In an interview with Debrecen Television on Monday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Debrecen could contribute greatly to Hungary’s success, but the country itself must be successful as well, in order to allow the city to take the next big development step.
He said that, based on the Hajdú-Bihar county seat’s past, historical heritage, university, cultural life and development shown recently, there is no other large city in Hungary with a better chance of becoming a modern European city.
According to Mr. Orbán, who was visiting Debrecen as part of the Modern Cities programme, the aim is for the county seat to become the largest innovation centre in the country – or at least one of them. He pointed out that Győr, Kecskemét, Szombathely and Székesfehérvár have already presented development alternatives, and it would also be worthwhile for Debrecen to pursue this course.
The Prime Minister emphasised that in terms of the cooperation agreement signed on Monday between the Government and Debrecen, tens of billions of forints will be allocated for the development of the city’s main railway station, its airport and the infrastructure of Nagyerdő. Furthermore, an innovation centre and a new industrial park will be established, and the rail line between Debrecen and Püspökladány will be renovated.
Mr. Orbán explained that today large economic disparities are no longer seen at the level of national regions, but at the level of sub-regions. The Government is focusing on sub-regions, of which there are approximately 35–40 facing serious difficulties. The Modern Cities programme will help them too, however, as it is easier for them to catch up if they have successful cities to build on, he said.
In response to a question, the Prime Minister confirmed that with regard to immigration policy, Hungary would like to see a change in European practice. It should at least be ensured that Member States have the ability to defend themselves in this regard, he said. The current practice cannot be changed from Budapest, however, and this battle must be fought in Brussels, the Prime Minister explained.