## Budapest Mayor alleges Pressure to Influence 2026 Elections
Budapest Mayor Gergely Christmas has publicly stated he received communications suggesting a desire from within Fidesz to leverage his position to influence the outcome of the 2026 parliamentary elections. Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on ATV Straight Speech, Christmas indicated the messages hinted at a strategy involving a new progressive party to fracture the opposition. He stated this could be a key consideration in future government negotiations.
Christmas recounted receiving these messages around a month ago, originating from an individual with Fidesz ties who approached him in the hallway of the ATV studio – a conversation he initially dismissed as possibly a joke. He connected this to the recent financial strain on the capital, specifically the approximately 70 billion Forint ($4.5 billion USD) withdrawn from Budapest’s accounts following a December court ruling in Pécs that overturned the immediate enforcement of a Metropolitan court decision (link to Telex article).While declining to name the individual, Christmas confirmed receiving “more than one” message. He described the core message as an offer of financial relief for the capital in exchange for actions that would “disrupt opposition waters” and prevent a change in government. When asked if he perceived this as blackmail, he responded, ”No, no, but that’s a message anyway.”
Christmas also noted a recent breakdown in interaction with national government ministers, stating they are no longer responding to his calls or texts. He described the resulting silence as “worrisome,” leading to speculation about the government’s intentions.he emphasized he is not actively planning strategies to define opposition or domestic politics for the 2026 election.However, he expressed a clear preference for a government that is supportive of Budapest and its municipal interests, stating he views this outcome as more likely than a sudden shift in the current government’s approach.
Christmas also revealed that prior to the 2022 elections, attempts were made to dissuade him from pursuing actions he believed were in the best interest of the city.