Monument Unveiled for Subotica's Pioneering Mayor

A monument to former mayor Karoly Biro (1864-1952) was unveiled near Subotica's City Hall, celebrating the leader responsible for the city's most famous landmarks. The ceremony was organized by the "Karoly Biro" Foundation and included Subotica’s mayor Ištvan Pastor and young city residents.

Bronze figures of Biro, the City Hall, and a water fountain create a unique ensemble. Mayor Biro served from the end of 1902 to November 1918, leading the city through a period of unprecedented growth and development.

During his tenure, Biro developed Subotica in the Secessionist style, overseeing the construction of the City Hall and Palić's iconic water fountain. The outbreak of World War I and the revolution of 1918 marked the end of his term and the city's rapid development.

"Unveiling this monument feels like a call to spirit. Until recently, many did not know what Karoly Biro looked like or that he died in poverty near the City Hall," Pastor said. "We must thank the unknown individuals and historians who preserved Biro's legacy."

Pastor added, "His name was never tarnished, yet it was erased from the city's history. From now on, he will be a part of Subotica's daily life, one of us. The city may have been silent, but people never forgot Karoly Biro."