary without passing through Ukraine.

PM Orbán also noted that Hungary’s system of capped household utility prices protects families from dramatic costs, saying that without it every Hungarian household would effectively lose one month’s salary each year. He warned that both the current oil blockade and the earlier gas blockade threaten that model.

The prime minister also warned that energy infrastructure in the region remains vulnerable, saying that if the Nord Stream pipeline could be destroyed, southern routes could also become targets.

Despite the Ukrainian oil blockade, around 40 percent of the electricity consumed in Ukraine still arrives through transmission lines running from Slovakia and Hungary. PM Orbán underlined that Hungary has avoided retaliatory steps that would harm ordinary Ukrainians, stressing that “our enemy is not the Ukrainian people, but the leaders who have turned Ukraine against us”.

Turning to Ukraine’s long-term future, PM Orbán said the country’s political and geographic situation remains uncertain because of the ongoing war. He reiterated that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union would pose serious risks for Hungary. “If Ukraine enters the European Union, all of Hungary’s money will go to Ukraine,” the prime minister said, warning that EU resources and additional financial burdens would be redirected toward Kyiv.

Instead of EU membership, PM Orbán said Hungary would support a strategic partnership with Ukraine that benefits both sides but does not grant the same rights as EU membership.

Hungary’s strategy, he said, is therefore clear: remain outside the war and protect the country’s economic stability and energy security.

Looking ahead, the prime minister said the broader question facing Europe is whether it will continue moving toward war. “Europe is marching into war,” PM Orbán said, adding that Hungary’s goal must be to remain outside that conflict.

He emphasized that the country could remain a place of “peace, calm, and building,” provided it maintains strong national leadership and refuses policies that would drag it into the war.

The 2025 parade - Photo: stpatricksdaybudapest.com

The capital with the eye of an expat

March madness

Written by Mary Murphy
It’s hard to believe it’s March already. That time of year again when the world and her mother lay some claim to being Irish.

Despite what’s going on at home and abroad, despite the madness and the mayhem, St Patrick is standing tall and giving us a reason to celebrate.

We could learn a lot from this fifth-century missionary.

Captured by a group of Irish raiders, Patrick was brought forcibly to Ireland when he was 16. He spent six years as a social outcast tending sheep. It was during this time that he became a more devout Christian, turning to his faith when he had little else to turn to. He eventually escaped and made his way home. Sometime later, he answered God’s call to return to Ireland as a missionary.

This is where the lesson comes in.

He didn’t come in and impose his way of thinking. He didn’t tell people that his way was best. He didn’t lay claim to having all the answers. Instead, he used what was familiar – customs and symbols – to explain Christianity.

He used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. He celebrated Easter and the risen God with a bonfire, knowing that fire was already a key part of Irish traditions. He merged the sun and the Christian cross, giving us what we know today as the Celtic Cross.

Rather than divide, he built bridges – bridges between cultures and faiths.

In a way, that’s what the St Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world continue to do. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people pull out their shamrock gear, wear their green, and tip a few to the Irish. All creeds, breeds, and generations welcomed.

Budapest is no exception.

The St Patrick’s Day celebrations are a little later this year, given the clash with the Hungarian 15 March national holiday.

Saturday, 14th March

As part of its European tour, Martin Beanz Warde’s acclaimed dark comedy The Dead House plays at The Workshop in Budapest.

“The Dead House is the story of one family in the west of Ireland and the return home of a son who is alienated from their traditions after years of deliberate absence. The play is set on the day of an Irish wake, when family stories resurface that have lain dormant for years, and the ghosts of the past bring with them the memories of trauma, loss and despair.”

Tickets are limited. Book soon – it’s one not to miss. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the curtains go up (literally or metaphorically) at 7 pm. When you book, your name will be added to a list at the door. Your receipt is proof of payment.

Tuesday, 17th March to Sunday 22nd March

The Floating Lotus is running special St Patrick’s Day cruises in the run-up to the parade. Tickets are all-inclusive of drinks (including Guinness) and special St Patrick’s Day vibes. There’s also a discount for IHBC members. The 75-minute cruises run weekdays at 6 pm and 8 pm and on the weekend at 6 pm, 7.30 pm, and 9 pm. Check them out on Instagram.

