After assuming HUF 29.7 billion in debt form the City of Pécs last year, the remaining HUF 14.4 billion will now also assumed by the Government – Minister of Interior Sándor Pintér said.

As the Minister explained, the original debt of HUF 43.2 billion will be assumed completely by the state. This means that the capital of Baranya County will be freed from over HUF 3 billion in yearly interest payments and other financial burdens thanks to the help provided by the Government's measures.

Minister Pintér added that the city had to cope with a difficult start, so it received additional funding after the first round of consolidation: HUF 2 billion in total. The University of Pécs has also received a HUF 1.5 billion in funding from the central budget.

The Ministry of Interior has provided employment for around 600-800 people this year, which corresponds to HUF 2 billion in funding. Within the field of local development, Pécs has received HUF 450 million for the construction of a bioenergy plant.

Mayor of Pécs Zsolt Páva explained that although the City has implemented measures to try to minimize its debt since his 2009 election, it would have been impossible without the help of the Government. He also added that from now on, the local government will be able to concentrate on development projects and tenders, which is a significant help for the city.

(Ministry of Interior)