"We are in the midst of an election campaign, and serious work awaits us in the next three days," PM Orbán remarked at the event, emphasizing the bridge's expected economic benefits for the region.
The prime minister expressed his gratitude to János Süli, Paks's parliamentary representative, and Sándor Font, Kalocsa's parliamentary representative, both from Fidesz-KDNP, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the project's realization. "The national government has become proficient in bridge construction, especially Danube bridges. Since 2010, we have built 19 bridges, whereas the socialists built only five," noted PM Orbán.
PM Orbán highlighted the significance of connecting previously isolated areas, stating, "The Hungarian people want to live and connect in all directions, unlike the mountain people who live in isolated valleys. The Kalocsa-Paks Bridge helps us achieve this by linking separated regions."
The prime minister pointed out that the Kalocsa region, located between the Kiskunság and the Danube, has long been a secluded part of Hungary, hindered by inadequate road connections. The new bridge aims to integrate this area into the nation's economic flow, unleashing hidden potential and boosting the overall Hungarian economy.
PM Orbán emphasized the strategic importance of southern Hungary, particularly in trade between Serbia and Hungary. "The M6 motorway reaches the border, connecting Croatian territories with Hungary. Our next step is to direct traffic from Serbia through this region, integrating Paks and Kalocsa into a rapidly developing area," he explained. The new nuclear power plant in Paks and the Budapest-Belgrade railway line, passing near Kalocsa, are pivotal components of this development plan.
The Pál Tomori Bridge, named after the archbishop and military leader of Kalocsa, serves as a monumental reminder of the perils of division during wartime. "Pál Tomori's life and heroic death in the Battle of Mohács are eternal lessons on the consequences of disunity among Hungarians: we become a playground for foreign powers, and the country faces destruction," PM Orbán stated. He underscored the relevance of this message today, as Europe finds itself on the brink of war. "National unity must be continually reaffirmed, and we must vote for peace on June 9," he urged.
The prime minister reiterated his government's commitment to peaceful development, describing it as a "government of bridge-builders." He encouraged the contractors to proceed southwards along the river, announcing that plans are already in place for the next Danube bridge in Mohács.
The construction of the Kalocsa-Paks Danube Bridge, which began in February 2021, is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region. Travel time between Kalocsa and the M6 motorway, as well as between Kalocsa and Paks, will be reduced from approximately 55 minutes to around 15 minutes. The total cost of the bridge and its associated road network development is estimated at 92 billion HUF.