Wednesday, 18th March

It’s been more than ten years since the late Ronnie Thompson made his last appearance at the parade as a lovable leprechaun. Ronnie and leprechauns are forever married in my head. I thought of him again when I heard about The Mocktail Mile’s  Leprechaun Lap n’ Wrap.

The lads have teamed up with Wrapsta for a day of fitness, fresh food, and fundraising for the wonderful Budapest Bike Maffia.

The lap of Margaret Island starts at 6 pm and will suit all fitness levels.  Don’t forget to wear your green. If you have a leprechaun suit, air it out. After the lap, it’s onto the 4/6 tram to Nyugati towards the finish line at Wrapsta. That’s, they say, when the real magic happens.

Refuel with some of the best wraps in the city and enjoy the alcohol-free vibes of The Mocktail Mile. There’ll be a charity auction and raffle with amazing prizes from their local sponsors. All proceeds from the auction and raffle go directly to Budapest Bike Maffia to help them continue their mission of supporting those in need across the city.

Register with your email via the pop-up @ www.budapestpt.com

Saturday, 21st March

Hot Paprika Comedy is bringing Irish Comedian Shane Callaghan and friends to Budapest. It’s another gig worth checking out. Get your tickets now.

Sunday, 22nd March

The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, 22nd March. The celebrations start at 11 am on Szabadság Tér with Irish music from Nightingale, followed by a football demonstration by the Budapest Gaels.

Gaelic football (aka GAA) is NOT soccer. If anything, it combines soccer, rugby, and handball. It’s fast and, at times, furious. If you’re not seen it before, you’re in for a treat.

The Barbara Dance Academy will dance the crowd to the start of the parade at 1 pm. After following a pipe band and majorettes around the city, the crowd will gather again on Szabadság Tér for the Celtic triumvirate of ceoil, caint, agus craic (music, chat, and fun).

At about 2 pm, the Central European Irish Dance Academy will stage a special Hungarian–Irish dance fusion choreographed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Irish–Hungarian diplomatic relations. This will be followed by traditional Irish music with The 12 Pins Session Band with more dancing at 3 pm from Iredance, followed by some great music from Folk Roses, which will set you right up for an evening in any one of the Irish pubs in the city.

There’ll be plenty by way of food and drink with a great line-up of vendors.

Saturday, 28th March

With a week to recover, you’ll be ready to dust off your glad rags the following weekend for the annual St Patrick’s Day Charity Gala at the Marriott Hotel. It’s another night replete with good food and drink and lots of entertainment that supports two very worthy causes: Women Together Against Violence (NANE) and Tarnabod és mi (TAMI), supporting orphan children in one of Hungary’s poorest communities. Tickets are on sale from the Irish Hungarian Business Circle.

And it’s not all about Budapest

As part of its 30th anniversary world tour, the record-breaking Lord of the Dance performs a series of shows across Hungary from 26 March to 1 April, visiting Szeged, Veszprem, Budapest, Pécs, Győr, and Debrecen. Tickets are available here.

A mad March it may be, from many people’s perspectives. If you’re in Budapest and need some distraction, fill your diary.

If you’re not in Hungary, have a great St Patrick’s Day. Tip one to the Irish and the Irish in you.

 

Mary Murphy helps people find both their written and their spoken voice. Read more at www.irjjol.com | www.unpackingmybottomdrawer.com | www.anyexcusetotravel.com | www.dyingtogetin.com

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán - Photo: PMO

Orbán: We will not fulfill Ukraine’s demands

Hungarian-Ukrainian relations took another sharp turn for the worse after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly threatened Prime Minister Viktor Orbán over Hungary’s refusal to back another €90 billion package for Ukraine.

In his Friday morning interview on Kossuth Radio, PM Orbán made it clear that Hungary will not yield to pressure, blackmail, or threats, because what is at stake is not his personal position, but whether Hungary gives in to demands that he says would seriously damage the country.

PM Orbán said the essence of the dispute is simple: Ukraine has demands, and Hungary refuses to meet them. “We are in the way,” the prime minister said, arguing that both he and the national government are obstacles to Kyiv’s goals. In his view, the pressure on Hungary is not only diplomatic but also political, because Ukraine would prefer to see a pro-Ukraine government in Budapest after the April 12 parliamentary election.

According to PM Orbán, the demands themselves are unacceptable. Hungary, he said, will not give up cheap Russian energy, will not finance the war, will not send money to Ukraine, and will not support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. He argued that complying with those expectations would hurt Hungarian households, Hungarian farmers, and the entire Hungarian economy.

