International Relations

Euronews:

Hungary's national fireworks costs shrink but many still call it wasteful

Tradition or money down the drain? A state-funded jolly for all, or an outdated form of animal cruelty? As 20 August nears, the yearly row over whether Hungary needs fireworks and how big they should be reignites.

The dispute surrounding Hungary’s 20 August state celebrations goes far beyond the question of whether there will be fireworks over the Danube. The controversy that has unfolded in recent weeks is about the use of public money, environmental protection, national traditions and the role of state representation, but above all about punishing the Lounge group owned by Gyula Balásy.

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"If we want there still to be something to celebrate on the day we mark the founding of the state, then we really do have to take the drought situation and our environment very seriously. When parts of the country are turning to desert, lakes are drying up, and heatwaves are sweeping through, nothing is more important than ensuring adequate support for this.Even if we only count the 4‑billion‑forint cost, it is clear that last year the government allocated 4.7 billion forints to the National Water Directorate‑General (OVF) for tackling drought. The OVF used this sum to tidy up channels, streams and rivers. For solving the water situation of Lake Velence, the government is reckoning with costs of 150 billion forints, yet in the recent past, expert opinions have appeared that see a much cheaper and faster solution. László Vazsonyi, a specialist at VulcanAgro, for example, has said that it would be enough to build a water conduit along the 15‑kilometre section between the Danube and Pettend, from where gravity itself would carry the water to Lake Velence, and its price would be a fraction of the planned 150‑billion cost."