Hungary will not compromise on the issue of immigration, the Government Spokesperson stated on the Thursday evening programme of the public service television news channel M1.

István Hollik said earlier there were some promising signs that the new European Commission headed by Ursula von der Leyen will represent a policy that is different from that pursued by the previous commission.

At the same time, he described the speech recently delivered by Donald Tusk, the new leader of the European People’s Party as alarming given that the newly elected party president spoke out against anti-immigration politics. He expressly stated that he has a problem with fences and with border protection. Mr Hollik said “it is painful to see” that the European People’s Party still does not believe that the protection of Europe would be its primary responsibility.

In this context he observed that they would be happy if Matteo Salvini who is the leader of the most popular Italian party and represents a clear position on the issue of immigration which coincides with that of the Hungarian government became a member of the People’s Party.

The Government Spokesperson also highlighted that there was “a political witch-hunt, a revenge campaign” against László Trócsányi’s nomination as commissioner.

Pro-immigration forces closed ranks, and did everything they could against the Hungarian candidates. Criticisms are levelled at us because “we see immigration differently than they do,” Mr Hollik said.

The Government Spokesperson added that they also tried to attack Olivér Várhelyi, but they failed.

In his hands enlargement and neighbourhood policy will be in the right place, he said, highlighting that it is evident that enlargement, enlargement towards the Balkans is the guarantee of European security.

He stressed that the European Union simply cannot act in such a way that it negotiates with some states, lays down expectations and then “very crudely” some leaders say all of a sudden that “it’s time to apply the handbrake”. He added that they hope that the next commission will pursue a different policy, and enlargement will start.

Mr Hollik also spoke about the second economy protection action plan. He said the work has begun; specific proposals are being identified by the Ministry of Finance. “Storm clouds are gathering,” he said.

The growth of the German economy – Hungary’s most important foreign trade partner – has effectively decreased to zero. Sooner or later this will also have its effect felt in Hungary, he added.

Meanwhile Hungary wishes to maintain the goal of generating an economic growth rate minimum 2 per cent above the EU’s, the Government Spokesperson continued, pointing out that economic growth is not an abstract target, it benefits the Hungarian people: wages will rise and everyone will have jobs.

In answer to a question, he also said that the government still does not support the introduction of a congestion charge, but they will ask the Metropolitan General Assembly to state their specific plans, meaning how much this will cost residents of Budapest. The Government Spokesperson added that at the cabinet meeting that was also attended by Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony he made no mention of the congestion charge.

(MTI)