Plans to reduce Budapest voting districts from 18 to 16 causes tension

He asserts that these changes suggest an impending election, as Fidesz seeks to alter the number of individual electoral districts in Budapest from 18 to 16. This reduction would likely diminish the capital's representation in parliament relative to its population size. Karácsony criticized the proposed changes for being pushed through without proper parliamentary debate and presented as a last-minute committee decision.

Accusations of Political Retribution

Karácsony suggests that Fidesz's push for changes is an act of retribution for Budapest's recent electoral decisions that favored opposition parties. He warned that if such tactics continue, voters might respond even more decisively against the party in future elections. Along similar lines, Ferenc Gyurcsány, leader of the Democratic Coalition, referred to the changes as an “electoral atomic bomb” aimed at undermining the capital's political influence.

Reactions from Other Politicians

Other political figures have chimed in against the proposed electoral reform. László Sebián-Petrovszki of the Democratic Coalition described the proposal as a significant blow to the city’s electoral landscape. Former mayoral candidate Dávid Vitézy commented on a related measure proposing automatic recounts under specific tight election conditions, expressing support for a quicker resolution in close races.

András Jámbor, a parliamentary representative, criticized the Fidesz initiative, questioning the rationale behind manipulating electoral boundaries rather than expanding smaller districts.

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