The bid was called into question after the Momentum Movement collected over 266,000 signatures to launch a referendum. The decision was supported by 22 city representatives, while 6 voted against.

The proposal to withdraw the bid was made by Budapest Mayor István Tarlós, who cited lack of unity on the issue as the reason.

Radical nationalist Jobbik blamed the government for the bid’s failure in the first place, insisting that it was unwilling to engage in a genuine dialogue with Budapest residents. The party also blamed the opposition Socialists for backpedalling on their earlier support out of political expediency.

The Socialists said that the Budapest Assembly’s government majority had withdrawn the city’s bid in an “unfair way” instead of allowing a plebiscite to go ahead.

LMP similarly argued a local referendum should have decided the issue rather than the Budapest Assembly.

The Democratic Coalition (DK) said that the government could not ignore the opinion of 266,000 people who had put their signatures in favour of a plebiscite.

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