The State Secretary for Local Government of the Ministry of Interior described migration as the most burning issue of our time at the international conference entitled Modern-Day Mass Migration, or a Complex Approach to Migration organised by the Academic Council for Internal Affairs.
Tibor Pogácsás reiterated: Hungary has a history full of bloodshed, during the course of which great wars and movements „swept us to the losing side” on a number of occasions. „At the end of the 20th century we believed that we would finally arrive in an environment” which may also give Hungarian society the future which made the West richer and luckier. „We did not think that we would later be faced with challenges”, the resolution of which depends on countries with in impact on world politics and factors which we have limited control over, he said.
He also reminded his audience that two years ago no one would have thought that a mass population movement would reach the country such as the one that Hungary „found itself in the midst of”.
According to the State Secretary for Local Government, due to its historical traditions and economic advancement, Hungary responds to the modern-day mass migration in a different, more sensitive way, than the countries of Western-Europe. He asked the question as to what the consequences might be if the rich countries skim all the benefits of such a migration movement and spread all the problems among the Member States of the European Union.
In outlining the Government’s position, he pointed out: they will take all measures that may be necessary in the interest of protecting the nation. He added: the process of migration can only be managed and stopped if it takes place outside the borders of Europe. He took the view that this is the only way to filter out those who are genuine refugees in need of help.
He also said that „the Hungarian economy is not fit to solve the economic problems of others”. He added: „the Hungarian economy is now in a state that we may finally make the dreams of the nineties come true, and we have the hope of making headway by standing on our own two feet economically”. He described this chance, however, as rather fragile, and added: „we are unable to carry weights on our back which – in my view – not even Europe, not even the European Union is able to cope with in the long run”.
He further mentioned the amendment of the Fundamental Law, stressing: there is a fundamental fault line between the Government and the opposition. While the Government perceives migration as a challenge which determines the long-term future of society, the opposition concerns itself with it on account of its momentary political interests. He added: it is the duty of the Government to keep the country in a state which keeps hope alive, makes it stronger and turns it into reality through the reinforcement of the economy.
(MTI)
