Can Hungary have more capitals? Debrecen could beat Budapest

Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, recently said that he wants to make Debrecen Hungary’s second capital. A country with two capitals would not be unprecedented.

Development of Debrecen

“We have a clear objective to have at least one more city in the country that has a significant, even cross-border, gravitational potential,” Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, told haon.hu.

The minister said that Debrecen is envisioned as a second capital city. This city, which is outstanding economically, socially, civically, culturally and in sports, is unique not only in Hungary but also in Central Europe. With its infrastructure, population, educational opportunities and industry, Debrecen has established itself as a leader in Central and Eastern Europe.

János Lázár also believes it is important for Debrecen to function as a kind of second capital. The Minister of Construction and Transport recently presented the investment plans for the next five years. These include the creation of an economic zone in the triangle of Debrecen, Nyíregyháza and Miskolc. This will make Debrecen the capital of the countryside, making it the second capital of Hungary.

It would not be unprecedented

Magyar Nemzet notes that it would not be the first time in the world history that a country has had more than one centres. There are several arguments in favour of the Hajdú-Bihar county seat being the most suitable for this position.