Keszthely suspends membership in Balaton Association and terminates dog beach contract

The city council of Keszthely voted to suspend the municipality's membership in the Balaton Association. Mayor Gergely Tóth argued that the largest lakeside towns pay the highest dues, that the association's board has excluded Keszthely for years, and that the election of the current president lacked a democratic process. The motion passed with seven votes in favour and four against.

At the same meeting the council also decided to terminate the contract with the operator of the Keszthelyi Kutyás Élménypark and Picnic area, the city’s dog‑beach facility. The mayor claimed the previous administration had entered an unfavorable agreement and accused the operator of operating without a proper dog‑beach permit, planning a criminal complaint. The termination will take effect at the end of September, and the lakeside area will be repurposed. The council noted the recent formation of a new “B4‑Cities Alliance” which they consider more effective than the Balaton Association.