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Hungary Wants Nuclear Deal With Russia Kept Secret for 30 Years

The reactors will provide about half of Hungary's electricity. Wikicommons

BUDAPEST — Hungary has approved legislation making secret for 30 years key details of a contract with Russia to expand its only nuclear power plant.

The government says the measure, which applies to business and technical aspects of the scheme for Russia's Rosatom to build two new reactors at the Paks power plant, is needed for national security reasons and is in line with similar guidelines in other European countries. The reactors will provide about half of Hungary's electricity.

Timea Szabo, of the opposition Dialogue for Hungary party, said the decision was a hotbed for corruption and amounted to "the legalization of a gigantic robbery."

The amendment was passed Tuesday by lawmakers from Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party and its ally, the Christian Democrats. All opposition parties voted against.

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