Budapest council to challenge Orban's skyscraper ambition
The Budapest City Council is set to oppose Viktor Orban's plans on Wednesday, reports "Rzeczpospolita." The issue involves a development project by a company from the United Arab Emirates near the city centre that would feature skyscrapers and luxury apartments. The city authorities are saying "no."
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban travelled to the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. The head of the Hungarian government is discussing the construction project of a luxury district in Budapest with the tallest skyscrapers in the European Union.
The project concerns an 85-hectare plot in the Rákosrendező area, about a 7-minute subway ride from the city centre. The matter is complicated by the fact that it belongs to the local government, and Orban's plans are opposed by the city authorities.
"The Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, opposes the project envisioned by Viktor Orban in collaboration with Arab investors. The Hungarian Prime Minister has invited Eagle Hills, a company from Abu Dhabi, which plans to build a district of luxury high-rises there," writes "Rzeczpospolita".
"Currently, there are green areas and an abandoned railway station. The mayor envisions the construction of a residential area there, which is greatly needed by the residents of Budapest," adds the daily.
The company building Trump Tower in Belgrade
The topic of the UAE company's development project will be discussed at the city council session on Wednesday, January 29, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The city council will decide whether to give a green light to Orban's plans, though all indications are that they will say "no."
"Rz" adds that Eagle Hills, owned by Emirati billionaire Muhammad Ali Alabbar, is partnering with Donald Trump's son-in-law's company, Affinity Partners, to construct Trump Tower in the capital of Serbia.
