Public Funds for MÁV Ads Amidst Pentecost Weekend Railway Chaos

Budapest, Hungary – A recent advertisement campaign by the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) promoting a 10-point plan for railway improvements has drawn criticism. The plan, spearheaded by Minister János Lázár, reportedly failed to deliver on its promises during the busy Pentecost weekend, leading to widespread delays and a lack of adequate replacement bus services. Vitézy Dávid, a Budapest representative, highlighted the situation in a recent video, stating, "Vasúti fejlesztések helyett plakátkampány közpénzből." (Instead of railway development, an advertising campaign with public money). He points to the irony of MÁV using public funds for advertisements while the railway system was struggling. The video shows numerous examples of delayed trains and the absence of replacement buses, contrasting the reality with the campaign's promises. The cost of the campaign is estimated to be tens of millions of forints, raising questions about the allocation of public funds. The situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in public spending, ensuring that funds are used effectively to improve public services.