“Hopefully these kinds of decisions will not become regular,” the statement said.

Under the law, four properties located on Erzsébet Square will be included in the transfer. The justification of the law says the square as a public park will thus be handled and operated in a unified way.

János Fónagy, state secretary at the national development ministry, said earlier there were no plans to “build in” Erzsébet Square and that the change affects only the pavement which surrounds the square, which has four different land registry numbers.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.