Number of participants in Hungary's public employment programmes revealed

Pál Réthy announced that HUF 140.8 billion (approximately EUR 350 million) is available for financing these programmes this year.

He explained that the District Start Model Programmes are being implemented in 1,080 settlements, involving more than 26,000 people engaged in activities such as animal husbandry, crop production and local community development. He added that maintenance of internal roads, cleaning of ditches and control of ragweed all contribute to making settlements more liveable, orderly and safe.

According to his statement, the National Public Employment Programmes, in addition to the District Start Model Programmes, are also of key importance. These programmes are being implemented in two phases this year, with an average of 7,964 public employees involved.

Furthermore, the model programme that employs homeless and health-impaired individuals is important. Taking place in 18 counties and the capital, it involves 37 organisations and more than 600 people.

This year, particular focus was given to ragweed control, with over 30,000 people employed in public works taking part across almost 5,000 hectares.