The Budapest local government doesn’t want and cannot pay the rest of the money needed for the completion of the Biodome, a flashy glasshouse currently under construction in the Budapest Zoo, Népszava reported. While so far it has been financed by the government, PMO Chief Gergely Gulyás insisted that they will not make up for the rest since this is the capital city’s development project.
In reference to “several sources,” the leftist daily news writes that the capital’s leadership decided it wouldn’t spend a single penny on the development of the biodome. The first, most obvious reason is the lack of funds. Secondly, the giant maintenance costs: according to the portal’s information, the Budapest leadership estimates it be more than one billion HUF (EUR 3,03 million) per month, which cannot be financed from the Budapest budget.
At his regular press briefing, PMO Chief Gergely Gulyás insisted that the state wouldn’t pay the extra 20 billion HUF (EUR 60.5 million) that is required for the completion of the bio-dome, arguing that it was a Budapest project and not governmental. He said they had already added an extra 18 billion HUF (EUR 54,47 million), so they are now “looking forward to the invitation letter for the opening ceremony” where Budapest’s leadership can thank them for their financial support.
The Budapest City Hall, however, argues, that thus far, the project was completely financed by the central government and the capital lacks funds even for more important developments.
The Pannon Park project with the Bio-dome was begun under the previous city leadership when Fidesz-supported István Tarlós was mayor.
Featured photo by arcs.hu