The news in Hungarian
Budapesten egy fejlesztési projektet terveznek Rákosrendező területen, amit "Mini-Dubai" néven ismernek. A projekt ellen tiltakozás van, mert a városvezetés más célokat szeretne, mint a kormány. Az önkormányzat szeretne több zöld területet és megfizethető lakásokat. A projekt titkos tárgyalásai problémákat okoztak a nyilvánosság számára.
Translation
In Budapest, a development project is being planned in the Rákosrendező area, known as "Mini-Dubai." There is protest against the project because the city leadership has different goals from the government. The local administration wants more green spaces and affordable housing. The secret negotiations surrounding the project have caused issues for the public.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: What is the name given to the development project in Budapest?
The development project is called 'Mini-Dubai'.
Question 2: Why is there a protest against the development project?
There is a protest because city leaders want more green areas and affordable housing instead of the current project.
Exercise: Vocabulary
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▌25/01/2025
A proposed development project, dubbed "Mini-Dubai," in a derelict area of Budapest known as Rákosrendező has sparked a political debate. The project involves negotiations between the Hungarian government and investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aiming to transform the area into a high-end urban district.
The controversy came to light earlier this week when Gergely Karácsony, the Mayor of Budapest, announced that the municipality holds a pre-emptive purchase right over the land. This right could potentially allow the city to take control of the area to promote different development goals, such as building affordable housing and parks instead of skyscrapers.
Dávid Vitézy, a Budapest politician, criticised the government's secretive dealings in the project, arguing that the purchase agreement contradicts governmental promises of transparency. Vitézy raised concerns that the Hungarian state is surrendering significant control over a prime piece of land to foreign investors without adequate public input or sufficient financial return.
Controversy Surrounds Budapest's Mini-Dubai Development (Illustration)
Meanwhile, András Jámbor, a member of the Hungarian parliament, has called for transparency, questioning whether prominent political figures or their relatives have a vested interest in the project. His inquiry stems from the recent changes in ownership of companies linked to this development, which have sparked further scrutiny.
A significant twist in the proceedings is the potential intervention by the Municipal Council of Budapest. They are set to discuss whether to exercise the pre-emptive purchase right as part of their broader strategy. The council views the current development plan as not aligning with the city's urban development objectives, which focus on heritage conservation, sustainable transportation, and increasing green areas.
The controversy deepens with the involvement of renowned figures close to Hungary's political elite, including those linked to the Prime Minister's circle, thereby raising suspicions regarding the true drivers of the investment plan. This has led to further questions about the adherence to sovereign and competitive principles in this high-stakes development saga.
In the face of these challenges, Karácsony has vowed to pursue all necessary legal avenues should the government's actions infringe on the municipality's rights. The impending decision by the Municipal Council could significantly influence the direction and character of urban development in Budapest, setting a precedent for potential future projects.
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