Budapest Assembly Kicks Off December Session with Unusual Gift Exchange and Political Ribbing
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A lighthearted, yet politically charged, gift exchange marked the start of the December session of Budapest’s Capital Assembly. The event, officially termed a “performance of real actions,” featured a tradition of playful exchanges between representatives, and a continuation of a Christmas-themed tug-of-war game initiated by the Dog Party.
A Tradition of Playful Politics
This year’s assembly session began with a unique tradition: a gift exchange among representatives. the practise, formalized in November, builds on the Dog Party’s initiative to elevate a Christmas tug-of-war game to the capital level, with the winner resolute by a draw from Mayor Gergely Karácsony’s Santa hat at the end of November.
The gift-giving extended to last year’s mayoral candidates,with Alexandra Szentkirályi selecting Dávid Vitézy as her recipient. Vitézy received merchandise referencing János Lázár, a prominent political figure, prompting a wry comment from the representative: “Fortunately, it’s not a voodoo doll! I’ll keep it in fear, you can keep Lázárinfo here on my assembly table today.” The atmosphere was further enhanced by the playing of Christmas songs by Jimmy Zámbó.
Notable Exchanges and Political Undertones
Several exchanges carried distinct political undertones. Mayor Karácsony drew his former candidate for deputy mayor,Kata Tüttő,offering her a “very nice Christmas” and bestowing upon her a certificate naming her “honorary deputy.”
perhaps the most unusual exchange involved Tibor Déri, representing the DK faction, who symbolically “adopted” a zebra for Péter Böjthe of Fidesz. Böjthe was designated the “zoo foster parent” of Zuhara, a zebra residing in the capital’s zoo. Déri explained the gesture,stating,”nothing extra – a zebra. just to make sure he can keep up with the pace of the party.”
Other gifts included a Krasznahorkai volume for Dániel Molnár, drawn by the mayor, and a fradis t-shirt presented to Déri by Béla Radics of the government party.
A Touch of Disappointment and Unexpected Signatures
The impetus for the gift exchange stemmed from a desire to improve upon last year’s experience. Zsuzsanna Döme of the Kutyapár party had expressed her disappointment with the previous year’s assembly, stating she felt like a “disappointed kindergartener” upon returning home.
This year, Döme received a postcard from Kristóf Gergely Gulyás of Fidesz, accompanied by a hoodie bearing the handwritten signature of Viktor Orbán, a leader of the DPK party.
A Brief Respite before Budget discussions
The gift-giving occurred prior to the assembly’s commencement of discussions regarding next year’s budget. Observers anticipate a shift in tone as the assembly transitions from the relaxed atmosphere of the gift exchange to t
