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KDH: "Las Vegas On Danube" Will Bring More Risks Than Benefits
Thursday 17 December 2009 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, December 17 (TASR) - The financial benefits Slovakia might gain from the planned construction of the multi-functional project Metropolis on the outskirts of Bratislava in Jarovce do not outstrip the disadvantages, said Christian Democrat (KDH) representatives at a briefing Thursday held on the site on which the complex should be built.
KDH objects to the fact that part of the project is a casino. KDH acknowledges the benefits of the investment, namely higher tax revenues and creation of new jobs; however, they are wary of the risks in the form of criminality, particularly organised crime, drugs, gambling, increased poverty and broken homes. According to KDH representatives, these are the negative effects of such a "megalomaniac" project.
"Robert Fico's Government supports gambling," said KDH Vice-chair Jana Zitnanska.
KDH Chairman Jan Figel pointed to the fast-tracked procedure Parliament gave the Gaming Act amendment, a crucial piece of legislation regulating this kind of enterprise. According to Figel, the amendment was "purpose-built" for this single occasion.
The multifunctional entertainment and recreation project worth €1.5 billion, co-financed by Harrah's Entertainment Inc., should consist of a commercial area, aquapark, conference facilities, hotels and sports arenas as well as casinos spread out over 1.2 million square metres. The project should create 30,000 jobs long-term as well as temporary jobs and strengthen the service sector in the economy. The Metropolis will not to be supported by the Slovak Government in any way, thereby it would not have any direct impact on the state budget in the construction phase.
The Finance Ministry rejects KDH's criticism. "The ministry views such accusations as unsubstantiated, as the crucial part of the whole project features relaxation, cultural, recreational and sports facilities, including hotels and restaurants. The casino represents only a small part of the project," ministry spokesperson Miroslav Smal told TASR. He adds that such an investment would support the growth of tourism with a positive impact on public finances and employment.
The project was announced by Finance Minister Jan Pociatek in October. According to Pociatek, The Metropolis should bring 30,000 jobs, attract 5 million tourists to Slovakia yearly and increase the state tax income by €600 millions.
{There are already scores of casinos in Slovakia, though none of the magnitude of The Metropolis, which is located where Slovak, Hungarian and Austria borders meet - ed. note}
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