Hungarian government doubles flood aid for Szeklerland, calling disaster a national matter

The government will double donations received from the public media’s all-day fundraising for Szeklers in Transylvania, Romania, suffering from the flood catastrophe, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in a video after Wednesday’s government meeting.

Botond Barna Bíró, the head of Harghita county council, took part in today’s cabinet meeting, Orbán noted. Raging floods in Szeklerland have caused widespread damage beyond the catchment area of the Praid salt mine, he said. “So we must help Háromszék as well,” he said.

The government is coordinating with the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) party on the distribution of aid, and the relevant talks will continue with the RMDSZ president on Thursday, the prime minister said.

Orbán thanked Hungary’s public media for organising the fundraiser for National Cohesion Day in cooperation with the Ecumenical Relief Organisation to help Szeklerland. The government has added a forint for every one donated, he said in the video posted to his official social media page.

Orbán: Govt doubles aid collected to help flood-hit Szeklerland

The government has doubled the money collected to help Szeklerland hit by flooding, with the relevant government resolution signed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Thursday.