Budapest to get its own "Speakers' Corner"

City leaders are planning to install a pulpit modeled on London's Speakers' Corner in the Városliget park this fall, reports Népszabadság. The soap box, to be known as "Szónokok Hordója" ("Speakers' Barrel"), will be erected on the corner of Stefánia út and Ajtósi Dürer sor. Anyone will be allowed to speak on any subject for an unlimited time without prior arrangement. The idea was put forward by Liberal cityscape councilman Iván András Bojár.

Bojár said it will cost Ft 30 million (€124,000) to rehabilitate the neglected area which used to be an extension of Stefánia út in the park. The work will be carried out by Fővárosi Kertészeti Zrt, the company responsible for upkeep of the park. The location was chosen as the District XIV public park because it is historically natural and provides plenty of space for listeners without obstructing traffic.

The section of the constitution on free speech and regulations on using the pulpit will be written on the Speakers' Barrel. Bojár added that the right to free speech could be used but not abused.

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