Lázár-affiliated website shutting down in Hódmezővásárhely, Márki-Zay says 'justice has been served'

In the city of Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary, the local news portal Promenad24, which has long been a subject of debate in political circles and is known for its close ties to Minister of Construction and Investment Lázár János, has decided to cease operations. This closure decision was received with great joy by the city's current Mayor, Márki-Zay Péter, and was announced to the public by the Mayor. In his statement regarding the issue, Márki-Zay Péter characterized the portal's closure as a significant development for local democracy and media ethics. Echoing through social media accounts and official announcements, this news once again revealed that the political polarization in the city is extremely deep. The Mayor stated his belief that the end of this media pressure, which has been going on for years, will create a healthier political climate in the city.

Mayor Márki-Zay Péter, in a detailed assessment following the portal's closure, argued that Promenad24 had been used since its inception to suppress opposing voices in the city. Márki-Zay stood by his claims regarding who the powers and financiers behind the portal were, suggesting that the structure was actually fueled by resources from state-owned companies. According to him, if the people's money coming out of the coffers of official institutions is used to fund smear campaigns against actors in local government like himself and his team, it is clearly a crime. The Mayor expressed that the portal in question practiced only a policy of censorship and attrition, was far from genuine journalistic principles, and its sole aim was to delegitimize the municipal administration, which was opposed to the current government. He emphasized that such publications harm local democracy and prevent citizens from accessing accurate information.

The complaints were not limited to financial corruption or unethical editorial policies; Márki-Zay Péter made much more serious allegations regarding financial irregularities within the company operating the portal. The Mayor alleged that the company to which promenad24 belonged not only provided financing from the outside but also used resources from its own coffers improperly and even committed robbery. These allegations point to a multi-dimensional accusation that requires detailed examination by the relevant authorities within the framework of transparency and accountability principles of local administration. The use of state property for the benefit of a private company, along with allegations of personal enrichment within this company, can be seen as a reflection of corruption debates across Hungary in Hódmezővásárhely. Márki-Zay added that he would follow up on this matter and continue to hold them accountable through legal avenues.

The closure of this media structure carries symbolic meaning regarding how the influence of Lázár János is questioned in Hódmezővásárhely politics. Minister Lázár János had been the city's elected MP and de facto leader for many years, but this dominance was shaken when Márki-Zay Péter was elected mayor in 2018. It was known that Promenad24 positioned itself as a structure resisting this change and trying to be the voice of the old order, following an editorial policy that continuously targeted Márki-Zay. Márki-Zay's reaction of 'the days are beautiful' and 'he got what he deserved' following these events shows how sharp this political rivalry has reached. The closure of the portal can be interpreted as a kind of moral victory for the local government led by Márki-Zay in its difficult relations with the central government.

In conclusion, the closure of Promenad24 has sparked an important debate on both local and national scales regarding media freedom and financial transparency. A news portal targeting the opposition by being financed with state resources is seen as an unacceptable situation for press freedom in democratic societies. Márki-Zay Péter's harsh criticisms and corruption allegations during this process deeply affected the city's political dynamics and created an important reference point for future election strategies. The conclusion of these events may have lasting effects on the political preferences and media consumption habits of the people of Hódmezővásárhely and may cause a more careful policy to be followed in the local press. This development serves as a concrete example of how media can be used as a tool in the struggle of local administrations with central powers and how such tools can be disabled.