Culture and science are the best faces of Hungary, and this is what our country wants to show the world, Hiller stressed. This is the first time that a Hungarian city has taken the European Capital of Culture title, he noted. "It feels wonderful to say that Pécs is the European Capital of Culture."
Hiller expressed appreciation to the Serbian and the Croatian culture ministers who attended the opening ceremony. He thanked former Pécs mayors László Toller and Péter Tasnádi, as well as the city's current mayor Zsolt Páva, the citizens of Pécs, Arts Council members and Hungarofest. The minister voiced hope that 2010 would be an unforgettable year in the history of Pécs and Hungarian culture.
Zsolt Páva, Gordon Bajnai and István Hiller
The European Capital of Culture title is an enormous opportunity but also a responsibility for Pécs, Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai said in a speech. The programme is not just about a year but the prospect of getting Pécs on the map of Europe. "What starts here today is not only about Pécs but also about Hungary. It is about showing an example. It is about our capacity for joining forces in truly important matters," Bajnai said.
Pécs mayor Zsolt Páva found it symbolic that Pécs - which has traces of German and Turkish culture alike - would take the European Capital of Culture title together with Essen and Istanbul in 2010. Pécs will do its best to represent itself, Hungary and our region, he said
