At a press conference in Debrecen, Balázs Orbán, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), recalled that MCC has a 25-year history in talent management. He said 2020 was an important year, as this was when the parliament, recognizing their work, decided to provide MCC with a large amount of funding so that it could expand.
Today, they are present in more than 30 locations in the Carpathian Basin. Tens of thousands of primary and secondary school pupils, university students and adults are participating in their training programs at various levels, he said. There are presently 23 MCC bases, 14 of which are in Hungary and the rest in cross-border areas.
MCC opened its base in Debrecen a year ago in the Hotel Aranybika, Balázs Orbán said, adding that in addition to training courses, they also organize book launches, public debates and professional conferences, which are very popular.
MCC is also launching a design competition for the renovation of the Aranybika building in Debrecen, the state secretary announced. The aim is for the new part of the building to be a 21st century facility that can host MCC’s educational programs, he said.
As a result of the architectural design competition, licensing plans are expected by the beginning of 2023, after which work will start. The old wing of the hotel, designed by Alfréd Hajós, will continue to operate as a hotel after the renovation, he said.
Mayor of Debrecen László Papp (Fidesz-KDNP) called the Aranybika part of the city’s identity, not only as a hotel but also as an important community and cultural space, alongside Bartók Hall, Víg cinema and the former Turkish baths. He expressed the hope that after the complete renovation “Aranybika will once again become part of the pride of Debrecen.”
