| Potential for disruptions in Budapest on 23 October 2008 |
| 22 Oct 2008 |
| There is a potential for disruptions in Budapest on 23 October 2008, Hungary's national holiday marking a 1956 anti-Soviet uprising. While no radical groups have announced plans for protests, the city has experienced violent demonstrations on the holiday in recent years, which in addition to anti-government protesters, have involved "soccer hooligans" unaffiliated with a specific cause. Security will be increased in the city, with additional spot checks and checkpoints in force from 22 to 25 October, and police officials have stated that they are prepared to deal with any possible street violence.
Transportation disruptions are also expected to be a concern for travelers and residents due to the holiday, as a number of sanctioned events are planned to take place. Road closures and traffic restrictions are being implemented in the city center on 22 and 23 October, with Andrássy út, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, Erzsébet tér, Szabadság tér, Kossuth tér and Corvin köz among the affected areas. Restrictions on parking will also be in effect in a number of locations, including at the prime minister's office, on Kossuth tér, Balassi Bálint utca, Alkotmány utca, Olimpiai park and around Vértanúk tere up to Nádor utca; certain areas of the city will be closed to pedestrian traffic.
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| Potential clashes in Pest on 23 October |
| 10 Oct 2008 |
| There are occasional political demonstrations against the Government in Budapest and elsewhere in the country. These tend to take place on or close to important national holidays with a political relevance - such as 15 March (anniversary of 1848 Revolution) and 23 October (anniversary of 1956 Anti-Soviet Uprising). There have been some cases (e.g. in Budapest on 18 and 19 September and 23 October 2006, 15 March 2007) where generally peaceful political demonstrations ended in violence. As a precaution, you should avoid all political demonstrations. There is the potential for violent clashes between demonstrators and police in central Pest on 23 October (anniversary of the 1956 Uprising).
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| Large demonstration planned for central Budapest on 4 October |
| 03 Oct 2008 |
| Activists are planning to stage a large demonstration in central Budapest on 4 October 2008. The action -- called Tarka Magyar -- is being organized to protest violence and discrimination. The march will begin at 1530 local time (1330 UTC) at Érzsébet tér in front of the Gödör Club, from where participants will march up Andrássy út to Hosök tere (Heroes' Square). A concert will be held at the square, but no speeches will be given. The action will end at 1800 local time (1600 UTC). Almost 90 organizations have stated that they will participate in the demonstration, and organizers are anticipating a large turnout of up to 100,000 people. Given the size of the demonstration, it could result in transportation disruptions in the area. In addition, there is the potential for violence from right-wing counter-protesters, as similar events in the past have been associated with such developments.
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| Railway workers launch indefinate strike |
| 14 Jul 2008 |
| The Free Trade Union of Railway Workers (VDSZSZ) launched an indefinite strike on 14 July 2008 over wage issues. Strikes by the union earlier in 2008 ended after negotiations with the government, but authorities have since rejected demands for a 10 percent pay increase. The action, which began at midnight on 13 July, has stopped all rail traffic at Déli station in Budapest. Disruptions are also being reported at Keleti, Nyugati and other stations. Those trains that are running are reportedly doing so without having undergone their normal brake check.
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| Two recent petrol bombs in gay venues |
| 04 Jul 2008 |
| If you intend to visit gay venues in Hungary, please be aware that there have been two recent petrol bomb attacks on gay venues in Budapest, on 27 June and 3 July 2008.
If you intend to attend the Gay Pride march in Budapest on 5 July 2008 you should be aware that previous marches have become violent due to anti-march protests, and it is possible that there will be further protests this year. If you intend to participate in or watch the march you should be vigilant and avoid demonstrations.
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