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City Spotlight: Budavár (District I. of Budapest), Hungary

Budavár, also known as District 1 of Budapest, is home to approximately 25,000 residents. It is an important administrative and political centre, housing several key central governmental institutions. While the area is celebrated for its history, it faces contemporary social challenges that affect its residents, such as housing affordability, social inclusion and the integration of minority groups. Economic disparities and the pressures of urban development have heightened the need for effective local governance and community support systems. Budavár’s population includes a mix of long-term residents and newer arrivals, necessitating efforts to foster social cohesion and address potential tensions.

Budavár has been actively engaged with the Strong Cities Network since 2023. The district’s involvement began with participation at the Hague Mayoral Dialogue in November 2022, where Budavár’s proactive measures in safeguarding democracy and promoting social inclusion were showcased. Representatives from Budavár participated in the Transatlantic workshops in Berlin in June 2023 and Bratislava in March 2024 as well. The involvement in these activities, as well as the Fourth Global Summit in New York City, has helped Budavár align its approach to prevention with global good practices and foster multi-actor coordination.

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What is the local government concerned about?

The local government of Budavár faces significant challenges related to hate, extremism and polarisation. Hungary has seen a rise in far-right ideologies and groups, alongside a notable erosion of democratic principles. This context has allowed ethno-nationalism, xenophobia, anti-LGBTQI+ sentiment, and historic revisionism to gain mainstream acceptance, often fuelled by disinformation and conspiracy narratives. These groups have infiltrated society, creating a hostile environment, particularly towards marginalised communities.

One of the most prominent issues in Budavár is the annual Day of Honour, commemorating the failed breakout attempt of German and Hungarian soldiers during the 1945 siege of Budapest. This event attracts far-right groups who use it to spread misinformation and Nazi sympathies.

Additionally, Budavár contends with widespread mis- and disinformation and a highly centralised national governance structure that limits the autonomy and resources of local authorities. This centralisation extends to essential services such as education and public safety, complicating efforts to address local issues effectively. The national government’s ambiguous stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict further exacerbates societal divisions, particularly concerning the integration and support of Ukrainian refugees.

Social issues such as resentment towards homeless individuals and the marginalisation of LGBTQ+ communities also present ongoing concerns. The national response to these issues has been limited, leaving local governments, like Budavár, to fill the gaps, including through grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and resilience.

Equally important, there is a concern about the lack of practical coordination between national and local authorities, which impedes the City’s ability to effectively address and mitigate these threats. The local government recognises the need for both improved national-local cooperation and support from international partners to build resilience against these threats and safeguard social cohesion.

How is the local government responding?

Despite the limited mandate and resources due to a highly centralised governance system, Budavár has implemented several strategies to foster social cohesion and community resilience.

One of the key initiatives is the Siege 78 Event Series, which reframes the narrative around the 1945 siege of Budapest. This series includes memorial events and street exhibitions designed to honour the victims and educate the public about the historical context. By focusing on the human impact of the siege, these events aim to promote understanding and healing among community members, counteracting the extremist and historically inaccurate narratives propagated by the Day of Honour hike.

Budavár has also prioritised building relationships with community actors and other municipalities. For example, it collaborates closely with Districts II and XII, including by issues joint communications and pursing coordinated responses to far-right activities. Additionally, the District works with the City of Budapest to align strategic communications and foster cooperative efforts across the capital.

In response to public safety concerns, Budavár funds projects with decentralised units of the national government, such as the communal police, and provides equipment to enhance security. This cooperation, although based on goodwill rather than institutionalised frameworks, has improved information sharing and community policing efforts.

To support marginalised communities, the mayor hosts annual dinners with religious leaders to discuss inter-cultural and inter-religious tolerance. The District provides small grants to support community engagement, religious communities and child engagement, ensuring continuous involvement with residents despite the national government’s constraints.

What’s next?

Moving forward, the local government of Budavár aims to enhance its strategic approach to addressing hate and extremism through comprehensive and inclusive initiatives that prioritise building stronger relationships with local communities across the city. For example, it aims to institutionalise its cooperation with civil society and community-based organisations. These entities have proven to be more responsive and effective in addressing immediate community needs than government entities have. By formalising these partnerships, Budavár seeks to ensure sustainable support for its residents, particularly marginalised groups.

Budavár also continues to advocate for more local autonomy and resources. This includes pushing back against centralisation efforts that limit the District’s ability to provide essential services and respond to local issues in a timely and effective manner. The District will continue to engage in international forums and collaborations, such as the Strong Cities Network, to align its strategies with global good practices and draw on external expertise and resources.

Furthermore, the District plans to develop and implement a new multi-year strategy focused on social integration and resilience. This strategy will build on existing initiatives like the Siege 78 Event Series and expand educational programs to promote critical thinking and historical awareness among younger generations. By investing in community education and engagement, Budavár aims to create a more informed and cohesive society capable of resisting violent extremist influences.

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City Spotlight: Budavár (District I. of Budapest), Hungary

What is the local government concerned about?

How is the local government responding?

What’s next?

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