Hungarian local governments call for holding national energy summit

The alliance of local governments MÖSZ (Magyar Önkormányzatok Szövetsége) is calling for a national energy summit to be held before the start of the heating season with a view to working out a solution to rising energy prices.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Gödöllő Mayor György Gémesi, who heads MÖSZ, said the summit should involve energy experts, service providers, as well as local council and government representatives. He also said MÖSZ wants the government to introduce an energy price cap for localities that will allow them to operate their institutions until 15 April.

In response to a question, Gémesi said rising energy prices were bringing in “enormous revenues” for the central budget. “We’d like … a part of that in the interest of our security,” he said.

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, a co-leader of the alliance, said MÖSZ was calling for the energy summit so that local councils, the government and energy sector players could agree on a solution that will ensure the provision of public services.