Socialists call on government to support Chain Bridge reconstruction
The opposition Socialist Party on Thursday called on the government to redirect spending on the cancelled national holiday to meet the costs of refurbishing Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge.
Zsolt Molnár, the head of the party’s Budapest branch, said the government had “finally woken up to the fact” that the current epidemic situation was not the time to spend nearly 10 billion forints [EUR 28.2m] on festivities.
Read alsoAugust 20 national holiday public events cancelled in Hungary
Molnár called on the government to use some of the funds to support the reconstruction of Chain Bridge and to subsidise local authorities so they can waive the entry fee to beaches on lakes and rivers.
Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony welcomed the decision on Facebook, saying that holding an event that would draw together hundreds of thousands of people “at a time when the epidemic could gain momentum again” would be “irresponsible”.
Read alsoPedestrians to be banned from Chain Bridge, Budapest
“The government has, for once, listened to the voice of reason,” he said.
Gergely Gulyás, the prime minister’s chief of staff, announced earlier today the cancellation of the August 20 celebrations in view of the coronavirus situation.
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Prime Minister – Victor Orban and his Government have been exemplary in the Control and Management of this on-going novel coronavirus, that challenges us ALL.
Victor Orban, has clearly demonstrated his understanding of the NEED to separate the Economy from Health – the absolute NEED of separation.
Distribution of Government provided funding for the 20th August celebrations, the cancellation of these events, the monies will be used correctly, used by Prime Minister Victor Orban and his Government, under the “separation” understanding and application, that they continue to use and adapt for the on-going running and operation of our beloved Hungary.
Stay Well – ALL.