The city of Veszprem is unique not only because of its past but but also because in Veszprem the future is visible to the naked eye, Viktor Orban said at the beginning of his speech. "Veszprem symbolizes how to invent, build, and create new things while staying true to who we are. In other words, how to be innovative in a conservative way," he added.
There is no absurd situation a Hungarian cannot solve, the prime minister underscored. "We find enjoyment in kicking up the iron laws of the world in a cunning and endlessly witty way. The CODE Digital Experience Center is also a result of Hungarian ingenuity," he noted.
We showed that Europe is not in Brussels, but in Veszprem
PM Orban recalled that Veszprem and its surrounding region served as the European Capital of Culture. "We fought fierce battles with Brussels, but this city proves that successful cooperation between the European Union and Hungary is possible," the Hungarian prime minister said, adding that this success was only possible because Hungarian organizers were granted a total freedom of action.
"We have always said that Europe is not in Brussels, or at least, it is less and less there. We showed that Europe is here, in Veszprem. With the help of Veszprem and the surrounding municipalities, we organized a series of events over 365 days, the prime minister said.
The Hungarian government supported the programs with 74 billion forints, and an equal amount was spent on church renovations. A total of 1.6 million visitors attended the events in the city, Viktor Orban recalled.
The liberal West has fallen, but freedom is just returning
"Hungary is a diverse, tolerant, and proud nation, while Brussels is becoming increasingly isolated and detached," PM Orban declared. "We know that the freedom of European nations is not a hindrance but the driving force of the European Union. The secret to Hungary’s success has always been that people here meet and stand together. The CODE Experience Center will be such a place," Hungary's head of government pointed out.
PM Orban emphasized that Hungarian ingenuity is more important today than ever, as the world is undergoing a major transformation. The liberal world order is truly over, with their entire international structure crumbling like a house of cards, he stated. Although the liberal West has fallen, freedom is just returning, he added. Every nation has regained control over its own destiny. "We Hungarians have always longed for this, to be able to create in peace and freedom, to make Hungary great again. This cannot be achieved against a headwind, but with a tailwind, it is possible."
Referring to Donald Trump ’s return to the US presidency, Viktor Orban remarked that the wind from across the Atlantic is already blowing in the right direction, now we just need to turn the Brussels wind around.
2025 will be the first year of peace, the government is to implement Europe's largest tax cut
PM Orban pointed out that with the war over, 2025 will be the first year of peace, and it could not come at a better time. Now is the time to think boldly and big, he said. Now is the time for what the government has been preparing for a long time: to implement Europe's largest tax reduction program.
"Starting this October, all mothers with three children will no longer have to pay personal income tax. In 2026, the exemption will extend to mothers with two children, beginning with women under 40. If we succeed in implementing this fully, millions of Hungarians will never have to pay income tax again in their lifetime," Viktor Orban explained.
Closing his speech, Viktor Orban described the CODE center as a symbol of bold and innovative thinking and congratulated everyone involved in its planning and execution.
Cover photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (Photo: MTI/Hungarian PM's Press Office/Vivien Cher Benko)
