Potential for disruptions in Budapest on 23 October 2008

There is a potential for disruptions in Budapest on 23 October 2008, Hungary's national holiday marking a 1956 anti-Soviet uprising. While no radical groups have announced plans for protests, the city has experienced violent demonstrations on the holiday in recent years, which in addition to anti-government protesters, have involved "soccer hooligans" unaffiliated with a specific cause. Security will be increased in the city, with additional spot checks and checkpoints in force from 22 to 25 October, and police officials have stated that they are prepared to deal with any possible street violence. Transportation disruptions are also expected to be a concern for travelers and residents due to the holiday, as a number of sanctioned events are planned to take place. Road closures and traffic restrictions are being implemented in the city center on 22 and 23 October, with Andrássy út, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, Erzsébet tér, Szabadság tér, Kossuth tér and Corvin köz among the affected areas. Restrictions on parking will also be in effect in a number of locations, including at the prime minister's office, on Kossuth tér, Balassi Bálint utca, Alkotmány utca, Olimpiai park and around Vértanúk tere up to Nádor utca; certain areas of the city will be closed to pedestrian traffic.