– It's none of their business. They propose that we destroy the Hungarian economy and people. What they are asking for is austerity, PM Orban told Kossuth Radio's ”Good Morning, Hungary” programme, in response to the European Commission's recommendation that the Hungarian government should abolish its scheme of utility bill reductions. Mr Orban stressed that there was a consensus on this issue among Hungarians that went beyond party politics.
– Hungary must stand up for its interests, PM Orban said, stressing that any proposal leading to austerity must be rejected. He also indicated that
formulating the budget is a national competence.
Defence budget
We are living in a time of war, Hungary's prime minister said, adding that we need to defend ourselves, so we need to protect jobs, the value of pensions and families. This is why next year's budget will be a defence budget.
Mr Orban underlined that the budget must meet a wide range of objectives.
– We have a good finance minister, and we could not find a more seasoned and committed minister in the whole of Europe. I feel that the budget is safe with him, PM Orban said, expressing approval of Mihaly Varga's work. Perhaps the only person who has comparable experience is Mr Babis, the Czech Republic's former finance minister, who later became the country's prime minister, he added.
The prime minister emphasized that inflation will not go down on its own, it must be brought down. he said this was a big commitment for the government, adding that inflation must be in single digits by year's end.
– The war is also raging on the energy market, not just on the front line, Mr Orban said.
– As Hungary is the fastest-growing country and the one that needs the most energy, an increase in energy prices has serious repercussions, he added. This is why it is necessary to bring down inflation, he stressed.
He drew attention to the fact that Brussels' left-wing leadership has been so pre-occupied with Paks 2 that the construction is now behind schedule.
– If we were not at war but rather on the road to peace, then all of a sudden the economic situation would be easier and inflation would drop, he noted.