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Fidesz proposes banning sleeping rough in Hungary in next round of constitutional changes

István Bajkai said people using public spaces to live in was a decades-long problem that causes many issues. “Besides the public-security and public-health dangers, this is a burden on city-dwellers,” he said

The ruling Fidesz party has proposed banning in the next round of constitutional changes the practice of sleeping rough in public places in Hungary.

The party wants the Hungarian government to consider “legal conditions for banning people from living in public spaces”, considering everyone without a home is guaranteed shelter.

Fidesz lawmaker István Bajkai said that he would initiate the individual MP’s amendment with a view to ensuring that “everyone can make use of the city as a real home on an equal basis”.

Bajkai said people using public spaces to live in, sometimes also referred to as urban camping, was a decades-long problem that causes many issues. “Besides the public-security and public-health dangers, this is a burden on city-dwellers,” he said.

He added that the state and local councils provide extensive support schemes, such as day centers and night-time accommodation for people whose lives are difficult and who are unable to live in their own homes.

The move is seen as a welcomed step, particularly amongst those living in the city center of Budapest who are faced with the homeless problem on a daily basis.