Vadhajtások portal urges -35°C settings, draws criticism from Hungarian officials

A Facebook post on the Hungarian website Vadhajtások called on readers to set their climate control and freezers to –35 °C, claiming that only those who did not vote for the Tisza River would benefit. The post framed the extreme temperature suggestion as a response to a recent heat wave that threatened the national power grid. Hungarian commentator Magyar Péter denounced the portal as a favourite outlet of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, accusing it of encouraging wasteful and harmful behaviour. Agrarian Minister Bóna Szabolcs also condemned the campaign, calling it “shameful” and “a sign of short‑sightedness” amid concerns that the ongoing heat wave could overload energy supplies.

The criticism highlights tensions over energy policy and public communication during extreme weather, with officials urging responsible consumption rather than provocative calls for wasteful practices.