A clear view

The view over Baranya province is gorgeous from the 200 meter high TV tower, that was built on a hill in 1973. You can see the Mecsek Mountains, the hills that run from west to east. Then there is the large crater of the former open mine and, behind the city, the great plains that continue south, into former Yugoslavia. Pécs truly is the link between Western Europe and the Balkan, the East.
I am on my way from west to east and I must admit that I am surprised – although shocked may be a better word – by the poverty I encounter. Even in the German Ruhr-Area many villages and towns are financially ruined. It is unbelievable to find out that in 2010 Germany many children come to school without a decent breakfast, because their parents cannot afford it.

And in Vienna, behind the glitter and glamour, hidden poverty is visible in many people’s bodies, faces and eyes. Hungary, including Pécs, is unfortunately no exception.

Because of the Cultural Capital program there is a lot of new construction. To a large extent this is being financed by the EU. They are building a new music hall, a new knowledge centre, even a new motorway. Many of the city’s squares and streets are being renovated and the children will get many new playgrounds.

The selection to become European Cultural Capital offers a great opportunity to change things. A possibility to drastically improve the image of the city and province. It is critical that these improvements are supported and felt by the entire population. It is important for everybody to benefit from the hopeful and clear view towards the future. The question remains: How can this be achieved and – more importantly – how can this be achieved for everybody?