Orbán’s cabinet: Hungary’s independence at stake

Budapest, May 18 (MTI) – The main issue of the next few years will be whether Hungary can maintain its independence as a member state of the European Union, the government office chief said on Thursday.

Serious disputes can be expected on relatively simple questions, such as who should decide whom to allow into Hungary, János Lázár told a weekly press briefing. Voters think this decision should be kept in the hands of Hungarians, he added.

Another serious dispute revolves around who sets tax rates: Brussels or the Hungarian parliament elected by taxpayers, Lázár said.

The supporters of internationalism in Europe want to curb the powers of nation states and boost the powers of Brussels, he added.

EP resolution ‘left-wing political provocation’

The resolution on Hungary approved by the European Parliament is “nothing other than a left-wing political provocation,” the government office chief said.

The European Parliament voted on Wednesday to propose invoking Article 7 against Hungary.

A consultation mechanism will be launched and Hungary will respond to all relevant question, János Lázár told a weekly press briefing on Thursday.

“Our interest lies in constructive dialogue,” he said. “But they are asking for impossible things that we cannot and do not want to fulfil because they go against Hungarian interests”, he added. Cooperation will be possible on some issues but not on most issues, he insisted.

The EP resolution also broaches the issue of the Central European University, he said. The government’s position is that everyone should be equal under the law and should abide by it. The government is “generous” and will be willing to hold consultations, “even with those that do not want to abide by the law,” Lázár said. The government will meet its obligation to also hold consultations with the European Commission on the matter, he added.