Budapest Council Member Alleges Political Motivation Behind Conflict of Interest Probe
Budapest,September 6,2025 - A conflict of interest procedure initiated by Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony against several members of capital and external committees has sparked accusations of political retaliation.József Gál, a representative linked to the Podmaniczky movement led by Dávid Vitézy, publicly dismissed the probe as “petty political vengeance” from the mayor.
The conflict of interest procedure centers on the participation of individuals employed by the Office of the Parliament or the Government Office of Budapest on committees alongside representatives of the Municipality of Budapest. Gál, responding on his Facebook page, stated that his involvement does not constitute a conflict of interest under statutory rules and that Karácsony could have clarified the matter beforehand.Dávid Vitézy echoed Gál’s sentiment, labeling the move “a usual political game” from Karácsony and urging others not to dismiss it. The Finance and Public Procurement Committee, chaired by Krisztina Baranyi of the MKKP faction in Ferencváros, will be responsible for carrying out the conflict of interest procedure.