Budapest mayors secure new public safety measures from government

Budapest mayors from several central districts have announced that the Hungarian government has accepted their proposals to improve public safety in the capital. Following a joint request made in July, Interior Minister Gábor Pósfai confirmed several measures.

The government will establish a permanent police presence at 19 locations and a returning presence at 90 other sites across Budapest. These locations are to be designated by September 15, 2026, following consultations with local municipalities. Additionally, the government is considering a wage supplement for municipal law enforcement workers.

To address issues related to tobacco shops, the government is preparing a proposal that would grant municipalities greater authority to regulate their operations. This includes the power to restrict nighttime opening hours and suspend licenses in cases of serious violations. The Ministry of the Interior also supports extending the use of surveillance camera footage to document traffic offenses.

Separately, a climate action funding program has been launched for youth in Budapest. Supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, the initiative provides grants of between 500,000 and 1.5 million HUF to organizations for projects developed by individuals aged 15 to 24. These projects aim to address local sustainability and climate challenges, with a submission deadline of September 30.