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Budapest Mayor issues reprimand to head of capital asset management after City Hall scandal
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Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest, has issued a written reprimand to Balázs J. Barts, the chief executive of Budapest Capital City Property Management Centre (BVFK), in connection with reports of the possible sale of City Hall.
Karácsony said Barts had been wrong to discuss with real estate investors a preparatory study that presented possible long-term scenarios with regard to the sale of City Hall after 2030, as these had been rejected by the mayor’s cabinet.
Karácsony has made clear that he does not want to sell City Hall, according to a statement on Friday by the Mayor’s Office.
The statement said Barts’s duties included receiving inquiries from real estate investors and gauging the intentions of investors. Meeting such people and briefing them was a part of the job, it added. But he made a serious mistake when he presented an old study in connection with the City Hall property that no longer had any relevance, having been rejected by Karácsony’s administration.
Also, he should not have informally conveyed his personal opinion that may have cast doubt on the city administration’s decision, the statement said. As an official, he must not express his personal views on such a sensitive issue, it added.
At the same time, Barts, who was appointed by the former mayor István Tarlós in 2014, was otherwise carrying out his duties satisfactorily, the statement said.
Karácsony is very talented at shifting the responsibility to others for his own blunders.
He is wishy-washy. No spine.
If it is not to be sold – and the Mayor – “let off a bit of steam” – hopefully not covering his backside and speaking reporting with Candour – start the projects Mr Mayor – you have indicated in the past – of the plans you have for City Hall.
Mr. Mayor – strongest example you can exhibit display – in your comments of not wanting to sell City Hall – is to start ASAP – displaying not just to District V residents of Budapest but of ALL districts of Budapest and Hungary – you are a man of action and committed to your words and actions of intent – that you have in the plans and the future use of City Hall.
Is City Hall – a “White Elephant” because all these scandles and innuendos – in relation to this “headache” for you, that has become what is the future of City Hall – to consider it to be a “White Elephant ” does have merit and substance – to what really is the agenda from your desk and office – the Future of City Hall.
City Hall – its Future – work witnessed – happening – and what will be the completed renovation – that sees it opened for greater Citizens access – park land and greenery – and for those “less fortuate than us” – the homeless and under privlaged members of our Society – included in these renovation plans – the end result.
Mr Mayor – this project – or Civic Duty opportunity presented to YOU – could be your Legacy – as the Major of Budapest – when time arrives – that announces – you have done your time.
Re-visit – your plans for City Hall – and – make them HAPPEN.