Defense Minister Halts Second Phase of Szolnok Special Operations Base Construction

Defense Minister Ruszin-Szendi Romulusz halted the second phase of building a special operations barracks in Szolnok, describing the project as plagued by overpriced contracts given to friendly parties. He indicated that the contract awarded to ZÁÉV Építőipari Zrt., a company largely owned by Mészáros Lőrinc, will be fragmented to open the tender to local contractors. Ruszin-Szendi also mentioned that some planned items, like darkened glass, are not required for the base.

The original complex, whose cornerstone was laid early last year on Thököly út, is intended to host elite units and command structures. The minister emphasized the desire to involve regional businesses in the construction. Earlier, former minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky Kristóf highlighted the project as a showcase for European defense development.