Paks Nuclear Plant Winds Down Amid Historic Danube Low, as Far Right Urges Hungarians to Defy Energy-Saving Calls

Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant is winding down amid record-low Danube water levels that limit its cooling system, with the government warning of potentially critical energy conditions. Prime Minister Péter Magyar has asked Hungarians to cut electricity use during evening peak hours and signaled emergency measures that could restrict major industrial and water consumers. Meanwhile, the far right urged supporters to ignore the appeals—keeping air conditioning and raising energy consumption—turning the energy crisis into a political standoff. Neighbouring countries are offering help, but critics say imports may not fully resolve the issue.