The immediate flashpoint remains the Druzhba oil pipeline. PM Orbán said there is no technical obstacle preventing Russian oil from reaching Hungary and described the interruption as a political decision by Ukraine. Hungary has valid contracts, pays for the oil, and is entitled to receive it, he said, while Ukraine has an international obligation to allow the transit. Until that situation is resolved, PM Orbán said Hungary will continue to use every available tool in Brussels and beyond.

“If they are blackmailing Hungarians, they cannot expect us to make financial decisions in support of Ukraine,” the prime minister said. He added that Hungary has already halted gasoline and diesel shipments linked to Ukraine and is prepared to stop other transit arrangements important to Kyiv until oil deliveries are restored. “The Ukrainians will run out of money sooner than we run out of oil,” PM Orbán said.

The prime minister also linked the dispute to rising fuel prices, warning that Hungary is being hit from two directions at once: by tensions in the Middle East, which are pushing up global prices, and by Ukraine’s oil blockade, which is creating additional regional pressure. If fuel prices become unbearable, he said, the government is prepared to intervene in pricing with state tools, just as it has done before, to protect Hungarian families and the economy.

PM Orbán also turned to the wider fallout of the Middle East war, saying Europe is unprepared for a possible new migration wave and the security risks that could follow. His argument was blunt: The more migrants a country has, the greater the terror threat and the greater the danger of public disorder. Western Europe is already having to deal with such consequences, as Middle Eastern conflicts have effectively moved into major European cities. “That is London’s, Paris’s, and Stockholm’s problem,” he said, while arguing that Hungary was able to prevent this by refusing mass migration.

Looking ahead, PM Orbán said the next four years will remain an era of dangers, especially in Europe. That is why, he argued, Hungary’s central task is clear: Preserve security, defend sovereignty, and stay out of the war.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán - Photo: PMO

Orbán: Europe is preparing for a war economy, Hungary must stay on a peace path

Speaking at the Macronomx Economic Year Opening event, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a stark warning about the direction of Europe’s economy, arguing that while many economic forecasts assume a peaceful environment, the reality discussed among European leaders is very different.

According to Prime Minister Orbán, the key question facing the continent is whether Europe will remain a peace economy or transition toward a war economy, and Hungary’s strategy is to resist that shift and protect its own economic model.

At the beginning of his remarks, Prime Minister Orbán cautioned the audience that many of the economic scenarios discussed earlier in the conference assume stable conditions that may not materialize. “Everything you heard here describes a peace economy,” he said. “But who said that a peace economy will exist?”

Based on discussions at European Council meetings, the prime minister argued that Western European leaders are increasingly focused on military spending and wartime economic preparations rather than development strategies. “Where I sit and work, from the German chancellor to the French president, all we discuss is how to switch the European economy to a war economy in the next four years,” he said.

The prime minister said the past four years have already shown the economic impact of the war in Ukraine. While the EU economy has grown only around 1% annually, the United States has expanded by 2% to 3%, and China by roughly 5%. During the same period, he said, Europe has lost around 1 million industrial jobs, and its share of the global economy has declined.

Energy policy has also played a central role in Europe’s economic slowdown, according to the prime minister. He argued that abandoning Russian energy supplies has significantly increased costs for European economies. “Europeans pay three or four times more for energy than the Americans or the Chinese,” he said, adding that the continent has spent roughly €1.8 trillion more on energy since the war began than it would have otherwise.

Prime Minister Orbán also criticized the growing scale of European financial support for Ukraine. European countries have already sent approximately €200 billion to Kyiv, he said, and additional packages are under discussion. “They are taking loans to send money to Ukraine,” he said. “In reality, they are sending the future of their children and grandchildren.”

In contrast, the prime minister emphasized that Hungary has chosen a different path. Rather than financing the war effort, the government has directed resources toward domestic economic programs, including support for families, businesses, and energy development. He pointed to measures such as expanded family tax benefits, wage growth, and the Sándor Demján Program, which allocates significant funding to the Hungarian economy.

“Our strategy is the opposite,” Prime Minister Orbán said. “We will stay out of the war, and we will stay out of its financing.”

Looking ahead, the prime minister identified three decisive issues that will shape Hungary’s economic future: the course of the war in Ukraine, the country’s energy security, and the question of Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union.

