Speaking on public Kossuth Radio on Friday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán presented recent governmental decisions, touching on discussions regarding Hungary’s EU presidency, the approaching Europe Summit in Budapest, interference from Brussels, and the soon-to-launch national consultation. Emphasizing Hungary’s honest and straightforward approach, he noted that while their voice may stand out within the EU, it aligns with recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, who warned that the Union faces decline without improved competitiveness. Viktor Orbán highlighted Macron’s key role in creating a competitive Europe.
The Prime Minister underscored that Hungary will host the European Political Community Summit. Orbán remarked, ‘The Western world will meet in Budapest,’ while observing that the US presidential election preceding the summit could influence its outcome.
The PM also spoke about his recent discussions with Emmanuel Macron that focused on the EU’s competitiveness and Hungary’s EU presidency.
Reflecting on past Hungarian perspectives, Orbán remarked that socialism had led the nation to economic collapse, inspiring Hungary to adopt the structures of a market economy to achieve success. Now, he argued, the West faces difficulties. Although the Chinese economy thrives, he stressed that its model is culturally incompatible with Hungary, necessitating the development of a unique approach to Hungarian prosperity.
Addressing the economic impacts of the Russo-Ukrainian war, the Prime Minister cautioned against returning to a Cold War mentality, although he acknowledged that some nations are leaning towards economic hostility as a response. He pointed out that despite unified EU positions, Hungary has managed to keep out of the war, a strategy he noted is also advantageous in sidestepping unsound economic policies.
Orbán compared politics to purchasing sausage, remarking that although citizens don’t see the process, one must excel in the craft. The Prime Minister insisted that Hungary has the right to pursue its own economic policies, suggesting that Brussels would prefer Hungary ‘not be the stone in its shoe.’ He asserted that Brussels has openly voiced plans for regime change, as it had done so in Poland, which also followed its own path.
He warned that meeting Brussels’ demands would harm Hungarian citizens, leading to high taxes, the abolition of corporate levies, the end of utility subsidies, and the potential withdrawal of agricultural support, which could be redirected to Ukraine.
‘If Donald Trump returns to office, the war will end’
The Prime Minister remarked that the upcoming US election is pivotal, opining that if Donald Trump returns to office, the war will end. He argued that such an outcome would facilitate growth, setting Hungary on a path to achieve over 3 per cent growth in 2025. He highlighted the importance of negotiations between employers and employees in setting wages, predicting an average salary of one million forints and a minimum wage of around four hundred thousand forints in the near future.
In terms of domestic affairs, Orbán stated he relies on the Hungarian people’s views to back government policy, as expressed through national consultations. He cited a prior consultation in which citizens urged the government to curb migration, despite Brussels’ support for accelerating the migration pact. The Prime Minister noted the ongoing struggle between pro- and anti-migration forces, expressing his conviction that the balance is shifting in Hungary’s favour.
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