(MTI) - The square will take the name of Count Istvan Szechenyi, a famous 19th century politician, according to the council's decision made at a session on Wednesday.
Changing the name of the square was suggested by Jozsef Palinkas, president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, located in the square. Supporters of the initiative argue that Szechenyi, the mastermind behind the Chain Bridge construction project as well as founder of the academy, has multiple associations with the place.
The square was named after US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1946. Apart from the academy, the square is flanked by the Grasham Palace (Four Seasons Hotel), an Art Nouveau landmark of the city, as well as the Interior Ministry. A large monument to Szechenyi has been in the middle of the square since 1880.
There are plans to name a park in front of the US Embassy after Roosevelt, mayor of the Inner City Antal Rogan told MTI.
