According to Viktor Orbán, Pécs is also winning from Hungary’s successful economic policy: many new jobs are being created in the city and its surroundings, the road system is developing, and in the coming period sports facilities can be built.

In an interview with Pannon Television and Pécs Television broadcast on Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister pointed out that we can only talk about healthcare, cultural and social spending and sports if the Hungarian economy is growing; the basis for this  is good economic policy.

Mr. Orbán said that Hungary’s economic growth last year was above 3%, this year it will reach 3%, and next year 2.5% growth is expected; he added that good tax regulations are necessary for success and that he supports tax cuts for the economy’s better functioning.

The Prime Minister, who visited Pécs as part of the Modern Cities programme, outlined that six thousand new jobs were created in the Baranya County seat between 2010 and 2014, and that the aim of the agreement signed with the city on Tuesday is to create another six thousand. Mr. Orbán noted that the new Harman Professional factory – in which the American company will manufacture audio products – will provide jobs for 400 people in Pécs, and this is an important step towards reaching full employment.

He also mentioned that, according to the agreement between the City and the Government, the state will purchase an area of 90 hectares, which it will make available to Pécs. The area will be made suitable for investment, and will provide a site for industrial sheds, making the city more attractive to investors.

The Prime Minister also said that as a result of the national consultation held in Pécs, the majority of the residents are in favour of economic developments and job creation, but many support the idea of a new market hall, an aqua park and a sports and recreation centre.

The city needs recreational facilities, but public funds must be used, he said, as it would be difficult for Pécs to provide enough funding for investments on its own.

He added that the construction of a basketball academy named after László Rátgéber is already underway, and this can be regarded as a first step in the direction he was describing. Decisions on further developments will be made later on.

Regarding sports, Viktor Orbán emphasised that he sees the advancement of young talent and sport as a leisure activity as among the most important priorities, as in the modern world they are the most effective means of personal development for the young.

“Sport teaches us how to win with honour and how to lose with dignity; and those who know this hold the answers to the biggest questions in life”, he said. He added that sport promotes health and helps the young develop strong attributes and strong personalities.

He noted that, when it comes to strategic sport, a lot has happened in Hungary over the past few years. “Our opponents only see our football stadiums, as they are the best target to make fun of, but in fact we have built – and are going to build – swimming pools, sports halls, athletics fields and football pitches for our children”, he declared.

Talking about the Zsolnay Quarter and the Kodály Centre in Pécs, Mr. Orbán said that every Hungarian can be proud of the facilities built as part of the 2010 European Capital of Culture programme. Yet, as their maintenance places a huge financial burden on the city, the Government may share this responsibility by contributing to their operation, the Prime Minister said. The will is there, and the working plan is being prepared on how and under what  terms and conditions it could be realized. He added that experts are working on the details, but the residents of Pécs should continue to see the quarter and the centre as their own, rather than “institutions outsourced from Budapest”.

Referring to the development of the M6 motorway and the M60 road, the Prime Minister said that the agreement signed with the city has reinforced a previous government decision for both sections to be extended as far as the Croatian border, with the aim of  creating new economic opportunities for Hungary.

The construction works on the relevant sections of the M6 motorway will start next year, development of the M60 is scheduled for later, but the construction of the section bypassing Pécs will still be realized within this parliament, he said.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that during his visit to Pécs he had held talks with the leadership of the University of Pécs, which gave them the opportunity to review the state of the institution. He believes that the number of foreign students studying at the university can increase from 2300 to 5000 within a few years, resulting in a significant growth in tourism and trade.

With regard to the radioactive waste storage site proposed for the Boda area near Pécs, he said that “no decision has been made on this issue, and we are very far from making one”.  Research started 8–10 years ago, which, though not started by the present government, must be finished by it, he said. He also pointed out that nothing can happen related to the waste storage without the consent of the residents of Pécs and its surroundings.

(Prime Minister's Office/MTI)