An incorrect weather forecast cost the head of the Hungarian Weather Bureau and her deputy their jobs. Both have been released with immediate effect. Minister of Technology and Industry Laszlo Palkovics gave no reason for the move. However, opposition media suspects it has lead roles to the canceled traditional fireworks display on August 20 in Budapest.
The weather service OMSZ had predicted that there would be a 75 to 80 percent chance of a severe thunderstorm in Budapest on Saturday evening. That is why Zoltan Kovacs, Secretary of State for International Communications and Chief of Operations Staff responsible for the holiday, has canceled the fireworks. However, the storm did not come. As a result, media close to the right-wing populist government accused the weather service of having prevented the fireworks with “false” information.
Storms had caused a serious accident at the Budapest fireworks 16 years ago: five people died and more than 300 were injured when a thunderstorm broke out during the pyrotechnic spectacle on August 20, 2006, and panic erupted among 1.5 million spectators. Since then, the government has decided whether the fireworks will continue based on the weather forecast.
Orban shone with his absence
Not only did the expected storm not materialize, Prime Minister Viktor Orban was also dazzled by his absence. The right-wing conservative head of government did not participate in the celebrations, handed out no state medals and only posted a short message on Facebook on the occasion of the holiday. “Whether it’s raining or windy, Hungary is our passion!” was the motto under waving Hungarian flags.
The media speculated that the head of government was on holiday in Croatia. On August 20, the Hungarians celebrate the day of the first founder of the state, King Stephen (around 975-1038), who also Christianized the country. Stephen was canonized by the Catholic Church.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
