Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has voiced strong support for the Hungarian capital hosting a future Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, while insisting that the city should not construct any new stadiums for the event.

Speaking at the annual general assembly of the Hungarian Olympic Committee (Magyar Olimpiai Bizottság, MOB) on Saturday, Karácsony said he remained committed to the idea of Budapest staging the Games, provided the project focused on developments the city already needs.

Focus on transport and urban development

According to the mayor, a potential Olympic bid should rely on Budapest’s already existing infrastructure and the natural advantages of the Danube region rather than expensive new sports venues, writes Index.

Karácsony argued that the Games could accelerate long-awaited urban improvements, particularly in public transport. He highlighted suburban rail upgrades and easier access to Budapest Airport as examples of projects that would benefit residents regardless of the Olympics.

The mayor also stressed that preparations for the Paralympics would require the capital’s transport network to become fully accessible, something he described as an important long-term investment for the city.

“We should not shape the city for the Olympics; the Olympics should build on the city’s existing strengths,” Karácsony reportedly said during the assembly.

“A shared national cause”

Karácsony described a possible Budapest Olympics as a unifying national project that could help strengthen social cohesion in Hungary. He said the country needed goals and achievements that could inspire pride beyond political divisions.

Referring to Budapest’s historic development during the Millennium celebrations at the end of the 19th century, he noted that many of the city’s iconic landmarks were created during periods when Hungary rallied around common national ambitions.

The mayor also revealed that discussions are underway with MOB president Zsolt Gyulay and sports professionals on a new Olympic concept extending beyond Budapest to other Hungarian locations and even parts of the Danube region.

Among the proposed ideas is the development of the long-planned “Diákváros” (Student City) project, which could later serve as an Olympic Village while also helping address Budapest’s housing challenges.

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2036 seen as realistic target

Gyulay previously suggested that 2036 could be the earliest realistic opportunity for Hungary to host the Summer Olympics. The 2028 Games will take place in Los Angeles, while Brisbane will host in 2032.

At the same assembly, the MOB president praised Hungary’s athletes for their performances at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics earlier this year, where the country’s best result was a fourth-place finish in pair figure skating.

Gyulay also announced that Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee, will visit Hungary for the first time in June when Budapest hosts the European Olympic Committees’ general assembly between 11 and 13 June.

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