Hungarian news portal index.hu has posted an article about the city of Ózd in North-Eastern Hungary, where highly controversial Jobbik party unexpectedly rose to the power 12 months ago. The 28-year-old radical nationalist mayor, Dávid Janiczak won the repeated elections for the town’s hot seat with two-thirds majority as the local unit of Hungary’s ruling conservative party suffered a heavy setback in a few week’s time. “Fidesz has completely ruined itself in Ózd”, Janiczak had told index.hu previously. However it was, the news portal has raised the question: what has changed since the radicals took power in the industrial city, which is also the home of a large Gypsy community?

According to index.hu, there are three things that Mayor Janiczak was not able to achieve in twelve months: 1) Exposing corruption. Jobbik said that the former management of the city would face the consequences of the alleged corruption cases. However, Janiczak launched three investigation, two of them did not provide any results, while the latest one is still going on. 2) Free homes for young families. In order to prevent the young inhabitants of Ózd to leave the city, Janiczak drafted a scheme offering council-owned apartments to rent for free for 5 years. Although the programme was launched indeed, nobody has signed a contract so far. 3) Building a thermal bath in Ózd. Janiczak was planning a thermal centre for the city, however, the recent geological measures proved that it would be a too risky and costly investment in the region.

The liberal news portal also discovered three achievements in Dávid Janiczak’s 12-month reign as Ózd’s mayor. 1) Supporting local firms. In September a new office was established in Ózd to help local businesses with administration. So far 43 of them made inquiries and seven local firms submitted successful tenders bringing about HUF 105 million to the city. 2) Strengthening security on the streets. Since radical Jobbik party took power in Ózd, two mounted security guards patrol across the city. Moreover, the city council has purchased two quads as well to chase and catch local criminals more effectively. 3) Transparency. Ever since Janiczak has become mayor, the local council shares as many information on the internet with the citizens as possible. “We are the most transparent and accountable city in Hungary”, the young politician told index.hu.

via index.hu