Even left-wing mayors are bothered by Budapest's public safety situation, demanding immediate government action

Four left-wing mayors in Budapest are jointly requesting an urgent meeting with the interior minister to address the city's worsening public safety situation. They have also expressed their readiness to assist in developing and implementing proposed solutions.

This collective action follows recent public statements by several district leaders highlighting Budapest's declining public order. Krisztina Baranyi, mayor of Ferencváros, reported a noticeable rise in individuals appearing homeless in public spaces. She noted that while many may have housing, they face severe life challenges and consume cheap drugs. Baranyi emphasized that this issue has transcended district boundaries, becoming a city-wide and even national problem, prompting her to seek assistance from Budapest's new police chief.

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the problem has already transcended district boundaries, becoming a city-wide and even national problem

Shortly after, András Pikó, mayor of Józsefváros, reported similar concerns. He stated that public safety issues now affect all of Budapest, and traditional social policy tools are insufficient. Pikó described young people under the influence of drugs harassing and threatening residents, leading him to request more police presence in his district from the new Budapest police chief.

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public safety deterioration is already affecting all of Budapest, and traditional social policy tools are insufficient to manage the situation.

Former Member of Parliament András Jámbor also commented on the issue, noting an increase in resident complaints on social media and growing fears for personal safety within neighborhoods. He believes neither the current police staffing levels nor the state of the social and psychiatric care systems are adequate to manage the problem.

The joint initiative by the left-wing leaders of the inner districts signals their assessment that Budapest's public safety situation has surpassed the capabilities of municipal authorities, necessitating government intervention.

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complaints from residents are increasingly appearing on social media, and many are already afraid that they do not feel safe in their own living environment.