Regarding George Soros’s associates, the Prime Minister stated that “I know that they will not accept the result of the election, they will organise all manner of things and they have unlimited financial resources at their disposal”. In his view, “they mobilised colossal amounts of money” in trying to secure victory for the opposition, because it is not good for them if there is an anti-immigration government.
At the same time, the Prime Minister stressed that it is his duty to defend Hungary against speculators. In his opinion speculators never give up, because their world of profiteering is one which continually reappears.
Reacting to the planned departure of the Open Society Foundations from Budapest, he said: “Perhaps our listeners will understand why I won’t shed crocodile tears.”
Regarding the recently published “Soros network” list, he said that the essence of European politics is transparency, and he therefore he encourages the press to publicly reveal the facts and uncover as many networks and syndicates as possible. If someone is not ashamed to accept money from foreigners, he observed, they should not be ashamed to declare that fact.
Mr. Orbán also said that the Government sees immigration as the most important question for the coming decades, and it is therefore a moral duty to talk about it and to ensure that this message reaches every household: “we have to repeat this a hundred times – and, if necessary, a thousand times”. He added that he will not be idle in this regard, and that although this demands a high tolerance for monotony, it is an important part of his profession.
In relation to the UN’s preparations for a migration compact, he stressed that the Hungarian people see migration as something bad, and something which must be kept at bay rather than encouraged, together with the need to help everyone prosper in their native lands. He stressed that Europe’s Christian-based civilisation must be defended.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the European Union’s plans related to migration, saying that it would run counter to the principles of democracy to adopt new immigration policy decisions now, just one year before elections for the European Parliament. Such decisions would, he said, present leaders elected next year with a “fait accompli”. Therefore he does not support the adoption of definitive EU legislation on immigration at the end of June this year.
Regarding the result of Hungary’s parliamentary elections, the Prime Minister said that he is in good spirits and is happy, because some 650,000 more people voted for the governing parties than four years ago, and they received 336,000 more votes than all opposition parties in Parliament combined. The Fidesz-KDNP party alliance, he added, won in every type of settlement, ranging from small villages to Budapest. In his view, Hungary’s leaders are on the same wavelength as the majority of Hungarian voters – a majority that is outstanding even in European comparison.
He highlighted, however, that he will continue to strive for his cabinet to be “not a government for two thirds, but a government for three thirds”. He said that his government must also serve those who did not vote for Fidesz-KDNP, as they too are part of the Hungarian nation.
The Prime Minister pointed out that there is a mysterious quality to elections, with “something biblical about the way that a common will emerges from many millions of individual wills, with people shouting ‘Barabbas’ or ‘Jesus’.”
In his view it is advisable for politicians to exercise humility, and although the taste of defeat is bitter, they must accept the people’s decision. At the same time, he said, everyone is entitled to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. He asked protesters to exercise these rights in a peaceful manner.
Regarding suggestions that votes should be recounted, he said that “that would be like winning a match 4-0 and our opponents demanding a recount of the goals. The final whistle has been blown: game over”.
In relation to the resignation of opposition leaders, Mr. Orbán said that in politics one loses more often than one wins, and this is something that should be taken account of from the outset. Politicians are not businesspeople, he said, and “this is a duty, and the captain cannot abandon a sinking ship – especially before anyone else does.” He added that as a politician one must serve one’s country in both victory and defeat. In his view, those who fail to understand this are not cut out to be politicians, and would do well to seek other occupations.
The Prime Minister’s Office may undergo changes, but Mihály Varga will continue to be responsible for the central budget
In his new government Mr. Orbán is planning to change the structure of the Prime Minister’s Office, but he also announced that Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga will remain in charge of the budget, as head of the Economic Cabinet.
Regarding the Prime Minister’s Office, he said that he would like to reshape the Government’s “nerve centre”, and that he wants to create a different kind of leadership structure. He stated that substantial talks on this matter have already taken place, and these will continue over the coming weekend. Mr. Orbán also indicated that both he and the country have an interest in the new government being formed as soon as possible, that talks are ongoing, and “we will soon have a new government”.
He said that he is wary of creating new ministries, however, because there is no need to “repair” something which is already working well. It makes sense, he noted, to retain the current system in which large ministries are led by ministers with strong remits.
Another goal he mentioned is that of Parliament adopting next year’s budget before the summer recess – as has happened in recent years. He said that he has already spoken to Mr. Varga about the progress of preparation on this matter. The Prime Minister confirmed that he will continue to rely on Mr. Varga in the future, as he is an extremely talented and experienced minister.
Regarding the issues of demography and support for families, Mr. Orbán said that Hungary’s demographic prospects stand or fall on the attitudes of Hungarian women – whose decisions are the determining factor. He would therefore like to conclude a comprehensive agreement with that section of society on the future of Hungary and the predictable prospects that the Government can offer its members over the next twenty to thirty years. He stressed that the decision to raise children is the most personal, yet it is important for the community. He added that if women want to raise children and express their opinions on this, then the Government is duty-bound to listen to them and understand them.
Speaking about Hungary’s recent parliamentary election, he noted that voters had given their affirmation to the Government’s fundamental goals, such as economic growth, sound finances, attainment of full employment, family support, preservation of the value of pensions and the guarantee of security. He stated that “in Europe let us not yield on immigration policy, and let Hungary remain a Hungarian country”.
The Prime Minister, said that with these “old, unchanged goals” he is planning a new government structure, “largely with new people”. He stated that “the people did not vote for the continuation of the work of the current government, but they do want continuity in the service of the goals”.
