Fidesz vows to champion suburban needs in Budapest assembly

Anna Szepesfalvy, the newly appointed Fidesz faction leader in the Budapest Municipal Assembly, has pledged to amplify the voices of suburban residents and address their pressing issues.

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We will support everything that benefits the city and its residents.

Szepesfalvy stated that a key criticism voters directed at her party was the perceived lack of responsiveness to their needs and problems. Moving forward, she intends to champion suburban affairs and resident concerns within the assembly. She believes that while Fidesz agrees with the public on fundamental goals for Budapest, such as making it a well-ordered, safe, and livable city, there have been issues with the style of governance.

She criticized the current city leadership, particularly Mayor Gergely Karácsony, accusing him of a lack of transparency and undermining the democratic authority of the elected assembly. Szepesfalvy highlighted instances where the mayor allegedly made decisions with significant financial consequences without proper consultation or informing the assembly between sessions. She also pointed to ongoing investigations into matters like Budapest Brand and company audits as examples of governance concerns.

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We cannot compromise on transparent operation.

Looking ahead, Szepesfalvy expressed curiosity about the Tisza Party's operational dynamics within the changed political landscape of Budapest. With a significant mandate and the departure of Dávid Vitézy to a ministerial role, she noted that the Tisza Party and the Podmaniczky Movement now represent the largest political force in the capital. She suggested it is time for them to fully embrace their leadership responsibilities and govern the city decisively, including appointing a deputy mayor.

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It is time for them to fulfill the tasks of city leadership and take responsibility for decision-making and direction.

Szepesfalvy emphasized her belief in integrating external input into decision-making, drawing from her past experience as a deputy mayor. She stressed the importance of creating channels for citizens and stakeholders to contribute their ideas and energy to the city's affairs, ensuring that diverse perspectives inform the governance of Budapest.

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I believe that I do not hold the philosopher's stone, I cannot decide everything alone, and it is not good if I cannot integrate external impulses.