Latest news with #KossuthRádió
Budapest Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Orbán: We don't want the war to become our war
In an interview on Kossuth Rádió, Prime Minister Orbán emphasized the significance of this vote, calling it a 'huge success' and declaring that 'now begins the final push,' with eight days remaining for people to participate. He reiterated that admitting Ukraine to the EU equates to importing war into the bloc, warning that Europe is already 'deeply involved' in the conflict. 'We don't want the Russian-Ukrainian war to become our war,' he said, underscoring Hungary's consistent position that the conflict should have been isolated from the beginning. Instead, Western leaders opted to confront Russia in Ukraine, which, he argued, allowed the war to expand and entrenched Ukraine in dependency on foreign aid. The prime minister criticized the plan to finance Ukraine's EU integration through massive new loans, describing it as a path toward financial ruin at the EU level. He further noted that the Ukrainian president had attempted to intimidate Hungary. 'We acknowledge Ukraine's heroic resistance,' he said, 'but Hungary will not kneel. We are not impressed by President Zelensky's statements.' Addressing internal political dynamics, Prime Minister Orbán remarked that opposition parties such as DK and Tisza have supported Ukraine's EU bid, but this does not justify Zelensky's tone. In contrast, the Voks 2025 consultation reflects a national-level decision-making process, not driven by party politics but by public will. 'There are forces supporting Ukraine, and others standing for Hungarian national interests — people should decide in this light,' he said. Looking ahead, the prime minister warned of a critical two-week period of international negotiations. He identified a proposed EU embargo on Russian energy imports as a major threat, stating that it would multiply Hungary's energy costs. 'If they succeed, Hungary will have to pay two to three times more for energy,' he said, vowing to block the decision in order to preserve utility cost reductions. In response to new country-specific recommendations from Brussels, the prime minister said Hungary would not implement measures that impose excessive burdens on citizens, such as abolishing housing subsidies or ending price controls. He accused Brussels of attempting to strip member states of their powers and described an ongoing struggle over national competencies. 'They want to tell us how to live in our own countries,' he stated. Prime Minister Orbán also emphasized the importance of preserving Hungary's rural communities. Through the Hungarian Village Program, municipalities will now have tools to maintain the character of their towns. 'No part of the country should become depopulated,' he said. Reflecting on the broader political landscape, he described the rise of the European Patriots movement as a positive development for reclaiming national authority. 'Political strength comes from convincing the people,' he noted. With growing support, he expressed confidence that more patriot-led governments will emerge across Europe in the coming years.
Budapest Times
21-03-2025
- Business
- Budapest Times
Orbán: Ukraine's EU membership would be equal to economic collapse
PM Orbán warned that Ukraine's EU membership would mean economic collapse, insisting Hungary's lone stance is gaining support as national interests must come first. In this morning's interview on Kossuth Rádió's 'Good Morning, Hungary!', Prime Minister Viktor Orbán voiced strong opposition to Ukraine's accession to the European Union, warning that such a move would push the bloc toward economic collapse. 'Sooner or later, if not for other reasons, then economically, the moment of sobering will arrive: Ukraine's EU membership would be equal to economic collapse,' he stated, citing financial impracticalities and growing resistance across Europe. The prime minister emphasized that Hungary's opposition is not an outlier. Drawing parallels to Hungary's solitary stance on migration in the past, he suggested that support for the Hungarian position on Ukraine is steadily growing. 'We shouldn't be afraid of being alone on the issue of Ukraine, because we were also alone on migration, and now more and more are siding with the Hungarian position,' he added. PM Orbán also criticized Brussels for pushing EU-wide financial aid and military support to Ukraine, insisting that Hungary must protect its own national interests. 'For three years, we sent no weapons and no money to Ukraine,' he reminded listeners, reinforcing his government's peace-oriented position and condemning what he views as pressure to conform. On domestic issues, the prime minister addressed the newly introduced price cap regulation on consumer goods. He argued that the government had no choice but to intervene, as recent price hikes were not driven by market forces but by profit-driven foreign retail chains. 