Nobel Winner's Hometown Celebrates as Other Writers Decry "Hostile" Hungary

The Hungarian town of Gyula is celebrating its native son, writer László Krasznahorkai, who won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature. Billboards there now congratulate the first Nobel winner from the sausage-making town. This national pride creates a rare moment of unity. Hungary is deeply divided by politics. Yet many other Hungarian writers do not share this celebratory mood. They describe a "hostile environment" in the country. They say it is now difficult for critical voices to live and work there. Krasznahorkai, 71, won the Nobel for his "compelling and visionary" work. His medal will soon have an official copy displayed in Gyula's library.