Debrecen4U May 14, 2026

Mayors of Debrecen, Miskolc and Nyíregyháza Discuss Cooperation with Government and One Another

PwC Hungary organised its Business Forum in Debrecen for the third time. The programme featured a panel discussion on the future directions of economic development with the participation of László Papp, Mayor of Debrecen, Ferenc Kovács, Mayor of Nyíregyháza, and József Tóth-Szántai, Mayor of Miskolc. Cooperation with the new government was also discussed during the conversation.

Speaking about the three county-seat cities, László Papp, Mayor of Debrecen, said: “I am convinced that we will only truly be competitive in the coming decades if we place the emphasis on cooperation rather than trying to compete against one another. We are not rivals, but allies.”

“I believe that whatever happens in Nyíregyháza, whatever happens in Debrecen or Miskolc, has an impact on the other two cities. That is precisely why it is very important for us to think in terms of alliance and cooperation, and in fact this has characterised our approach towards the major cities of the region,” he added.

Mayor László Papp stated that it is extremely important for local governments to retain the autonomy necessary to influence their own economic development.

“This requires, on the one hand, decision-making competences and, on the other hand, financial resources. A new governmental cycle is beginning, and we are consistent in our position that decisions restricting the financial room for manoeuvre of local governments are not appropriate, because they effectively affect the local economy as well. I am particularly referring to the solidarity contribution, the system of which clearly needs to be reconsidered,” he emphasised.

Competitiveness is difficult to interpret without competition — this was highlighted by Ferenc Kovács. The Mayor of Nyíregyháza stated that when a major investor examines Eastern Hungary, they visit all three cities. “This competition does not have a negative effect either on our cooperation or on strengthening the economic development programmes of the individual cities.” Ferenc Kovács added that there is a need to establish a coordinated, common position for negotiations with the government. “If Nyíregyháza’s programme does not fit the vision of the government of the day, then it is not necessarily beneficial,” he pointed out.

József Tóth-Szántai, Mayor of Miskolc, spoke about how joint thinking is the basis for ensuring that the cities view one another not as competitors but as partners. “Everyone has already travelled a long road in a new environment, both Debrecen and Nyíregyháza. Meanwhile, we are about to embark on a journey in the coming period. Therefore, I trust that we will find those common points where, by acting together, we can be far stronger than separately,” he stressed.

Business Forum 2026 conference focused on the development prospects of the Eastern Hungarian economy and opportunities for cooperation. The programme featured city leaders, executives of major corporations and family businesses, as well as Hungarian and international experts sharing their experiences regarding regional economic development strategies, corporate growth opportunities, the practical application of innovation and artificial intelligence, and current issues affecting the Eastern Hungarian property market.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu