Minister trusts Paks nuclear plant upgrade to be completed by 2026

Budapest, May 8 (MTI) – János Süli, the minister without portfolio in charge of the Paks nuclear plant upgrade project, voiced confidence on Monday that the two new blocks would be completed and operational by 2026, as planned.

Süli added, however, that his team was “evaluating the possible impact on the final deadline” of delays in the preparations “caused by the European Commission’s investigation” into the project.

The minister stressed the government’s focus on ensuring that 40 percent of the contracts in the upgrade project should go to Hungarian companies, as stipulated by the general agreement, but also noted possible complications.

Süli said that the Russian loan to finance the project was made available, and the first payments could soon be made to the Russian general contractor.

He also announced that Attila Aszódi, who was earlier government commissioner in charge of the upgrade, will work with him as state secretary in the future.

LMP: Inviting referendum on Paks ‘obligation’ for Áder

In his capacity as the re-elected president of Hungary, it will be one of Janos Ader’s most important obligations to invite a referendum on the Paks nuclear power plant upgrade project, the green opposition LMP said on Monday.

Áder said last October that the right for a public vote is one of the most fundamental constitutional rights, LMP co-leader Bernadett Szél told a press conference held jointly with the party’s other co-leader Ákos Hadházy.

Hadházy said that Áder should have raised his voice in response to recent statements by politicians inciting to violence, including one by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

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Photo: MTI

Source: MTI