The Baranya County Council held its County Day Ceremonial Assembly in Pécsvárad. In keeping with the traditions of recent years, László Őri, president of the Baranya County Government, and János Partos, county clerk, presented the honorary titles. The guest of honor at the event was Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Public Administration and Regional Development.
Since 1996, the County Council has officially commemorated the decree issued by King Leopold I on October 10, 1694, granting Baranya County independent public-law status and a new coat of arms and seal.
László Őri said that the most important goal of the past 10 years has been to help put Baranya’s economy on a path to growth in partnership with the government. In recent years, a series of targeted development programs aimed at strengthening rural Hungary have been launched one after another. Examples include the Regional Operational Program, the Rural Development Program, and the Hungarian Village Program.
László Őri pointed out that a number of major investment projects are currently underway in the county.
“The public port currently under construction in Mohács, which could open up new possibilities for accessing the region by water; the planned development of the Pécs-Pogány Airport, which could serve as a breakthrough in air transport; the construction of the section of the M6 highway extending to the national border, the spectacularly constructed Danube bridge in Mohács, as well as the preparation of the future four-lane sections of the M60 Pécs–Szigetvár and Szigetvár–Kaposvár expressway, which could open up new perspectives for east-west road access to our entire region, said László Őri.
"The developments of the past five years were made possible solely through government support," said the county leader, who emphasized that there has never been such an opportunity for the county and the entire region to emerge from decades of recession and embark on a path of development.
László Őri expressed his gratitude to the Hungarian government, particularly to Minister Tibor Navracsics, who is a committed supporter of the development strategy and programs for the southern regions.
The county leader emphasized that the ultimate goal of economic development is to improve the living conditions of the population. The construction of the new Pécs Cardiovascular Center also serves this purpose, which is why László Őri expressed his support for Professor Attila Cziráki so that he can bring this healthcare development to fruition, which could increase the chances of survival and recovery not only for patients in Pécs, but throughout Baranya County.
Minister Tibor Navracsics stated that the government is committed to the development of the South Transdanubia Region, so the people of Baranya can continue to count on the government’s support in the future.
The following awards were presented at the County Day celebration:
Dr. László Őri, President of the Baranya County Assembly, awarded Attila Feleki a posthumous Sports Award in recognition of his dedicated and tireless efforts in the development of the town of Kozármisleny, particularly in the exemplary and high-quality revitalization of local sports, in recognition of his dedicated and tireless work in establishing and organizing it.
In recognition of his outstanding professional work in the interest of public order and the General Assembly of the Baranya County Local Government awarded the Public Order and Public Safety Award to Police Lieutenant Colonel Tibor Szlaukó, Head of the Border Patrol Service, Law Enforcement Directorate, Baranya County Police Headquarters.
The General Assembly of the Baranya County Council has awarded the “Award for National Minorities” to János Futár, founder of the Bajorsör-barátok Hagyományőrző Egyesület (Bajorsör Friends Traditionalist Association), in recognition of his efforts to preserve the native language and and for his exemplary community organizing efforts, as well as for his significant contributions to the establishment and organization of events that have garnered considerable recognition both domestically and internationally.
The General Assembly of the Baranya County Council presented the “Healthy Baranya” Award to Dr. István Ede Makra, Chief Medical Officer and for his decades of high-quality, dedicated work in the fields of surgery, anesthesiology, and sports medicine in Komló.
This year, student Noel Schuber received the Péter Koltai Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the fields of folk dance, the preservation of traditions, and community organizing.
The General Assembly of the Baranya County Council awarded a Press Award to Zoltán Koller, a television program editor, and for his work as a television producer, journalist, and editor.
The General Assembly of the Baranya County Council presented a Cultural, Arts Award to Anett Magyarné Manga, a teacher of graphic arts and drawing at the Park Street Elementary School in Mohács, in recognition of her decades-long career in the visual arts and teaching, her high-quality creative work in enamel art, and her exemplary efforts in nurturing talent and her pedagogical work.
The General Assembly of the Baranya County Council awarded the “For the Development of Baranya” honorary award to József Hárs, former mayor of Bóly, in recognition of his decades-long career, his dedicated work toward the development of the town and its region, and his exemplary service as a local leader.
The General Assembly of the Baranya County Council has awarded the Hungarian National Identity Award to the Siklós Traditional Heritage Association in recognition of its dedicated and high-quality work in preserving Hungarian national memory and the preservation of Baranya’s cultural heritage.
The General Assembly of the Baranya County Council has awarded the Pro Comitatu Baranya honorary prize to master organ builder Attila Budavári, in recognition of his exceptionally high-quality, culturally enriching creative work—unique both domestically and internationally—and his enduring contributions to the renewal and preservation of traditional organ building in Pécs.
This year, the General Assembly of the Baranya County Council awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Baranya to Prof. Dr. Lajos Papp, cardiac surgeon, clinic director, and university professor, for his enduring, pioneering, and exemplary scientific, research, and life-saving work in the field of cardiac surgery and cardiology, through which he contributed to the renewal of cardiac care in Hungary and in the Baranya-Pécs region.
