Budapest muni council to sue over 'expropriation'

City

Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony

Image: Facebook

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony said the capital's local council will seek compensation from the Constitutional Court for the "expropriation" of a number of public spaces in the city center in a post on Facebook on Tuesday, according to a report by state news wire MTI.

"Today, the governing majority has shamelessly expropriated four public spaces owned by the capital, among them Vorosmarty Square and Szechenyi Istvan Square, then given them to the Fidesz-led District V local council," Karácsony said, referring to legislation approved in parliament earlier in the day.

"We are under no illusions, but the Budapest Metropolitan Council will in any case turn to the Constitutional Court over disregard for autonomy and sue for compensation due for expropriation according to the Constitution," he added.

Karácsony said the Finance Ministry, Justice Ministry, and Interior Ministry had raised "serious constitutional concerns" ahead of the vote. 

In the reasoning for the legislation, lawmakers had argued that the measure, undertaken for the public benefit, would allow the uniform upkeep and further development of the area - popular with pedestrians and tourists - "more efficiently than at present".

All of the public areas affected by the legislation are in District V.

Hungary Gasoline Prices 3% Over Regional Avg Energy Trade

Hungary Gasoline Prices 3% Over Regional Avg

Hungary to Address Future of Cohesion Policy During EU Presi... EU

Hungary to Address Future of Cohesion Policy During EU Presi...

Cordia’s Marina City Project Begins Residential

Cordia’s Marina City Project Begins

Budapest Airport Wins 'Best Airport in Eastern Europe' for 1... Awards

Budapest Airport Wins 'Best Airport in Eastern Europe' for 1...

SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL

Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.