The mayors of four central Budapest districts have jointly called on the Hungarian government to take immediate action to tackle what they describe as the capital’s worsening public safety situation.
Tamás Soproni (District VI), Péter Niedermüller (District VII), András Pikó (District VIII) and Krisztina Baranyi (District IX) published an open letter on Wednesday after reviewing the current state of public safety in Budapest. They argue that residents are increasingly affected by a combination of social, mental health and law enforcement challenges, resulting in a growing sense of insecurity.
“We all experience the same thing: increasingly serious social, mental health and public order problems are appearing on our streets, and people’s sense of security is steadily deteriorating,” the mayors wrote.
Mayors blame long-term systemic problems
According to the district leaders, years of declining state-funded psychiatric and addiction care, a weakened social welfare system and severe police staff shortages have all contributed to the current situation.
They describe the problems visible in public spaces as symptoms of a much deeper social crisis. While acknowledging that Hungary’s new government inherited significant challenges, the mayors argue that responsibility for restoring public safety now rests with the current administration.
“The people of Budapest cannot wait for next year’s budget or for the completion of a long-term reform programme,” they wrote, noting that the government has demonstrated it can introduce legislation and reallocate funding rapidly when necessary.
Five immediate measures proposed
The four mayors have asked the Interior Minister and the government to implement five measures without delay.
1. A 30% Budapest allowance for police officers
The mayors propose introducing a minimum 30% salary supplement for police officers and other law enforcement personnel serving in Budapest from 1 September 2026.
They argue that officers in the capital face significantly heavier workloads while also dealing with much higher living costs than elsewhere in Hungary. According to the proposal, part of the funding could come from redirecting a portion of the solidarity contribution already paid by Budapest districts to the central budget.
The district governments say they already support local police through service housing, overtime payments, bonuses, vehicles and equipment, but maintaining competitive police salaries remains the state’s responsibility.
2. Greater powers over tobacco shops
The mayors also want local governments to receive stronger legal powers to regulate tobacco shops. They argue that late-night tobacco stores often become gathering points associated with alcohol consumption, noise, littering, anti-social behaviour and violence.
Under their proposal, municipalities would be able to restrict opening hours and alcohol sales, while serious violations could result in temporary suspension of a shop’s operating licence.
3. Expanded use of CCTV enforcement
Another proposal would extend Hungary’s system of objective liability to traffic offences that can be clearly documented by surveillance cameras.
The mayors say municipal enforcement officers currently spend considerable time dealing with illegal parking and other traffic violations that could instead be processed through CCTV evidence.
This, they argue, would free up officers to focus on aggressive behaviour and other disturbances affecting public order.
4. Permanent police presence at major transport hubs
The district leaders are also calling for a continuous police presence at several of Budapest’s busiest and most problematic transport interchanges.
The proposal includes permanent policing around Blaha Lujza Square, Keleti Railway Station, Népliget Bus Station and the Nyugati area, potentially with support from Hungary’s standby police units.
According to the mayors, visible police patrols remain one of the strongest deterrents against crime and disorder.
5. Changes to homeless shelter rules
Finally, the mayors propose lowering the admission threshold at overnight homeless shelters and allowing unemployed clients to remain indoors until 8:30 AM.
They argue that some shelters currently refuse entry to people with low levels of alcohol consumption, leaving vulnerable individuals on the streets and increasing the likelihood of public conflicts.
The districts say they are prepared to contribute financially to the additional operating costs required by these changes.
Call for immediate talks with the government
The four mayors stress that district councils are already taking on responsibilities that would normally fall to the central government by installing CCTV systems, supporting police operations and financing social programmes.
However, they argue that local governments cannot replace national systems. The district leaders have requested an urgent meeting with the Interior Minister and say they are ready to assist in developing and implementing the proposed measures.
“The measures cannot wait until next year’s budget. Budapest needs more police officers, a functioning support system and more effective local tools now,” the joint statement concludes.
If you missed it: Highly dangerous wanted German shooter arrested in Budapest after Europe-wide manhunt – video
