Controversy as special kindergarten is closed in Szeged

A kindergarten attended by children with Down Syndrome and autism, as well as healthy children, has been closed by the Szeged local government, writes Magyar Nemzet.

The local government referred to a National Public Health and Medical Officers Service (Állami Népegészségügyi és Tisztiorvosi Szolgálat; ÁNTSZ) inspection stating that the out-of-date heating system made the building dangerous. Their other argument is that the kindergarten does not have a garden, but this is also true of 80 percent of Budapest kindergartens.

According to leader of local Fidesz opposition László Szabó, the kindergarten has been closed for business reasons. There are plans to open three casinos in the area, but as they would be closer than 200 metres to the kindergarten, they would not receive licenses. With Szeged's only kindergarten integrating children with Down Syndrome closed, the casinos can be opened, he said. Parents and local opposition initiate negotiations.

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