nuclear-news

The nuclear deal signed in January by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Mr. Orban is set to add two 1,000-megawatt reactors to the country’s existing 2,000-MW state-owned nuclear power plant MVM Paksi Atomeromu, with Russia providing a loan for Hungary to cover the construction costs. French, Korean and Japanese companies had been interested in the project before Hungary awarded the deal to Russia’s Rosatom.

Running counter the wider trend in Central Europe where most countries seek greater energy independence from Russia, Hungary said after signing the deal that it is enjoying an improving business relationship with its former communist-era overlord.

The deal, which parliamentary committees are set to discuss on Monday, has faced criticism from nongovernmental organizations, opposition groups and environmental activists who said the cabinet had failed to consult them before accepting the Russian offer…….The left-leaning coalition that protested the deal is the strongest challenger of the ruling Fidesz party. Fidesz enjoyed the support of 29% of voters, while the left-leaning coalition has 21%, according to an end-January poll by Tarki. The far-right Jobbik party had 8% of support. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304851104579358992639240898