The Hungarian government is committed to resisting external and internal pressures in critical policy areas such as energy security, migration, and pension provision, said Balázs Orbán, political director to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Speaking on Kossuth Radio, he emphasized that Hungary is determined to stand up for its national interests despite opposition from Brussels and domestic critics.
Commenting on the recent vote in the German Bundestag rejecting a stricter asylum policy, Balázs Orbán stated that there is an intense battle between pro- and anti-migration forces in the German parliament. He noted that German public opinion has shifted dramatically in recent years and now overwhelmingly demands migration policy reforms—although a parliamentary majority for such changes has not yet been secured. ‘Germany faces a near-catastrophic situation, with between three and five million asylum seekers arriving since 2015, and an additional 251,000 in 2024 alone,’ he said. He warned of overcrowding in cities, overstretched social care systems, and a surge in migration-related violent crime, fuelling significant social tensions. He also pointed out that elements of the migration reforms proposed by Germany closely resemble Hungary’s existing border control measures. The proposed policies prioritize blocking illegal entry, the expulsion of illegal residents, and a reassessment of the humanitarian aspects of migration management—principles that Hungary has long upheld.
‘These are the foundations of Hungary’s successful migration policy. Yet, for this stance, Brussels has imposed sanctions on us, costing the Hungarian budget millions of euros,’ he remarked. He criticized the EU leadership for failing to assist member states in protecting their borders and curbing illegal immigration, instead of imposing legal, administrative, and financial hurdles to prevent a continent-wide shift towards stricter migration controls. Addressing European energy security, Balázs Orbán stressed that preserving energy independence is a core national interest. He urged Brussels to adopt policies that protect member states’ strategic interests rather than undermining them. He strongly criticized Ukraine, accusing it of endangering European energy security with its policies. Hungary, he stated, can only engage in constructive dialogue with Ukraine if it receives solid guarantees that its energy supply will not be threatened. ‘We have now obtained these guarantees. If they prove to be more than just words on paper, cooperation with Hungary is possible. If not, we will have to consider even stricter countermeasures,’ he warned.
He further emphasized that Hungary retains the option to halt EU sanctions policies and slow Ukraine’s progress towards European integration. ‘If Ukraine undermines the energy security of EU member states, then its path towards the European Union should be stopped,’ he asserted. Regarding pensions, Balázs Orbán dismissed criticism from Brussels and opposition parties about Hungary’s pension system, particularly the 13th-month pension payments. He described attempts to challenge these benefits as an effort to pressure Hungary into policy changes. ‘We have resisted this pressure for years,’ he said, pointing out that even opposition figures allied with Brussels, such as members of the Tisza Party, have begun to question the policy. He underscored the government’s success in maintaining the real value of pensions over the past decade, despite economic challenges, and reassured retirees that the 13th-month pension will be paid out as planned in 2024, with the necessary funds already allocated.
‘We are committed to standing firm against pressure from Brussels and the Hungarian opposition,’ he concluded.
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