Orban promises major developments in Miskolc

Budapest (MTI) – Prime Minister Viktor Orban promised major developments in Miskolc, in north-east Hungary, after signing a cooperation agreement with Mayor Akos Kriza under the arrangements of the Modern Cities scheme.

Orban told a press conference on Tuesday that a motorway link will be built between Miskolc and Kosice (Kassa) in east Slovakia and the Miskolc-Tapolca spa will be developed. In addition, the Diosgyor castle will be expanded and a 1,000-hectare industrial zone built in the city.

The prime minister added that the agreement with Miskolc is the result of the general economic upswing in Hungary, and the government is signing similar deals with all 23 cities of county rank.

Commenting on the details of the agreement, he said around one million people live in the Miskolc-Kosice Euroregion and the motorway from Kosice to the Hungarian border is already completed, so Hungary is now starting the construction of the motorway linking Miskolc to the border. This is planned to cost 150 billion forints (EUR 500m) and expected to be ready in 2018-2019, he added.

“Miskolc is included in the government scheme as a model city”, Orban said. An “intelligent” CCTV system operating there will be expanded from the current 150 cameras to 500 or 600 cameras since providing public safety there is a priority, he added.

The government will also provide significant support to developing a new industrial hub, which will be the largest of its kind in the country, creating thousands of new jobs with a view to enabling full employment in the city, Orban said.

In an interview with the city’s local television, the prime minister said Miskolc, along with the city’s heavy industry, mining industry and heavy labour were held in high regard before the democratic transition. Orban said Miskolc can continue to build upon these values, and that the city does not have to “denounce or rid itself of” its past in order to be successful. Miskolc can transform from an industrial city of the 20th century to an industrial city of the 21st century, a “modern city”, the prime minister added.

Photo: MTI

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters