Hungarian government faces pressure over energy measures and firewood tax

Amid an ongoing energy crisis, Hungarian officials are being urged to curb public events and reduce household heating costs. Influencer Magyar Péter and other critics have called for the cancellation of the Sziget Festival's planned fireworks on August 20, arguing that the display would waste scarce electricity. Prime Minister Orbán Viktor’s administration has not responded to the proposals, while debates continue over whether the festival should proceed at all.

At the same time, the government is considering a cut to the value‑added tax on firewood, a fuel used by many families for home heating. A potential reduction, slated for discussion in August, could lower heating expenses for households that rely on wood rather than gas or electricity. Officials have noted that the impact will depend on how much of the tax cut is passed on to consumers, but the measure is seen as a way to ease the financial burden on a significant portion of the population.