On energy, he stressed that Hungary intends to maintain diversified supply, including Russian sources, arguing that cutting existing supply routes would not represent diversification but, in his words, “simply narrow options.”

He also warned that Ukraine’s EU membership could dramatically reshape the Union’s finances, particularly in agriculture and cohesion funding. According to Prime Minister Orbán, current proposals would redirect large portions of the EU budget toward Ukraine, which could significantly affect member states’ development resources.

Summing up Hungary’s strategy for the coming years, Prime Minister Orbán outlined several clear priorities: “We must not allow ourselves to be dragged into a war, we must not send the Hungarian people’s money to Ukraine, and we must preserve our access to affordable energy.”

If Hungary succeeds in maintaining this course, he concluded, the country will be able to pursue the growth plans and economic ambitions discussed at the conference. “If we succeed in these battles,” the prime minister said, “then the development plans you heard about today can truly become reality.”

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (l) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - Photo: PMO

Gulyás: Only President Zelensky is to blame if oil deliveries don’t resume

At Thursday’s Government Info press conference, Minister Gergely Gulyás, the minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office, addressed the current state of Hungary’s energy security and the situation surrounding the Druzhba oil pipeline. According to Minister Gulyás, the restart of crude oil deliveries depends entirely on a decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as Hungary sees no technical obstacles preventing the pipeline from operating.

Minister Gulyás explained that the government meeting held on Wednesday focused heavily on the consequences of ongoing conflicts for Europe’s energy security. One of the central issues discussed was the disruption of oil transport through the Druzhba pipeline, which remains a critical supply route for Hungary and several other countries in the region.

“The restart of oil deliveries depends entirely on the Ukrainian president,” Minister Gulyás said in response to a question during the press conference. According to the minister, there are no technical barriers that would prevent the pipeline from functioning. He added that if technical problems existed, the Ukrainian authorities should allow experts to inspect the infrastructure.

Minister Gulyás also stated that the pipeline has not been restarted following a direct order from President Zelensky not to do so. He noted that Hungarian authorities find it concerning that Ukrainian officials have not allowed specialists to examine the condition of the pipeline, suggesting that such restrictions raise questions about the real reasons behind the suspension.

To clarify the situation, the Hungarian government has established a fact-finding mission led by State Secretary Gábor Czepek. The delegation stands ready to travel to Ukraine and assess the state of the pipeline if permission is granted. In the meantime, the government has taken precautionary steps to ensure domestic energy stability.

As part of these measures, Hungary has released 250,000 tons of crude oil from its strategic reserves. Minister Gulyás noted that the refinery in Százhalombatta operates most efficiently when supplied with Urals crude, making the restoration of deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline particularly important for maintaining optimal production levels.

The minister also emphasized that the government has increased the protection of energy infrastructure across the country. Authorities have introduced a drone flight ban in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County as part of broader efforts to safeguard key facilities.

Beyond energy security, Minister Gulyás announced that teachers working in vocational training will receive the previously announced immediate payment of HUF 154,000.

During the briefing, the minister also addressed broader issues related to the war and Hungary’s international relations. He noted that Russia has confirmed its readiness to deliver the quantities of oil and natural gas stipulated in its long-term agreements with Hungary.

In response to another question, Minister Gulyás said that Hungarian authorities would not share information with the Ukrainian foreign ministry regarding prisoners who were recently released from Moscow.

Turning to a separate topic, the minister explained that the government decided to postpone several planned excise tax increases due to inflationary pressure on households.

The Government Info briefing also touched on evacuation efforts involving Hungarian citizens abroad. Minister Gulyás said that no evacuations had taken place from the United Arab Emirates in recent days because the risks associated with takeoff were considered greater than remaining in place.

Concluding the discussion, the minister emphasized that Hungary continues to assist citizens affected by the war wherever possible. “Anyone who falls into captivity during the conflict can count on Hungary to help within the limits of its capabilities,” Minister Gulyás said.

Illustration - Photo: lidl.hu

Retail sales up 3.5 percent

In January 2026, the volume of retail trade was 3.0% higher according to raw data, or 3.5% higher in calendar adjusted terms, than in the same month of the previous year. Compared to the same period of the previous year, calendar-adjusted sale volumes expanded by 1.2% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 4.7% in non-food retailing and by 5.7% in automotive fuel retailing. According to seasonally and calendar adjusted data, the volume of retail sales was 0.5% higher compared to the previous month.

