Budapest police increase presence and revamp leadership amid safety woes

The Hungarian Interior Ministry announced a sweeping reshuffle of police leadership, appointing new commanders in Budapest and several counties, including Baricska Norbert as Budapest Police Chief and Plánk Robert as national deputy chief. These changes coincide with a 30‑day intensified security operation in the capital, deploying the Budapest Police Headquarters, the Ready‑Reserve Police, and the Citizen Guard to reinforce patrols in high‑risk neighbourhoods.

Authorities cite a city‑wide officer shortage of roughly 9,000 personnel, noting that the Budapest Police force is missing about 2,020 officers. A dedicated budget will cover overtime for officers involved in the operation, and a draft legislative package aims to increase the number of field staff and create a unified pay structure. The mayor and several district mayors have called for an immediate 30 % “Budapest allowance” for police and security workers, as well as additional powers for local authorities over nuisance venues such as late‑night tobacco shops.

The ministry also plans to involve the Social and Family Ministry to address the social and mental‑health dimensions of the problem, proposing a coordinated task force that includes police, social services, and health agencies. Long‑term reforms target recruitment, career development, uniform upgrades, and improved training to make policing a more attractive profession.