Pécs 2010 Capital of Culture project head sacked

Pécs city council yesterday dismissed András Mészáros, head of preparations for the city's stint as European Capital of Culture in 2010.

Mayor Péter Tasnádi cited a loss of confidence in Mészáros, delays in investment projects, inadequate sponsorship revenue, and lack of support from society for the project.

The job of overseeing the preparations will be taken over by Csaba Ruzsa, financial director of organiser Pécs 2010 Management Centre Kht.

Mészáros said he will take the matter to the labour court as he has a valid contract but was fired without receiving severance pay. He will claim the salary he says he is owed until late 2010, about Ft 40 million.

The Culture Ministry said Thursday that it considers the affair an internal matter for Pécs city council. The statement added that the plans have made adequate headway, and that Hungary can look forward to a successful and European-standard series of events in Pécs in 2010.

• Email
• Save to My Caboodle