The mayor, who on Wednesday discussed public safety in the capital with Norbert Baricska, Budapest's police chief, blamed the current state of public safety on "the tragic consequences of 16 years of antisocial governance: deep poverty, a child protection regime that pushes state wards into homelessness, a failed and senseless drug policy and the collapse of addiction and psychiatric care".

He said these issues were especially visible in the summer, "as many or our compatriots from rural areas come to Budapest to survive". "We now have to work together to fix the mistakes of the previous government," he added.

Karacsony called for more police officers and additional resources for Budapest. 

"No matter how complex the causes, the situation cannot be resolved without a stronger police presence in public spaces," he said. "The city's speed cameras generate billions in revenue for the state, and it's only fair that this money should go to the Budapest Police Headquarters and towards putting more officers on our streets."

To address the challenges, Budapest will establish a Public Space Coordination Task Force, bringing together districts, state bodies, police, public space managers, social services and health-care professionals to coordinate responses, Karacsony said.

The capital will also move to set up a street service for handling drug addiction, he said, adding that the city council will begin immediate talks with health and social authorities on its establishment.

Photo: Budapest Mayor's Facebook page

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

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