Katalin Walter Resigns as CEO of Budapest Transport Center Amid Controversies
Walter Katalin's resignation from BKK reflects ongoing challenges in Budapest's public transport management.
Katalin Walter has resigned from her position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Budapest Transport Center (BKK), a decision she described in a letter as a culmination of disillusionment regarding the significance of results and qualifications in organizational processes.
Her resignation comes after a series of controversies and challenges faced by BKK during her tenure, which began in 2021 upon the appointment by Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karácsony.
Walter previously served as chief of staff to former Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai and played a pivotal role in launching Budapest Public Utilities following the consolidation of multiple municipal enterprises.
In January 2024, she initially submitted her resignation after remarks comparing Budapest passengers to 'cutting-ready turkeys' surfaced, coinciding with the controversial announcement of service reductions that were subsequently revoked.
In July 2024, BKK faced a record fine of 200 million forints imposed by the Public Procurement Decision Committee due to alleged illegal procedures in handling a bus tender announced in 2023. Despite Karácsony’s assertion that there were no service cuts in Budapest, Walter admitted missteps in implementing certain changes.
The political landscape surrounding Katalin Walter's position has shifted, particularly following demands from the Tisza Party for changes among city public service leaders, which included an open call for applications for these positions.
Walter herself expressed interest in reapplying by March 31, but the selection process has been prolonged, with the review committee unable to identify suitable candidates.
Recently, the Metropolitan Assembly requested that Mayor Karácsony declare the BKK and BKV CEO applications unsuccessful and announce new calls for candidates within thirty days.
The developments have prompted ongoing discussions about governance and accountability within Budapest’s public transportation system amid a backdrop of political maneuvering and public scrutiny.
Her resignation comes after a series of controversies and challenges faced by BKK during her tenure, which began in 2021 upon the appointment by Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karácsony.
Walter previously served as chief of staff to former Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai and played a pivotal role in launching Budapest Public Utilities following the consolidation of multiple municipal enterprises.
In January 2024, she initially submitted her resignation after remarks comparing Budapest passengers to 'cutting-ready turkeys' surfaced, coinciding with the controversial announcement of service reductions that were subsequently revoked.
In July 2024, BKK faced a record fine of 200 million forints imposed by the Public Procurement Decision Committee due to alleged illegal procedures in handling a bus tender announced in 2023. Despite Karácsony’s assertion that there were no service cuts in Budapest, Walter admitted missteps in implementing certain changes.
The political landscape surrounding Katalin Walter's position has shifted, particularly following demands from the Tisza Party for changes among city public service leaders, which included an open call for applications for these positions.
Walter herself expressed interest in reapplying by March 31, but the selection process has been prolonged, with the review committee unable to identify suitable candidates.
Recently, the Metropolitan Assembly requested that Mayor Karácsony declare the BKK and BKV CEO applications unsuccessful and announce new calls for candidates within thirty days.
The developments have prompted ongoing discussions about governance and accountability within Budapest’s public transportation system amid a backdrop of political maneuvering and public scrutiny.
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