The entire European economy is stagnating, and we are also part of that European economy. The economies of Germany and Austria are also performing weakly, and generally, those countries that are more strongly connected to the German economic sphere are facing problems — Prime Minister Viktor Orban explained the main reason behind Hungary’s economic downturn during his Friday morning interview on Kossuth Radio. He added that it's important to understand the reasons behind this, in which the war also plays a significant role. However, if we focus solely on that, we will lose our ability to act. And for the country, it's crucial to remain capable of achieving its set economic goals.
– “We have set targets for 2025, and we must reach them,” Mr. Orban stated. He added that he does not intend to abandon any of the goals that have already been set. Parliament has approved Europe’s largest tax reduction package, he recalled.
– "In a few years, we will reach the point where anyone with two children will never have to pay income tax,” PM Orban emphasized,
reiterating his commitment to the plan despite ongoing economic hardships.
He also confirmed that the Demjan Sandor program to support small- and medium-sized enterprises will not be scaled back.
Hungary has lost several billion euros over the past three years due to the war, Mr. Orban stressed, adding that these economic difficulties would not exist if the funds sent to Ukraine had remained within the European economy.
Yet European leaders continue to pursue war, supporting Ukraine even against the position of U.S. leadership, he noted. He emphasized that
Without the United States, we won't be able to fund or maintain Ukraine and the Ukrainian army.
Ukraine’s EU Accession Would Destroy the Hungarian Economy
Mr. Orban identified as a serious concern that Ukraine is now demanding that the European Union finance its one-million-strong army.
– “The money they want to spend over there could be spent here. They're shoveling our money — including our own — out to Ukraine,” he stated.