Interview with Mr. Milan Murgaš

1. What are the strengths of Banská Bystrica County when compared to other self-governing regions and where do you see the region’s future potential?
Our self-governing region has many advantages in comparison with others. It prides itself on its beautiful countryside, which is often unspoilt, its many healing mineral springs and its kind and hospitable people.
As for industry in the region, we have begun very intense cooperation with businesses, helping them to establish engineering, tourism and metallurgical groups. The potential, then, lies in connecting the local government, entrepreneurs and educational institutions. We were the region to most successfully benefit from structural funds in the period of 2004 – 2006 and we are prepared to defend this position in the current programming period 2007 – 2013 as well.

2. What are the common pitfalls that all self-governing regions in Slovakia must face at the moment?
All the governors of the self-governing regions united to form an association called SK8. Together we try to tackle such issues as employment, education, structural fund benefits, and economy. We have become more influential in negotiations with individual ministries and the Government. However, we all decidedly suffer from a lack of technical infrastructure in our areas, inadequate marketing of Slovakia and its natural beauty, and a lack of connectedness between education and practice.

;reklama;

3. The Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region (BBSK) is a very attractive region not just for local but also for foreign tourists. What investments are you planning to boost the region’s popu­larity?
We have several projects ready, which are of a public or public/private nature. Many of them were introduced at the Slovak Government’s ses­sions in our region. We would like to utilise the character of our territory to its full, of course taking the environment into account. The projects focus on the use of thermal springs, enhancing spa services, improving ski resorts, increasing the accommodation capacity of hotels, cycling routes, hiking trails and the promotion of BBSK.
 
4. Do you have any preliminary information about the impact of the financial crisis on the Banská Bystrica region?
The statistical data in question is being assessed but I have to say that we are not the only ones to have been affected by the financial crisis. SK8 has been looking closely at this problem. Slovakia had begun to develop economically. The growth of businesses, services and capital was very favourable. Also the current recession will certainly have a marked negative impact on the budget of the region, which is attained largely through shares taxation. 

We are reviewing our goals, which were focused on improving schooling, roads and the health system. We are looking for ways of obtaining outside resources, which are considerably limited. We face the challenge of showing that we are, even in difficult times, a capable and a skilled nation.
 
5. What specific action to increase employment in the region do you plan to take in the future?
Unemployment in our regions has been high for a long time. We will certainly not succeed in reverting this macroeconomic indicator at present due to the financial crisis. Young people are returning home from abroad as a result of losing work. Many large employers in our region have announced redundancies. But I don’t want to list the negatives. 

In cooperation with the Employment Ministry for Social Affairs and Family and the Work Office, we have launched a network of social enterprises in our region to employ those citizens who have been unemployed long-term. I also see the potential of increasing employment through reconstruction work on roads in the Banská Bystrica region, which would allow for the employment of people with more basic education. We are also in a position to receive allocations from structural funds.

6.  Of which places in Slovakia have you grown the fondest?
It is very difficult to name specific places because Slovakia is a beautiful country. One of the places that I certainly like the most is my hometown of Banská Bystrica and the Horehronie area with its rugged landscape, rough life and warm people. Since I am a fan of mountain hiking I love the Low and High Tatras. I often visit southern parts of our region with its beautiful vineyards, which produce high quality wine. The beautiful scenery below the extinct Poľana volcano has been entered on the UNESCO list.

7. Even though the New Year has already begun, what is your wish for the readers of our magazine?
Above all, I would like to wish them health. That is the most precious thing a person can have. Then I would like to wish them peace, happiness, comfort and strength to overcome all obstacles they will face this year. My wish for the SK Magazine is for long continuation producing interesting articles and promoting Slovakia.

More info: www.vucbb.sk

By Beata Pašková
Photo: Archive VÚC BB

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