Where can the fate of Debrecen turn the Chinese battery factory?
Debrecen, one of the water-based giga-investment cities to be established in its borders, is on the map of Europe before its unprecedented development. According to the other vision, and fear, as a result of the huge battery factory being built, Debrecen may become an unlivable city, from which people who can afford it will flee.
As a result of several years of secret negotiation process, those who invited the factory to Debrecen say that world-class modern technology will arrive here, and it will create jobs for nearly ten thousand people, not to mention the suppliers who will also settle here in the future. Those alarmed by the completely unexpected and sudden announcement fear that the operation of the factory will cause unforeseeable environmental damage, its huge water demand will only increase the effects of the years-long drought and the already undeniable climate crisis, and it may also lead to a social movement that is irreversible and unwanted are transforming Debrecen.
Who can be right? One, the other, all, none? We can’t know. As citizens living here, you don’t get arguments, we don’t get to know analytical – government and independent – impact studies, we couldn’t pay attention to pro and con expert debates, we couldn’t ask our questions in public forums… Decisions were made and brought to our attention in the same way as in Hungary before the regime change it has always happened, as it still happens in the People’s Republic of China. As if we had nothing to do with what will happen to our city, including us, our children, our grandchildren.
We would certainly have had an opinion, we would have been open to thorough and considered arguments trying to convince us here and there.
If the battery factory does not bring any environmental danger here, the question is still where Debrecen should go next. There are certainly those who believe that the key to the future is the creation of all kinds of factories and industrial plants, bigger and bigger, around the city. Just as there may be quite a few people who think we should stop concreting hundreds and hundreds of hectares of valuable farmland, who think the water should be used for irrigation instead, keep and strengthen the agrarian nature of Debrecen’s economy, and resurrect an internationally renowned food industry.
Do the people of Debrecen want their leaders to swell the city to a population of three hundred thousand, as stated in the concrete plan a few years ago, or do they rather think that the current population of two hundred thousand is enough, rather the living conditions of this population should be improved. Progress or stay? And which direction is the actual progress?
Do the people of Debrecen have anything to do with what will happen to their city? And can they have a say?
The city is noticeably divided over the Chinese battery factory here. In a state of complete unpreparedness, it seems that many accept the giga-investment, or protest against it, purely based on political sympathies, party beliefs, deep trust and immeasurable mistrust. Not a little, again with a temper inclined to hatred here and there.
At the signing ceremony in Debrecen, deputy mayor Lajos Barcsa – also speaking on behalf of mayor László Papp, who was absent due to health reasons – spoke about a milestone of historical importance. Prime Minister Péter Szijjártó said in his speech at the event,
“today we are writing history here in Debrecen”.
Undoubtedly, both are right. Their decision to bring the Chinese factory to the city may have historic consequences in the further history of Debrecen. This or that way. That is why the citizens of Debrecen should have discussed this. If we still have this ability left, if we can still talk to each other – for the city, for ourselves.
Related articles:
– Is this what public service is about? Media imbalance in Debrecen
– According to MSZP and Mi Hazánk Mozgalom, there are still many unclear questions regarding the battery factory in Debrecen
– DK also launches a petition regarding the Chinese battery factory, the LMP is expected to submit its referendum questions next week
– CATL would start battery production in Debrecen as early as the beginning of 2025 – The agreement was signed with the Chinese giant
– The Future of Debrecen and the Nagyerdőért Egyesület say nothing about the battery factory in Debrecen
– DK does not take part in the closed-door discussions in the town hall about the battery factory in Debrecen
– The CATL battery factory in Debrecen has been continuously prepared for more than two years – according to Lajos Kósa
– The city administration cannot guarantee Debrecen’s safe water supply – announced the DK
– “If the rivers dry up, the battery factories won’t work either” – Debrecen’s general assembly spoke about environmental concerns
– “The end will be that Debrecen will become an unlivable ghost town” – LMP held a press conference about the battery factory
– In principle, a local referendum can be held on the battery factory in Debrecen, which is classified as a priority investment
– Will another Chinese battery factory be built in Debrecen?
– Local referendum on the LMP Chinese battery factory in Debrecen
– DK expressed concern about the CATL battery factory located in Debrecen
– The MSZP representative requested an urgent discussion regarding the Chinese gigafactory to be built in Debrecen
– Sensational madness, how big it is!
– Lack of information, noise pollution, few jobs for locals – These were reported by people living next to the battery factory in Göd
– One of the biggest investments in recent years is the South Korean cathode factory being built in Debrecen, but there are still many unclarified questions
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