New Budapest Mayor Karácsony outlines ‘fundamental values’ for Budapest leadership

Gergely Karácsony, Budapest’s new mayor, has set out the mottoes which he said would guide the city’s leadership in the next five-year municipal cycle.

Speaking at the new municipal assembly‘s first meeting after his oath-taking, Karácsony said there should not be any “second-class” citizens in the city.

He said municipal leaders must serve the interests of residents.

Further, people have a fundamental right to a roof over their heads, he said.

Also, the city will contribute towards efforts to combat climate change. City leaders, he said, will work to protect Budapest’s architectural heritage and natural environment, and preference will be given to sustainable forms of transport.

Karácsony called for a balance between the development of inner districts and the outskirts.

He also signalled the promotion of the city’s cultural diversity.

The mayor pledged that city leaders will consult residents on all major issues. The city’s operations must be transparent and free of corruption, he added.

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The new assembly will build “a new kind of cooperation” both with the districts and the central government, Karacsony said. The capital “must not be subordinate to any government” but an equal partner, he insisted.

“Nobody must decide about Budapest residents without their contribution, nobody must strip them of what is theirs and nobody must deprive Budapest of its future,” he said, adding that “Budapest will not allow its autonomy to be restricted”.