Hungarian Minister Discusses Railway Developments and Political Dynamics
Lázár János addresses railway improvements, government funding, and the upcoming elections in a recent interview.
In a recent interview on ATV's 'Egyenes Beszéd,' Lázár János, Hungary's Minister of Construction and Investment, provided insights into several key issues, including railway developments, election dynamics, and the relationship with labor unions.
Lázár remarked on the upcoming elections, suggesting a nearly equal chance for success for competing parties.
"Currently, the balance of power is evenly matched; it is fifty-fifty, in my opinion.
This is the reality," he stated, echoing earlier comments made during a government briefing.
The discussion shifted to the state of the Hungarian railway system, with Lázár acknowledging concerns raised by labor union leaders regarding the performance metrics of MÁV, the state railway company.
Union president János Meleg had previously criticized what he termed manipulated performance data.
Lázár defended the integrity of MÁV's data, stating, "I do not believe that colleagues would deliberately falsify data.
The situation is not overwhelmingly positive, but there is no need for manipulation."
On funding for railway development, Lázár confirmed that during a recent cabinet meeting, it was decided to allocate resources amounting to 880 billion forints ($2.8 billion) for railway improvements.
This funding includes a €1 billion loan from the European Investment Bank, matched by an equal contribution from the Hungarian government.
The decision from the European Investment Bank is anticipated by late May or early June.
Lázár also mentioned the procurement of 70 new or refurbished trains from partnerships with Austrian-German and French groups.
Addressing concerns over the age of the locomotives being leased, he emphasized that these vehicles are either new or of a standard that ensures durability, despite some being up to 30 years old.
Turning to political matters, Lázár expressed no intention to legally obstruct the electoral ambitions of the Tisza Party, stating, "In this battle, we do not seek to suppress the other party; rather, we aim to overcome them in competition." He further discussed concerns surrounding government accountability in cases involving large-scale entrepreneurs, implying a need for a clearer set of rules governing wealth accumulation in Hungary.
Addressing the allocation of EU funds, the minister revealed that the government has locked in €10 billion, with an additional €12 billion still pending.
He characterized the withholding of funds as a strategy to undermine Hungary.
"Brussels has changed its tactics: until 2022, they financed those who wanted to overthrow Orbán; now they are engaged in a campaign to drain the country," he stated.
Lázár also touched on recent comments regarding the death penalty for pedophiles, reiterating his controversial stance while acknowledging that it is not a majority view within his party.
He pointed out the lingering discussions and divisions on this topic, particularly in light of a recent clemency case involving a high-profile conviction.
Lázár remarked on the upcoming elections, suggesting a nearly equal chance for success for competing parties.
"Currently, the balance of power is evenly matched; it is fifty-fifty, in my opinion.
This is the reality," he stated, echoing earlier comments made during a government briefing.
The discussion shifted to the state of the Hungarian railway system, with Lázár acknowledging concerns raised by labor union leaders regarding the performance metrics of MÁV, the state railway company.
Union president János Meleg had previously criticized what he termed manipulated performance data.
Lázár defended the integrity of MÁV's data, stating, "I do not believe that colleagues would deliberately falsify data.
The situation is not overwhelmingly positive, but there is no need for manipulation."
On funding for railway development, Lázár confirmed that during a recent cabinet meeting, it was decided to allocate resources amounting to 880 billion forints ($2.8 billion) for railway improvements.
This funding includes a €1 billion loan from the European Investment Bank, matched by an equal contribution from the Hungarian government.
The decision from the European Investment Bank is anticipated by late May or early June.
Lázár also mentioned the procurement of 70 new or refurbished trains from partnerships with Austrian-German and French groups.
Addressing concerns over the age of the locomotives being leased, he emphasized that these vehicles are either new or of a standard that ensures durability, despite some being up to 30 years old.
Turning to political matters, Lázár expressed no intention to legally obstruct the electoral ambitions of the Tisza Party, stating, "In this battle, we do not seek to suppress the other party; rather, we aim to overcome them in competition." He further discussed concerns surrounding government accountability in cases involving large-scale entrepreneurs, implying a need for a clearer set of rules governing wealth accumulation in Hungary.
Addressing the allocation of EU funds, the minister revealed that the government has locked in €10 billion, with an additional €12 billion still pending.
He characterized the withholding of funds as a strategy to undermine Hungary.
"Brussels has changed its tactics: until 2022, they financed those who wanted to overthrow Orbán; now they are engaged in a campaign to drain the country," he stated.
Lázár also touched on recent comments regarding the death penalty for pedophiles, reiterating his controversial stance while acknowledging that it is not a majority view within his party.
He pointed out the lingering discussions and divisions on this topic, particularly in light of a recent clemency case involving a high-profile conviction.
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