Hungarians protest at looser logging rules to tackle energy crunch

Climate activists protest against Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban's decision to waive rules protecting native forests from logging, in Budapest, Hungary, August 12, 2022. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Thousands of Hungarians protested outside parliament on Friday against an easing of logging rules to meet increased demand for firewood as a result of surging gas and electricity prices.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban's cabinet, citing the effects of the war in neighbouring Ukraine, loosened regulations on logging earlier this month, a move activists and opposition parties say could accelerate deforestation and harm the environment.