This year showed that a new economic policy was needed, said the minister responsible for the Prime Minister's Office.Continue reading
In his recent interview on Kossuth Radio, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed significant topics, including the ideological shift in the West, Hungary’s economic strategy, and upcoming European Political Community (EPC) summit in Budapest.
Pro-Peace and Anti-Migration Shift in the West
The Prime Minister expressed confidence in a growing pro-peace and anti-migration sentiment across the West, especially in Europe and the U.S., predicting that this shift would influence upcoming elections. He stated,
the winds are also changing in America: Democrats are going, Republicans are coming, Donald Trump will be president again.”
He anticipates that the recently established Patriots Group in the European Parliament will grow and become a majority force.
Economic Neutrality, Industry Strength, and Sándor Demján Program
Turning to Hungary’s economy, Mr. Orbán highlighted the country’s strong industrial base, with advanced sectors in automotive, defense, electronics, and IT. He praised Hungarian workers for managing factories “to the highest standards in the world.” However, he noted challenges in European trade demand, stressing the importance of economic neutrality so Hungary can trade with both the East and West:
if our products are not bought in the West, they will be bought in the East.”
He introduced the Sándor Demján Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling to compete. The initiative offers state-backed loans and EU funding to help them grow, aiming to make SMEs active players in Hungary’s growth plan.
Support for Young Workers
Viktor Orbán announced a new program providing worker’s loan for young Hungarians aged 17 to 25. This virtually interest-free loan of HUF 4M (EUR 9,805) helps young people achieve independence and start families.
With flexible terms, repayments are paused after each child, and the debt is waived entirely after three children.
The PM emphasized the need for this support, particularly for young people outside higher education: “what about the young people who work?”
European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Budapest
The head of the government also spoke on the upcoming EPC summit, calling it Hungary’s largest diplomatic event.
With 45–47 heads of state expected, the summit will address key issues, including Europe’s economic competitiveness and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
He remarked, “we are now sitting on the stool, in the corner, while Americans and Russians negotiate,” underscoring the need for Europeans to shape their future together.
In his address, Prime Minister Orbán presented a comprehensive strategy for Hungary amid global shifts. His pro-peace and anti-migration stance reflects a broader Western sentiment, supported by the Patriots of Europe group and projected gains for Republicans in the U.S. Domestically, he emphasized economic neutrality, SME support, and youth assistance as pillars for a self-sufficient Hungary. Hosting the EPC summit places Hungary at the center of key discussions, allowing it to influence Europe’s future direction.
Via MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda / Fischer Zoltán