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
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