Published: December 02 2023
The introduction of a legal category for priority investment in the national economy in Hungary has been criticized for its abuse by the government. Opposition LMP board member, Mária Szendefy, has raised concerns about the harmful effects of this category and called for a new law to be introduced to address the issue.
Criticism of the Priority Investment Category
Szendefy argues that the current legal regulation enabling projects to be classified as priority investment does not serve the public interest. She advocates for the category to be voided and replaced with a new law that better aligns with the intended purpose. Szendefy highlights a specific example of a tourism development project near Lake Fertő, where the government declared it a priority investment in 2018. However, due to financial constraints, the project could not be fully implemented, resulting in the locals being unable to use the lakeshore for years. Additionally, the natural habitat on a large area was practically destroyed and iconic hay-roofed huts were demolished. The environmental permit issued by the local government office for the original plan further complicates the situation, as it remains unclear what the final outcome of the project will be.
Possible Referendum on the Law
Szendefy reveals that LMP's initiative for a referendum on withdrawing the law introducing the category of priority investment has been approved by the supreme court Curia. If the constitutional court does not prevent it, the collection of signatures necessary for holding a referendum could begin within weeks. This highlights the growing concern and desire for change surrounding the current implementation of the priority investment category.
Transportation Megaprojects in Budapest
In other news related to Hungarian development projects, it has been announced that transportation megaprojects are set to begin in Budapest next year. These projects aim to improve transportation infrastructure in the city and contribute to its growth and development.
Acquisition of a Foreign Retail Chain by a Hungarian Billionaire
Hungarian billionaire has made headlines with the purchase of a foreign retail chain within Hungary. This acquisition signifies the continued investment and expansion of Hungarian businesses, both domestically and internationally.
It is crucial to closely monitor the implementation of priority investment projects and address concerns raised by opposition parties and citizens to ensure that they truly serve the public interest and contribute to the overall development and well-being of Hungary.
Questions & Answers
What is the legal category of "priority investment" in Hungary? The legal category of "priority investment" in Hungary is a classification that allows certain projects to receive special attention and support from the government for their development.
Why is the introduction of the priority investment category raising concerns in Hungary? The introduction of the priority investment category has raised concerns because the government has been abusing it for their own interests, rather than serving the public interest.
Who has criticized the abuse of the priority investment category in Hungary? Mária Szendefy, an opposition LMP national board member, has criticized the abuse of the priority investment category in Hungary.
What does Mária Szendefy propose to address the issue of the abusive use of the priority investment category? Mária Szendefy proposes that the current legal regulation enabling projects to be classified as priority investments should be declared void. She suggests introducing a new law to achieve the intended goal of supporting projects in the public interest.
What initiative has LMP's Mária Szendefy taken regarding the priority investment category in Hungary? LMP's Mária Szendefy has initiated a referendum to be held on withdrawing the law introducing the category of priority investment in the national economy. The initiative has been approved by the supreme court Curia.
What example does Mária Szendefy give to illustrate the negative consequences of the priority investment category? Mária Szendefy cites a tourism development project near Lake Fertő as an example. The government declared it a priority investment in 2018, but due to financial constraints, the project could not be fully implemented. As a result, the locals could not use the lakeshore for years, and the natural habitat was practically destroyed on a large area. Many of the iconic hay-roofed huts were also destroyed.
What recent revelation has been made about the tourism development project near Lake Fertő? It was recently revealed that the local government office had issued its environmental permit for the original plan of the tourism development project near Lake Fertő. However, it is currently unknown what exactly will come out of the project.
What could happen if the constitutional court does not prevent it? If the constitutional court does not prevent it, the collection of signatures necessary for holding a referendum on withdrawing the law introducing the category of priority investment could be started within weeks.
