Hungarian government: We can send Brussels a clear message

“Only the Hungarians can decide who they want to live with, not Brussels”, Head of the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister Antal Rogán said at a press conference held during the recess of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting after President of the Republic János Áder set the date for the Government-initiated national referendum on the mandatory relocation quotas for 2 October.

“On 2 October the citizens of Hungary will be the first in Europe to have the opportunity to voice their opinion on Brussels’ immigration policy, and can send a clear message as whether they support or rejects Brussels’ immigration policy”, Mr. Rogán said.

“The Government is asking the people of Hungary to say no to mandatory relocation and to Brussels’ immigration policy”, he added, while also asking Hungarians to participate in the referendum in as large numbers as possible. The Minster continued by saying that with regard to immigration policy, the Cabinet continues to regard the protection of borders and stopping the flow of immigrants entering Europe as the most important priorities.

In reply to a question on the referendum campaign, Mr. Rogán said the Government would start launching a series of informative adverts, which is already partly underway and would continue throughout July and August. Following 20 August (St. Stephen’s Day, a major national holiday), however “in addition to increasing public awareness we would like to put forward the standpoint of the Hungarian Government to a much wider audience and in a much clearer fashion”, he indicated, noting that in addition to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, every Minister and Minister of State would be taking part in the campaign. He also asked that every Parliamentary party voice its opinion on the subject. Mr. Rogán also informed reporters about the reinforcement of Hungary’s southern border and the increasing number of people smugglers.