Pogácsás Pista raises the point that during snowfall there was zero assistance in the so-called “stone city” areas, and we see exactly the same, just as you do, dear Pista — and not only when it comes to snowfall, but in general.
The fact is that more than two-thirds of Budapest’s residents live in these stone city districts, yet people often feel as if “Budapest” only means what happens along the Grand Boulevard, which is not correct at all.
Development funds also largely flow to the inner city, and I too believe that in this sense the outer districts are left to fend for themselves by the metropolitan municipality.
We, however, do not prioritize this way, and we do not believe that these districts should be neglected. That is precisely why we devote even more attention to the outer districts.
In recent years, there have in fact been many government-funded developments in the outer districts. For example, if we think about the “Healthy Budapest” program, the renovation of the Rákosmente outpatient clinic is one such case.
Recently, regarding healthcare and streets, I was also in District 16 with the mayor not long ago. So we are working to ensure that these districts receive the attention and care they truly deserve.
1️⃣ “We also see the problem” – apparent agreement
“…we see the same thing…”
🔹 Technique: empathetic identification
🔹 Function:
– disarms criticism before any real answer is given
– suggests: “we’re not arguing with you, we already agree”
👉 In reality, it remains unclear:
- why no help is arriving,
- who is responsible,
- and when anything will change.
2️⃣ Vague opposition of “they” versus “we”
“…the outer districts are left on their own by the metropolitan government…”
“…we, on the other hand, do not prioritize this way…”
🔹 Technique: binary framing (“they are bad – we are good”)
🔹 Function:
– one-sided transfer of responsibility
– construction of the government as a caring counter-image
👉 Missing entirely:
- a concrete budget,
- ratios or figures,
- a decision-making mechanism.
There are value judgments — but no data.
3️⃣ Symbolic example = masking a systemic problem
“The renovation of the Rákosmente outpatient clinic…”
🔹 Technique: tokenism (showcase example)
🔹 Function:
– suggests general care based on a single investment
– blurs the distinction between isolated cases and systemic policy in the listener’s mind
👉 A classic trick:
one swallow does not make a summer
Meanwhile:
- transport in outer districts,
- snow removal,
- basic healthcare,
- public services
remain structurally underfunded.
4️⃣ Time-filling personal presence (“I was there”)
“…I was recently in District 16 with the mayor…”
🔹 Technique: performative politics
🔹 Function:
– creates the illusion of action
– “being present” ≠ “solving the problem”
👉 A visit is not a policy measure,
but it is presented as one in communication.
5️⃣ Moral closing (“they deserve it”)
“…the attention and care they truly deserve.”
🔹 Technique: emotional closure
🔹 Function:
– moral high ground
– generates positive feelings without concrete commitments
👉 A classic propaganda ending:
morality ≠ policy,
yet here morality substitutes for missing action.
🧠 Summary – what is really happening?
This text:
✔️ acknowledges the problem (verbally),
❌ accepts no responsibility,
❌ offers no measurable commitments,
❌ names no systemic causes,
✔️ builds political loyalty.
👉 It is not about solutions, but about narrative control.