130 years ago Zalaegerszeg entered a new phase of development. One of the first steps in becoming an incorporated town was to elect the local official representatives. Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Benő Svastics set the date of 22 April 1885 for the election of these representatives. The number of Zalaegerszeg residents in 1885 was 6434 (there stood 618 houses in the town) therefore, by law the local body of representatives had to consist of sixty-four members. Half of them were to be the citizens paying the most taxes, who became members automatically and the remaining 32 representatives were to be chosen by election in April.
At the meeting of 13 May 1885, the first body of officials was set up and lawyer Dr. Károly Kovács was elected the first mayor of the county-seat. He was the only candidate for this responsible job, and therefore – as it was reported by contemporary sources – those present carried his election to be the first man of the town with acclamation and enthusiastic ovation. The other officials were elected afterwards. The representatives elected: a chief of police, chief notary, deputy notary, prosecutor, doctor, chancery clerk, foreign affairs advisor, treasurer, police commissioner, master of the town and quartermaster. In the newly incorporated town along with the mayor, this more expansive body become the town’s officials. Later, they were joined by an auditor, veterinarian, midwife and a town engineer.
“What we have desired the most for months has finally been realised. Since the wish of the general public has been accomplished by the town becoming a corporate town.” – announced the ‘Zala megye’ newspaper on 17 May 1885, four days after Zalaegerszeg became incorporated as a town. That day in May has been celebrated as ‘Zalaegerszeg Town Day’ since the change of regime in the 1990s.
To commemorate this anniversary a film titled, “Zalaegerszeg: Celebrating 130 years of history” has been made. Come celebrate our 130 years of history together in 2015!
Welcome to Zalaegerszeg!
