Pecs is now hoping to lure U.S. troops, scouting for a logistical base for their possible peacekeeping operation in Bosnia, as a way to revive its economy and to cash in on the big revenues a U.S. supply base would bring. Cafes, casinos and restaurants are already making plans and offering modified menus with items appealing to Americans. The transformation from a planned economy into a market system has been painful. The Hungarian government has cut budgets, encouraged private initiative and outside investment, raised prices and imposed additional taxes. While the prices appear reasonable for Westerners, they are high for Hungarians.
Many people work at second and third jobs to make ends meet.
Domestic companies often are not able to compete with foreign firms. Janus Pannonius University is one of the oldest universities in Europe. It was founded in 1367. The enrollment is about 10,000, with faculties housed in different areas of town. The program I taught is brand new.