Published: December 11 2023
In recent news, Budapest is facing a financial crisis, with accusations that the city's leadership has brought it to the verge of bankruptcy. This article will delve into the details surrounding the city's financial situation and the decisions made by its leaders.
Budapest's Financial Situation
According to reports, Budapest's reserves, totaling 214 billion forints (EUR 560m), have dwindled significantly since Mayor Gergely Karácsony took office in 2019. The current balance of payments shows a deficit of 5.4 billion forints, indicating the city's dire financial state. Critics argue that this is a result of irresponsible management and alleged mismanagement of funds by the city's leadership.
The Budget and Crises
Deputy Mayor Ambrus Kiss referred to the 2024 budget of Budapest as the "budget of restructuring." He highlighted a series of crises that the city has faced, beginning with the coronavirus pandemic, followed by an energy crisis and inflation crisis. The implication is that these crises have contributed to Budapest's financial difficulties.
Investment Plan for Budapest Area
Despite the financial challenges, Budapest's leadership continues to insist on implementing the 2019 concept for a planned 5 billion euro investment in the Rákosrendező area of the capital. Mayor Gergely Karácsony emphasized the need for a social consultation on the matter in the coming year. He criticized the government for selecting an investor before discussing the implementation details and stressed the importance of involving the city's leadership in the decision-making process.
Vision for the Rákosrendező Area
Mayor Karácsony envisions a compact and green zone for the Rákosrendező area, with plans for 8-10 thousand apartments and 30-40 hectares of public park. This development aims to elevate Budapest to the ranks of modern global cities. The government is expected to contribute as a financier and owner, investing around 1 billion euros in infrastructure, while the initial assessment and depollution work is estimated to cost approximately 20 billion forints.
As Budapest grapples with its financial crisis, the city's leadership faces criticism for the mismanagement of funds and the decision-making process. The future of the planned investment in the Rákosrendező area remains uncertain, with ongoing debates and consultations between different stakeholders. It is crucial for the city and its residents that the financial situation is addressed effectively to ensure stability and growth.
Questions & Answers
What is the financial crisis that Budapest is currently facing? Budapest is currently facing a financial crisis due to irresponsible management by the city's leadership. The reserves that were at 214 billion forints (EUR 560m) in 2019 have now reached a balance of -5.4 billion forints, indicating bankruptcy.
Who is responsible for the financial crisis in Budapest? According to Zsolt Láng, the leader of ruling Fidesz in Budapest, the city's leadership, including Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, is responsible for bringing Budapest to bankruptcy.
What were the series of crises that Budapest has faced? According to Deputy Mayor Ambrus Kiss, Budapest has faced a series of crises. It started with the coronavirus pandemic, followed by the energy crisis, and then the crisis caused by inflation.
What is the planned investment for Budapest's Rákosrendező area? There is a planned 5 billion euro investment for the Rákosrendező area of Budapest. The city's leadership insists on the 2019 concept for this investment.
What is the Mayor's opinion on the planned investment for the Rákosrendező area? Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony criticizes the government for choosing an investor in an interstate agreement before negotiating on what to implement. He believes that the issue enjoys a broad professional and political consensus and that the city's leadership should be involved, as the state is only a financier and owner.
What are the desired characteristics for the Rákosrendező area in Budapest? The desired characteristics for the Rákosrendező area in Budapest include it being compact and green, with 8-10 thousand apartments and 30-40 hectares of public park.
What is the estimated cost of the initial assessment and depollution work for the Rákosrendező area? The estimated cost of the initial assessment and depollution work for the Rákosrendező area is around 20 billion forints (EUR 52.8m). The government has committed to carrying out around 1 billion euros worth of infrastructure investments.
