New political faction "City Protectors" formed in Budapest's Óbuda district

A significant political realignment has occurred in Budapest's Óbuda district, with several local officials forming a new faction named "Városvédők" (City Protectors). This move has dramatically altered the power dynamics within the district's 23-member representative body.

Among the officials joining the new faction are deputy mayors Burján Ferenc, responsible for green and civil affairs, sports, public education, and public safety; Őri László, overseeing finances and urban operations; and Zábó Attila, in charge of urban development and human affairs. They are joined by councilors Nagy Richárd György, Ujfalvi István, Hideg István, and Strenner Imre.

According to HVG, these politicians technically did not leave their original faction but created a new one, automatically terminating their previous memberships. Zábó Attila confirmed his leadership of the "Városvédők" on social media. While specific details behind the split remain scarce, the event clearly indicates severe internal tensions within the district's leadership.

The "Otthonunk Óbuda–Békásmegyer" faction has shrunk to just three members, while the newly formed "Városvédők" now boasts seven representatives. Other factions include "Haladó és Zöld Óbudáért" with six members and Fidesz–KDNP with four. The two representatives from the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party and one from Mi Hazánk cannot form independent factions.

Mayor Kiss László commented on the situation, suggesting that "old left" parties are behind the move and that his own departure from the Democratic Coalition might be a contributing factor. This internal conflict within the left-wing parties has now led to an open split in Óbuda, potentially impacting the district's governance long-term.