On the public service television news channel M1 on Saturday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Hungary’s protection has been reinforced due to the attacks in Paris, the Government has declared a national day of mourning for Sunday, and the Fidesz congress planned for that day will be postponed.

The Prime Minister began his statement by saying that it is hard to find words; the most important thing is to express sympathy and solidarity with the French people and the President of France.

The Prime Minister said that at its Saturday morning meeting the security task force had introduced reinforced security measures to be observed by all at sites such as major transport intersections, railway stations and Budapest airport.

“This will involve some inconvenience, so I would ask people to accept these measures with patience and understanding, because it is necessary to reinforce our security”, Mr Orbán said.

He said that “we have elevated to one hundred per cent” the B-level terrorism threat assessment in Hungary. As a result, there will be more police officers on the streets, with improved weaponry.

The events are being assessed and, if necessary, further measures will be implemented, because the security of Hungary and the Hungarian people is paramount, the Prime Minister said.

He also announced that the Government has declared a national day of mourning for Sunday.

The Fidesz congress originally planned to be held on Sunday will be postponed; in explanation, Mr Orbán said that a party congress is always a cause for celebration, and at a time like this there is no room for celebration.

Regarding the Hungary-Norway football match to be held in Budapest on Sunday, he said that the Hungarian Football Federation and the Ministry of Interior are already engaged in talks, and the circumstances under which the match will be held will depend on UEFA’s decision.

In answer to a question on whether there is any sign that Hungary may also be the target of a terrorist attack, the Prime Minister said that nothing can be ruled out; “at this point in time we have no data at our disposal indicating a direct threat, but this could change at any time”. “There is no such thing as absolute security; we must create the highest level of security possible in the circumstances”, Mr Orbán said.

(MTI)