Mayor Karácsony says they fight to get back the money of the Budapesters from the Orbán cabinet
“The real strength of Budapest is an ability to coexist and cooperate; a demonstration of that power has made the government enter into negotiations,” Mayor Gergely Karácsony said on Facebook on Thursday, adding that the city aimed to “recapture its money” from central coffers.
Referring to a stoppage of public transport last Friday, Karácsony said “the city gave a signal” and “city dwellers and workers of the Budapest family gave an example of solidarity … this is an invincible power”. He added that talks with the government were necessary because “the government has taken our money away and it is only the government that can return it.”
“We are not fighting for help or for a favour; but to achieve respect for our rights, for not more than what is due to the city,” the mayor said.
The mayor warned that due to the government’s repeated cuts in central financing to the city had put public services at risk, and suggested that the municipality might not be able to pay its expenses.
On the subject of the Budapest Pride festival, the mayor said “Budapest is a city proud of its colourful nature, which will stand up for freedom for everybody and where love is free.”
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