On Wednesday, 9 October Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will present the priorities and programme of the Hungarian EU Presidency to the plenary session of the European Parliament (EP). Given that the primary focus in the left-wing majority EP is anticipated to be an attack on Hungary and Viktor Orbán rather than a substantive debate on the programme, the prime minister deemed it more prudent to outline the priorities at an international press conference the day before the debate.
However, Tuesday’s press conference was not without its twists and turns. Orbán had barely begun his speech when Márton Gyekiczki, a member of the youth organization of the Hungarian left-liberal Democratic Coalition (DK) party, disrupted the event with a peculiar ‘performance.’ The politician, who called the Hungarian PM a traitor, was confronted by security personnel and subsequently removed from the venue. Following this incident, Orbán continued his speech without further interruption.
Hongaarse man komt joelend binnen tijdens persconferentie van premier Viktor Orbán, beveiliging grijpt snel in: pic.twitter.com/cJszZEbQYy
— Alexander Bakker (@alexanderbakker) October 8, 2024
The Catalyst of Transformation
‘Europe is in for a slow agony,’ Viktor Orbán stated, quoting Mario Draghi, the former President of the European Central Bank, regarding the challenge of competitiveness. From Hungary’s perspective, the European Union must undergo significant change, and the Hungarian Presidency aims to be the catalyst for this transformation. He emphasized that improving Europe’s competitiveness is central to Hungary’s agenda, as the continent’s pace of development lags far behind that of the US and China. Among the issues he highlighted were Europe’s declining investment in research and development and the serious challenges posed by worsening demographics.
According to Viktor Orbán, for the European Union to achieve economic competitiveness and narrow its gap with the United States, a new economic competitiveness pact is essential, which is among the top priorities of the Hungarian Presidency. The components of this new pact would include:
- Reducing administrative burdens
- Mitigating over-regulation
- Ensuring affordable energy prices
- Developing a green industrial policy that encompasses not only a green transition but also aligns with a coordinated European industrial strategy
- Strengthening the internal market
- Implementing a capital market union
- Enhancing connectivity
The Hungarian PM also criticized the tariffs imposed on Chinese electric cars, asserting that the decision about them is misguided that does not align with the views of the majority of Europeans.
Tackling Migration Together
Regarding migration, the Hungarian proposal highlights strengthening the protection of the EU’s borders, with necessary support provided for this initiative. Viktor Orbán stated that he is deeply embroiled in the contentious debate over this issue, noting that his political opponents label him as an ‘idiot and evil,’ but he believes he will ultimately be proven right.
He recalled that since 2015 Hungary has consistently maintained that while various approaches can be attempted, the only effective way to halt migration is through external hotspots. ‘Anyone who wants to enter the EU must stop at the border, where their application will be assessed; until then, they cannot be admitted,’ he asserted.
PM Orbán underscored that only Europeans can decide who is permitted to enter the EU. He argued that a common solution to the migration issue is essential, as individual member states cannot address it alone. For this reason, he proposes holding summits within the Schengen area, similar to EU or eurozone summits, to facilitate discussions on migration without compromising the Schengen agreement that allows for the free movement of persons and capital. Orbán expressed concern that unchecked migration could threaten the future of the Schengen agreement.
The Hungarian PM also discussed the development of the European defence industry, the importance of Serbia becoming a member of the EU, and emphasized that the next EU budget cycle should pay special attention to supporting agriculture.
Trump, Ukraine and the Patriots
After his remarks journalists had the opportunity to pose questions to Viktor Orbán. The first one concerned the anticipated impact of the US presidential election on Europe. According to PM Orbán, ‘Several bottles of champagne will be opened if Donald Trump wins.’ He added that a victory of the Republican candidate would mark the beginning of a new chapter and urged EU leaders to convene immediately after the election to begin strategic discussions together.
Responding to a question from a Ukrainian journalist, he dismissed the notion that Hungary would refrain from fighting if attacked by Russia, calling it absurd, as Moscow would never assault a NATO member state—especially since it is struggling to defeat Ukraine. He stressed that Hungary is providing humanitarian aid to Kyiv but maintains that the primary focus should be on achieving a ceasefire. ‘You cannot win this war on the battlefield,’ Viktor Orbán asserted, describing the European Union’s current strategy as erroneous and acknowledging that he holds a minority view on this issue. He noted that he recognizes that Ukraine’s legitimate goal is to secure a victory, but reiterated that in his view achieving this on the battlefield is not feasible. The PM admitted that he does not have a specific solution to end the conflict but asserted that any resolution will remain elusive without communication between the warring parties.
‘You cannot win this war on the battlefield’
As to his broader objective, Orbán said it is a shift in European strategy, which is resisted by the mainstream European elite. He noted that this opposition includes individuals from the left, right, and liberal factions, who overlook the voices of the protesting masses dissatisfied with the management of agriculture, the war, and the deterioration of their living conditions. Consequently, new parties and actors are emerging in European politics that will demand change, he said, citing as an example the recently founded Patriots for Europe (PfE) EP political group.
‘This elite views newcomers, such as those of us in the Patriots for Europe group, as dangerous,’ Orbán stated, adding that ‘ultimately, they may be justified in their concerns and will be compelled to accept the proposals put forth by the Patriots, whom they are currently seeking to exclude from European politics.’
The European Parliament will hold a debate on the programme of the Hungarian EU Presidency on Wednesday, 9 October, during which PM Orbán will present the priorities of his presidency for the first time. Following Orbán’s speech, the leaders of the political groups will address the assembly, followed by statements from the MEPs.
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