Karácsony: Local Governance under Threat in Hungary
Local governance and the relationship between the central government and local councils constitutes the “frontline of Hungarian domestic politics” today, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony told an online conference on Thursday.
Local governance is important to all democrats, the mayor said, adding, however that it was now under threat in Hungary.
“Democracy is being systematically wound up,” Karácsony said, adding that the Hungarian government was “not governing, but ruling” the country.
The opposition’s responsibility is to offer an alternative to this in the local councils it controls, he added.
Péter Márki-Zay, the mayor of Hódmezővásárhely, in southern Hungary, said the opposition-controlled local councils “find themselves facing a mafia” in the form of the government, “which only cares about power and stealing”.
Hungarian Parties Congratulate Joe Biden, Hopeful for Cooperation
Both Hungary’s opposition and governing parties have taken the time to congratulate Joe Biden on his inauguration into office as the 46th president of the United States, reports MTI.
Many in Hungary’s opposition describe it as a breath of fresh air and the start of a new era, believing that the newly elected president is on their side.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s congratulatory letter, however, informs Biden that he wishes for continued cooperation, informing the president of the considerable benefits positive Hungarian-American relations provide for both nations.
Hungarian Opposition Parties Believe Joe Biden will “Restore Democracy”