“The performance of the nation is made up of the performance of local communities, and rural towns and communities have played an increasingly important role in the strengthening of the Hungarian economy and Hungary in recent years”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said on Wednesday in Tiszafured at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new market hall, which is being constructed with an investment of 186 million forints (EUR 560 thousand).

“Not only Tiszafüred, but all of Hungary has come a long way in recent years”, Mr. Szijjártó said.

“The country, which was once on the verge of bankruptcy, is now considered one of the most successful states in Europe. Today, the Hungarian economy is able to boast the fastest rate of growth in Europe, and in 2019 it may be stated that the country has full employment”, he said.

“In the last five years, Hungary has always broken the current investment and export records, and as part of an increasingly strong Central Europe it is now playing an important role in the future competitiveness of the whole continent”, he said.

“This required the performance, diligence, sacrifice and work of every Hungarian. In addition to those courageous entrepreneurs who have always dared to take the decisions that have resulted in the creation of new jobs in Hungary” - he added.

“The performance of the nation is made up of the performance of local communities, and the people of Tiszafüred have also contributed to making Hungary a ‘real success story’ in recent years”, he stated.

The Minister said that the combined professionalism of the city management and the diligence of the city’s inhabitants have become visible in the form of several development projects.

He mentioned, for example, the development of the road and sewerage network, the country's largest cycling centre in Tiszafüred, and the program to improve the quality of drinking water.

“Three important public institutions have been modernized and developed energetically; Lake Tisza and Tiszafured have become brand names, and the unparalleled natural beauty has made the city and Lake Tisza the most popular travel centre”, he emphasized.

“The increase in the number of visitors may open up a new dimension in the development of the city, so it is a good decision to renew the free beach with an investment of 400 million forints. It is also important for the city leaders to improve the quality of life of the people living here, so it is important that a new market hall is being created at a cost of 186 million forints and the new city centre is being constructed”, Mr. Szijjártó said.

“As a result of the development projects, Tiszafured will be further strengthened, which will also boost the performance of the Hungarian economy, as tourism is a strategic sector”, he said, adding that the development of tourism in Hungary has been uninterrupted for the last three years.

“Our goal is to make Hungary the most attractive tourist destination in Central Europe by 2030”, he emphasized.

“Rural towns and communities have played an increasing role in the strengthening of the Hungarian economy in recent years. That is why it is very important for government and local government to work in close cooperation for the benefit of the local community and the nation. The emphasis is on unity, and on calm, constructive cooperation, instead of restlessness, tension, personal attacks and unnecessary debate", the Minister explained.

Peter Szijjártó urged those present to select representatives and mayors in the local government elections in October who live in and for the given settlement, who are aware of the local conditions and challenges, who are aware of their management options and are ready to cooperate.

The region’s Member of Parliament Sándor F. Kovács (Fidesz) said: Tiszafüred is rightly called the capital of Lake Tisza, development in the city is dynamic. He added that the Government is providing all necessary assistance towards development.

Mayor of Tiszafured Imre Ujvári (Fidesz-KDNP) said: Prior to 2014, the mayor and city clerk took the city int bankruptcy.

“The city was suffering in a 4-billion-forint debt trap, which the government took over, allowing Tiszafüred to develop. Today, development projects have been realised or are in the process of being realised at a total cost of six billion forints”, he stressed.

(MTI)