Democratic Coalition protests Paks upgrade

The leftist opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) has again voiced protest concerning the upgrade project of the nuclear power plant at Paks, arguing that the planned two new blocks “are not needed now, nor will be necessary in future”.

DK deputy leader László Varjú spoke in reaction to reports that Hungary would start calling down a Russian loan of 10 billion euros to finance the project, and said it was “obvious” that “large kick-backs will go into pockets close to [ruling] Fidesz”.

Varjú said that a growing number of countries decided to switch over to renewable energies and eliminate nuclear plants, and insisted that the upgrade project would increase rather than lower Hungary’s dependency on foreign energy sources.

The upgrade project is unnecessary, it would impact the country’s security and impose a debt of 300,000 forints (962 euros) on each of its citizens, Varjú said.

Commenting on Varjú’s remarks, Fidesz said in a statement that the upgrade is fundamental in securing cheap and reliable energy for Hungarian families and firms. Campaigning against the plant is tantamount to campaigning for more expensive energy and foreign interests, they said. (DK leader) Ferenc Gyurcsány “doubled electricity prices” during his tenure as prime minister under the Socialist Party, the statement said, and “left Hungarian families at the mercy of foreign companies.”

Featured image: www.atomeromu.hu

Source: MTI