In January 2026, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects the volume of domestic retail sales increased by 3.5%.

The volume of sales grew by 1.2% in specialized and non-specialized food retailing. The volume of sales increased by 3.7% in non-specialized food and beverages shops accounting for 77% of food retailing and fell by 6.5% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.

The turnover of non-food retailing increased by a total of 4.7% in volume. Sales volumes rose by 10% in second-hand goods shops, by 6.7% in textiles, clothing and footwear shops, by 3.3% in books, computer equipment and other specialized stores, by 1.9% in non-specialized shops dealing in manufactured goods and by 1.5% in pharmaceutical, medical goods and cosmetics shops. However, the volume of sales decreased by 3.3% in furniture and electrical goods stores.

The volume of mail order and internet retailing accounting for 9.8% of all retail sales and involving a wide range of goods grew by 14%.

The volume of sales in automotive fuel stations increased by 5.7%.

Sales volume in motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories stores not belonging to retail data decreased by 6.5%.

In January 2026:

Domestic retail sales amounted to HUF 1,504 billion at current prices.

50% of the national retail turnover was generated in specialized and non-specialized food shops, 36% in non-food retail trade and 14% in automotive fuel stations.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (r) - Photo: PMO

Orbán: The key principle for the next four years will be to “stay out”

In an interview with ATV host Egon Rónai, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán outlined Hungary’s strategic priorities in an increasingly volatile international environment, stressing that the country must avoid being drawn into wars and geopolitical conflicts. According to PM Orbán, the coming years will be defined by a single guiding principle: Hungary must stay out of war militarily, financially and politically.

During the interview, Prime Minister Orbán addressed a wide range of international developments from the Middle East conflict to the war in Ukraine and the implications for Hungary’s security and energy supply. The prime minister emphasized that Hungary’s primary responsibility is to protect the safety of its citizens and maintain stability in an unpredictable global situation.

The discussion began with the evacuation of Hungarian citizens stranded abroad due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. PM Orbán explained that evacuations from Jordan were easier to organize than from Gulf countries, where the situation is changing rapidly. Safety remains the absolute priority, the prime minister said, noting that the government does not want to expose Hungarian citizens to potential terrorist attacks during rescue operations.

“Strategic calm is needed,” the prime minister said, stressing that the government must wait for the right moment to act.

Turning to global geopolitics, Prime Minister Orbán also commented on the United States’ recent military actions in Iran and Venezuela. According to the prime minister, U.S. President Donald Trump views these strikes not as the start of a war but as an attempt to eliminate what he considers major sources of instability. Whether these actions ultimately lead to peace will depend on whether the situation improves compared to before the attacks, PM Orbán noted.

The conversation also touched on energy security, which remains a central issue for Hungary. PM Orbán said he had recently spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who confirmed that Russia can continue to supply Hungary with the contracted volume of oil despite turbulence in the global market. However, transporting that oil remains dependent on Ukraine allowing transit through its territory.

This issue led to a broader discussion of Ukraine’s decision to halt certain energy flows, including those through the Druzhba pipeline. Prime Minister Orbán described the move as political pressure aimed at influencing Hungary’s domestic politics.

“If we accept that enforcing our rights becomes a matter of bargaining, then we will be blackmailed again and again,” PM Orbán said, arguing that Hungary must firmly reject such pressure.

According to the prime minister, Ukraine is obligated under its agreements with the European Union not to jeopardize the energy security of EU member states. Hungary will therefore continue to push for the restoration of oil transit using all available diplomatic and legal tools within the EU framework.

PM Orbán also addressed relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, explaining that while preparations for a meeting have been ongoing, the Ukrainian side has presented demands that Hungary cannot accept. Among these are requests that Hungary abandon Russian energy sources and that it provide financial assistance and support for Ukraine’s war effort.

“We do not want to give up cheap Russian oil and gas, we do not want to finance the war, and we do not want to support it,” the prime minister said.

Looking ahead, Prime Minister Orbán framed Hungary’s strategic objective in clear terms. In his view, Europe faces the risk of broader conflict but Hungary must avoid being drawn into it.

“The key word of the next four years will be staying out,” PM Orbán said. “Can we stay out of the war, can we stay out of military shipments, can we stay out of financial aid? Staying out is the key word.”

He added that ensuring Hungary’s security and independence in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment remains the government’s central mission.