'We had to say to those raising prices: this far and no further,' he declared, explaining that the 10% profit cap on wholesale prices had already triggered price reductions. He also underscored that inspections would continue, as 'retail chains will try to find loopholes,' and added firmly: 'They must understand that Hungarians cannot be plundered.' PM Orbán further elaborated on why his administration chose not to reduce VAT as a means of price control. In previous instances, he claimed, most of the reduction was absorbed by retailers. 'Left-wing politicians knew this would happen, but they were on the side of the multinationals,' he noted, stressing that the government's approach now puts national interests above multinational profit. Turning to cultural and societal matters, the prime minister reiterated the government's stance on child protection in light of potential legal changes affecting public demonstrations. 'The right of children to healthy upbringing is a fundamental right,' he asserted, referencing efforts to limit exposure of minors to what he described as 'sexual provocations' in public spaces. He linked these moves to a broader pushback against international gender activism, claiming, 'a vast international gender network stands behind the parades.' On family policy, PM Orbán highlighted new measures such as lifetime income tax exemption for mothers of two children. 'That's why we introduced the family tax allowance,' he said, reaffirming the government's long-standing prioritization of families and traditional values. The interview concluded with the prime minister forecasting a wider European shift. He predicted that as the economic reality becomes unavoidable, EU leaders will be forced to confront the costs of their decisions. 'The judgment will be delivered,' PM Orbán said about the upcoming public vote on Ukraine's EU candidacy, hinting that Hungary's position may soon become the European mainstream.
Budapest Times
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Orbán: There will be no more Pride
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, in his regular Friday morning interview on Kossuth Rádió, outlined the government's stance on key issues, including economic measures, drug policy, and the future of Pride events in Hungary. The prime minister emphasized that the government's primary focus remains on economic stability and supporting families while maintaining Hungary's sovereignty in social policies. PM Orbán reiterated that Hungary's economic measures are guided by two key principles: peace and family support. He emphasized that economic progress is only possible in times of stability, stating that 'these measures can only be realized in peacetime.' He credited Hungary's economic resilience to policies that prioritize employment and family welfare. The prime minister reaffirmed Hungary's commitment to family-centered economic policies, including tax incentives for parents and an extended child benefit system. He highlighted new initiatives aimed at making Hungary a 'family tax paradise,' ensuring that those raising children receive significant financial support. 'If there is work, there is prosperity,' he stated, emphasizing the government's focus on employment as the foundation of economic security. Additionally, PM Orbán addressed inflation and food prices, announcing an upcoming VAT refund scheme for essential food items, set to provide Hungarian families with monthly financial relief. 'We are a people's party; we don't like to overcomplicate things,' he noted, stressing the importance of direct economic support. The prime minister signaled a crackdown on drug trafficking, calling for the establishment of specialized police task forces to combat the spread of synthetic drugs, particularly in rural areas. He stated that 'a full-scale hunt' for drug dealers will be launched, reinforcing the government's zero-tolerance policy on narcotics. PM Orbán also announced that Hungary will no longer allow Pride events. 'Such things should never have been allowed in the first place,' he said, criticizing previous diplomatic influences that facilitated these events in Hungary. He said the decision was part of broader child protection measures, arguing that promoting gender ideology is harmful to children. 'There are now sixty different 'neither man nor woman' categories being promoted in the West,' he said, adding that Hungary will stand firm against such ideologies. He reiterated that parents must have the right to protect their children from exposure to gender activism. According to the prime minister, recent global shifts, including the dismissal of diplomats advocating LGBTQ+ causes, signal a turning tide in international politics. 'The world has changed. These ambassadors have been sent home,' he noted. Turning to foreign policy, PM Orbán reaffirmed Hungary's opposition to Ukraine's EU membership, stating that it would 'devastate the Hungarian economy' and lead to an uncontrollable rise in crime. 'I'm not saying never, but for now, it's simply impossible,' he stated, emphasizing the risks associated with Ukraine's current state. The prime minister also addressed global political influences, asserting that Hungary must continue the work started by Donald Trump and Elon Musk in exposing left-wing networks. He claimed that these groups manipulate public opinion through financial influence, buying journalists and celebrities to shape narratives on issues such as migration and war.
