In its resolution, passed on April 28 with a two-thirds majority of ruling Fidesz and opposition Socialist deputies, the council voted to support the contested project provided that “park functions are retained and renewed” with an increased green areas.

The resolution also obliged Karácsony, of the opposition Dialogue for Hungary party, to sign a cooperation agreement with the project company before May 31. The mayor, however, said he wanted to use his veto against the decision which he said was “entirely against” his own principles and the environmental programme of the local leftist coalition.

In a statement, the local Fidesz group said that Karácsony had apparently “not managed to grasp” that the body has repeatedly expressed support for the Liget development.

On April 24, over 500 people protested against the project and demanded that plans to change the park should be dropped.

Participants voiced concern over the trees cut down to give way to new construction and said the new structures would destroy the popular park.

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MTI photo: Mohai Balázs