Zsuzsa Koncz became the new honorary citizen of our district

In 2025, the Honorary Citizens of Budapest’s District II were Zsuzsa Koncz, a performing artist awarded the Liszt Ferenc, Kossuth, and Prima Primissima prizes, and posthumously, György Baló, a journalist awarded the Balázs Béla Prize, the Pulitzer Memorial Prize, and the Prima Primissima Prize.

In addition, the municipality awarded the “For District II” Memorial Medal to the Rózsadomb Civil Guard and Volunteer Firefighter Association, and to Dr. Ágnes Darvas, sociologist, social researcher, and university lecturer, as announced on his social media by Mayor Gergely Őrsi.

Zsuzsa Koncz – Honorary Citizen

Based on citizens’ proposals, the Representative Body of District II awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of District II to Zsuzsa Koncz, Liszt Ferenc-, Kossuth-, and Prima Primissima-awarded performing artist, also an Honorary Citizen of Budapest.

The recognition highlights her outstanding contribution to Hungarian cultural life, proving over decades that popular music can be a serious art form.

With sincere gratitude for the hundreds of songs that generations hum and recall, whose melodies remain in our ears and whose messages endure for decades.

With respect for her courageous role in public life, for whom authenticity is essential, and who addresses not only everyday life and emotions that touch our souls but also significant social issues through her music.

Thanks to the tireless touring artist, performing regularly across the country, having filled the Arena more than a dozen times, and who believes: “It is uplifting that alongside our generation, ‘infected kids’ also attend our concerts, joining older audiences. Performing in front of so many people is a highly engaging and exciting challenge. Standing alone on stage is a great responsibility, yet it is also a source of immense energy and joy.”

With appreciation for our neighbor, whose high-quality artistic work and entire persona enrich the cultural treasury of our local community.

György Baló – Posthumous Honorary Citizen

Based on citizens’ proposals, the Representative Body of District II posthumously awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of District II to György Baló, journalist, television editor-reporter, Balázs Béla Prize, Pulitzer Memorial Prize, and Prima Primissima Prize laureate, who led and hosted Hungary’s major domestic and international political programs for nearly five decades.

In recognition of his role as a key figure in domestic television and print media, contributing to legendary programs such as Stúdió, Hírháttér, Napzárta, A Hét, later Az Este and A Szólás Szabadsága, and in his final years, hosting Magyarul Balóval under RTL Klub. Though he considered himself primarily an editor, he believed he could have the most impact as a presenter through the questions he asked – what mattered to him was not what he said, but what he was told.

György Baló’s life work exemplified fact-based, objective, and thoughtful journalism in an often superficial and misleading media environment.

With respect for a local patriot who grew up in Palánta Street in the district and later found a home on Bimbó Street.

The award was received by his daughters, Sára and Vera Baló.

“For District II” Memorial Medal Recipients

Rózsadomb Civil Guard and Volunteer Firefighter Association

The memorial medal expresses gratitude to the organization that has served District II and its residents voluntarily for one and a half decades, often under demanding conditions. The members perform their duties without compensation, tirelessly, courageously, and selflessly. For their dedication, the association has twice been named the Volunteer Firefighter Association of the Year by the Budapest Disaster Management Directorate, and several members have been honored with the Saint Florian Award by the District II Municipality.

Dr. Ágnes Darvas, sociologist, social researcher, and university lecturer
The medal recognizes her decades-long contribution to social work, child protection, and human rights through her professional research, commitment to social solidarity, and teaching. Her research focuses on children in institutional care, child opportunities, rehabilitation, psycho-pedagogy, employment, poverty, exclusion, and crime prevention.

With respect for her decades of higher education teaching, passing her knowledge to generations and instilling a committed, action-oriented approach at Bárczi Gusztáv College of Special Education, ELTE, and OR-ZSE.

We are grateful for this indispensable figure in Hungarian social work education, who applied her experience in practice to support child poverty initiatives such as the “SZOLID” and National Programs, as well as the review of social legislation initiated by the Ministry of Health, Social, and Family Affairs.

Congratulations to all awardees!

Tags: Honorary Citizen of District II, recognition, awardees, Zsuzsa Koncz, György Baló, “For District II” Memorial Medal, Rózsadomb Civil Guard and Volunteer Firefighter Association, Dr. Ágnes Darvas