Budapest’s municipal assembly modified a decree on the use of public spaces imposing sanctions if advertisement columns are not removed from the city after December 31. The Municipal Council cancelled a contract for the operation of 700 columns with Mahir Cityposter Kft, a company owned by Lajos Simicska, a media baron who fell out with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán earlier in the year. Under the decree the columns must be dismantled by year-end or they will be removed at the owner’s cost.