PM Orbán announced restrictions in the state budget but organises ‘biggest 20 August fireworks ever’
Hungary’s budget faces severe challenges, clear from PM Orbán’s latest decree. But why does the government spend so much money on sports and the 20th of August celebrations then?
State budget in danger?
According to 444.hu, a new government decree prescribed considerable financial restrictions for state-owned companies. The firms must save 5% of their staff expenses between September and December. If they cannot, they must save double that money in 2025.
There are only a few exceptions: MVM, Hungarian Postal Services, MÁV, Volánbusz, Nemzeti Vízművek (National Waterworks), the Hungarian National Bank and the Office of the Hungarian Parliament.
More money on sport, Hungary helps, 20 August festivities
Meanwhile, the Hungarian government allocated billions of forints to sport, hvg.hu wrote. The National Sports Agency received HUF 17.5 billion (EUR 44.2 million), and the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister, headed by Antal Rogán, got EUR 45.5 million. Hungarians living beyond the borders received an extra EUR 13.65 million, while the Hungary Helps Programme another EUR 3.8 million.
Furthermore, the Hungarian government plans to organise “the biggest ever” 20 August festivities and fireworks this year. Again. The event will occupy 5 kilometres between the Petőfi Bridge and Margaret Island near the Danube instead of 4.3 kilometres. Moreover, three bridges will be involved instead of two, like in 2023. The government did not share the costs and beer prices but said the celebration of the Hungarian state’s foundation would start on 17 August.
St. Stephen’s Day celebrations to span four days
Hundreds of programmes will be on offer during the 17-20 August four-day weekend across 19 locations in Hungary to mark the 20 August national holiday celebrating Hungary’s statehood, the state secretary for international communication and relations said on Thursday, MTI wrote.
August 20 is “one of the most serious events in the country in terms of the interest and number of participants it attracts”, Zoltan Kovacs told a press conference. It not only commemorates the foundation of the Hungarian state and pays tribute to King St. Stephen, “but is a festival and series of events that sets a standard when it comes to the the country’s prestige”, he added.
Ferenc Tóth, chief executive of NUVU, the company organising the August 20 fireworks show, said more than 45,000 pyrotechnic effects will be launched from Liberty, Elisabeth and Margaret bridges as well as river barges and pontoons during the 30-minute display.
Read also:
- 5 hidden viewpoints in Budapest to watch the 20 August fireworks – check them out HERE
Bread And Circuses. There is no bread but Fidesz will spend all they can on the cicuses. The head of the national weather service and her deputy were fired after cancelling it two years ago due to a weather forecast that proved wrong. That display was promised to be the biggest ever in Europe. Huge spectacles are very important to dictatorships to show how spectacular the dictators themselves are. They use them to somehow compensate for their failure to provide a better life for the people. Since this celebration commemorates St. Stephen let us remember what the single act of importance was that he did. It was to bind Hungary to the West and not to the East. Fidesz is a pathetic joke of a government. They even removed the 1956 memorial flame from the front of Parliament and removed Imre Nagy from the area of the square and put him in an obscure place beside Margaret bridge.
It is highly inappropriate to be doing celebrations in such a showcasing way when peopel just like us Magyar are being murdered, driven from their homes due to greed for territory. That aside, money that can elivate issues in healthcare or education should not be blown sky high. Just like no pink or red balloon should ever be used to celebrate anything, consideration to the environment and birds, fish, animals should always take precedent over ‘fun’. Are we barbarians or educated persons?
They will next tell us that 1956 was fake news and we should welcome the Russians back
A firework will hardly break the bank, geez. Lighten up! Hajra Magyarorszag!
Orban, the Fidesz Government, there PRIORITIZATION exhibited again in this article – Appalling.
@michaelsteiner – it may not be “a lot of money” in absolute terms. However. If our Politicians have to borrow to make this happen. Well. It should at least make you think, right?
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-25/hungary-embraces-chinese-loan-financing-after-1-billion-deal
Michael Steiner – AGAIN.
“break the bank” – this is the “Xanadu” head space it lives.
From his MOUTH in commentary Budapest, the 42nd Capital City of the World – it has lived.
SEARCH on – for the Political Party of your MEMBERSHIP, under your Demigod – Victor Mihaly. Orban – the Orban led Fidesz Government of Hungary, they have BROKEN the Bank.
When’s the NEXT borrowings from China ?
Another “slice” of Hungary – surrendered, handed over by Orban / Fidesz to China – coming ???
Ops – the tea leaves read at the bottom of my tea cup, that there is a 95% chance of thunderstorms and Heavy rain expected in Budapest, Hungary on the 20th August.
If this was to be FACT – this time round that causes the cancellation of the Fire Works – easy to NOMINATE – who the “Sacrificial Lamb” must be ???
At least there won’t be any budget cuts in the Office of the Hungarian Parliament. Wait, shouldn’t they have to chip in and help?