Hungarian Opinion: Budapest Conditionally Agrees To Athletics World Championship

  • 4 Dec 2019 11:40 AM
  • BudaPost
Hungarian Opinion: Budapest Conditionally Agrees To Athletics World Championship
A left-wing commentator thinks that the deal reached to build a world class athletics stadium in the capital will be a test of how “dual power” will work.

In Népszava, former MSZP Chair Ildikó Lendvai approves the decision taken by the Budapest City Council to agree to host the 2023 athletics world championship although, as she recalls, in his electoral campaign, the new left-liberal Mayor condemned the wave of stadium-building in the capital.

Lendvai herself doesn’t like the idea of either a new stadium or the world championship itself, but admits that the left-wing City Hall will have to cooperate with the right-wing government.

Meanwhile she warns Mayor Gergely Karácsony that he must be vigilant and firm in checking whether the conditions set by the Budapest City Council last week (including written legal commitments to allocating additional funds for health care) will be fulfilled by the government.

She disagrees with those critics of the Mayor who believe he should not legitimise the government by making concessions from his original stance.

Under the present conditions of “dual power”, she writes, co-operating with the government is a must which doesn’t imply accepting the government’s attitudes, behaviour or policies, Lendvai concludes.

This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. 
Click here to Share Your Story 


Photo: Hungarian Athletics Association

  • How does this content make you feel?

XpatLoop Media Partner

BudaPost

Launched in May 2011 to provide a balanced picture of matters covered in Hungary’s national press. Their aim is to make it easier for English-speakers to understand where this country is now and where it’s heading according to the full spectrum of media opinions.

  • WA Chief: Budapest is a World Championship City

    WA Chief: Budapest is a World Championship City

    • 21 Aug 2023 2:28 PM

    Budapest is a “world championship city and a city that really wants us here”, World Athletics (WA) President Sebastian Coe said at a press conference ahead of the start of the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

  • WAC: Largest Sporting Event in Hungary’s History, 19 - 27 August

    WAC: Largest Sporting Event in Hungary’s History, 19 - 27 August

    • 16 Aug 2023 9:16 AM

    Hungary is ready for the World Athletics Championships starting on Saturday, President Katalin Novak said on Facebook after receiving Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, at the Sándor Palace, adding the county was glad to be hosting and participating in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

  • Great Summer of Sport Ahead in Budapest

    Great Summer of Sport Ahead in Budapest

    • 26 Jun 2023 3:36 PM

    Budapest is hosting a number of high-profile sports events this summer, including the prestigious World Athletics Championships for which a new stadium has just been unveiled. Look out, too, for the ever-popular Grand Prix, soon approaching its 40th anniversary.