Still shaken by the arrest of his colleague in Istanbul, Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony hopes that Hungary’s membership in the European Union will continue to offer “some protection” to opposition politicians like him.

A staunch opponent of longtime nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the soft-spoken green-liberal mayor has stayed his course since taking office in 2019 — even emerging victorious at times.

“I hope it gives opposition politicians some protection in Hungary that we are in the EU,” said Karacsony, adding that he was “deeply affected” by the jailing of his friend Ekrem Imamoglu, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main rival.

But Karacsony says he has faced several uphill battles in recent years, including fighting “absurd” government projects envisaged for the capital.

“It’s not my goal to be a pain in the neck, but I must represent the interests of Budapest residents,” he told AFP in an interview at the city hall.

– ‘Surreal’ Mini-Dubai project –

Recently, Karacsony played a key part in successfully thwarting a criticised real estate project by Dubai-based developer Eagle Hills to erect the EU’s tallest skyscrapers in Budapest.

Dubbed “mini-Dubai” by detractors, the government touted the multi-billion-euro project as a revitalisation of a large area of land surrounding a disused railway station, saying it would create jobs and contribute to economic growth.

But Karacsony says only businesses close to Orban would have profited by “receiving lucrative contracts,” prompting the municipality to use its pre-emptive rights to purchase the area and take legal ownership of the land.

Close to Budapest’s UNESCO-listed city centre, “in this historic cityscape, a building 400 to 500 metres (1,300-1,650 feet) high is a surreal idea, so for that reason alone I have no regrets that this project won’t be realised,” he said.

While Eagle Hills has not yet made any official announcements about abandoning the project, its website no longer references it. The developer did not respond to AFP’s request for comment.

Karacsony is convinced the plot of land offers a “historic opportunity” to build a new urban district with affordable housing and a park, though major challenges lie ahead, including the area’s decontamination, as well as finding investors.

The 49-year-old mayor also claimed that Orban — who has a firm grip on the country — “likes to leave his mark on history”.

“The question is whether this mark is a good, and lasting one or a representation of his political ambition and human vanity,” Karacsony said.

– ‘Empty threat’ –

Although he would prefer to “develop Budapest jointly with the government,” Karacsony said he felt “great joy” once the Dubai project was blocked.

The municipality led by him also thwarted plans by China’s Fudan University to build a campus in the city.

Unveiled in 2021, the project has drawn fierce criticism from the get-go. Thousands of demonstrators demanded its suspension amid concerns over academic freedom, costs, and fears that Beijing might seek to extend its reach in Europe.

He has also fought several ideological battles throughout his tenure, including one staunchly defending the city’s annual Pride march, which the government has sought to prohibit with a recently adopted bill.

In its latest crackdown on Hungary’s LGBTQ community, the government threatened to fine those who attend or who organised the march.

Karacsony, who plans to attend the march, described the government’s efforts as an “empty threat” designed to “instil a sense of fear”.

“The more people attend Pride, the less chance there is for authorities to apply sanctions.”

Faced with a government that “radicalises itself,” opposition politicians have no choice but to stand up for themselves, he argued.

He believes opposition leader Peter Magyar’s TISZA party has a real chance at unseating Orban in next year’s parliamentary elections.

But he wonders whether Magyar’s reluctance to clearly back Ukraine or LGBTQ rights might backfire.

In the end, he said, it comes down to what matters most to left-wing voters: “Voting for a strong party that is a tough challenger to Viktor Orban — or voting for parties that represent the policies they really believe in.”

ros/kym/rmb