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Today, record-breaking heat is being experienced, but the Danube water level has improved, exceeding Sunday’s low point by nearly 10 centimeters, and one block of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant is operational. A positive development is that Hungary will receive the guaranteed Danube water volume guaranteed in international agreements, while Slovakia is prepared to release some additional water. Many organizations across the country are continuing to conserve energy and water due to the heat. We can continue to follow the developments.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaGábor Bálint’s position as chief legal advisor may end on August 25, as he resigned in July. His mandate was for nine years, but it was cut short after just over a year. He justified his resignation by citing political attacks, emphasizing that he did not want the prosecution to become a battleground for daily political struggles.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaDue to the heatwave, cooling solutions are very popular. Interest in mobile air conditioners has quadrupled, while demand for air coolers and fans has tripled. Demand for traditional air conditioners and their cleaning products, as well as ceiling fans, has also increased significantly. In addition, demand for swimming pools has nearly doubled, reflecting the immediate need due to the heat, while concerns about water supplies are ignored.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaThe government has imposed water restrictions that apply to the use of network tap water. It is prohibited to fill swimming pools, water lawns with hoses, and wash vehicles with tap water in the affected areas. However, watering with a watering can is permitted, and households are also advised to use rainwater and greywater. The restrictions aim to ensure a continuous supply of tap water for residents throughout the country.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaSince Tamás Sulyok’s mandate expired, Ágnes Forsthoffer is temporarily fulfilling the duties of the president. The National Assembly needs to elect a new head of state, and Prime Minister Péter Magyar has requested Judit Polgár, but she declined the offer. Following this, the Prime Minister consulted with potential candidates, including Botond Fülöp, a lawyer, and Ignác Romsics, a historian, and András Baka, the former president of the Supreme Court. A formal candidate has not yet been announced, but the Tisza faction intends to hold the election on August 11th. They have also taken into account the reactions of Hungarian internet users regarding the emerging names, based on Google Trends data.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaAlthough a cold front will reach the region tomorrow, the extreme heat will not end, and the drought, which is critical for agriculture, will not significantly ease, according to a Facebook post by HungaroMet Nonprofit Zrt.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaThe Ministry of Transport and Investment has launched a public consultation on the possibility of tightening traffic safety rules and penalties. The survey, which seeks public opinion, covers topics such as making illegal street racing a criminal offense, stricter sanctions for reckless driving, the introduction of average speed measurement, and the urgent need to regulate electric scooters.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaAustrian trade unions are calling for comprehensive reforms to reduce the gender gap in pensions, as women’s pensions in Austria are, on average, 39.4 percent lower than those of men, according to European Pensions.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaRain has arrived in the Duna alpine catchment area, so the river level in Hungary is expected to rise in the coming days. Although the water level in Paks is currently very low, significant replenishment of water is expected soon due to western rainfall.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaA key element of the European Union’s fusion energy policy is the ITER experimental reactor, for which 4 billion euros are planned under the 2028–2032 Euratom program. While the United States and China are making faster progress towards the commercial application of the technology through private investment, ITER may not operate at full capacity until around 2039. The planned EU fusion strategy could provide important guidance for private sector support in the future.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaThe Ministry of Defence has filed a complaint regarding the previous contracts of Zrínyi Nonprofit Kft., after an internal audit raised suspicions of fraud and abuse of power related to the agreements with Lounge Event Kft., which amounted to over 800 million forints. Minister Ruszin-Szendi Romulus announced more details about the case on Facebook.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaThe EU’s biometric entry system promises faster and safer passenger checks, but the first real summer season has put it to a serious test. Due to congestion, Brussels has allowed for temporary easing, which several countries are already seeking to extend, according to Politico.
makro-gazdasagpolitikaIceland is close to joining the EU, but it demands strict conditions for membership, especially the preservation of sovereignty in the fishing industry. A referendum on restarting accession negotiations will be held on August 29, and it is expected to be approved by a majority of voters. The European Commission is open to individual agreements, but it considers full exemption to be highly unusual, as Iceland’s economic situation is improving, giving it a stronger negotiating position.