The measures of the Hungarian Government and the reasons behind them are understood considerably better in Germany now, while the two countries’ friendship remains remarkably strong, said the Deputy State Secretary for International Communications Ferenc Kumin following his meetings with journalists, politicians and researchers in Berlin.
During his visit, the Hungarian official held talks with Speaker of the German Government Steffen Seibert and representatives of the German-Hungarian Parliamentary Group of the Bundestag, as well as also meeting with journalists from renowned economic and political media sources. Deputy State Secretary Kumin participated on Deutschlandradio’s editorial board meeting and discussed various issues with lead researches from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP).
Regarding his meeting with Steffen Seibert, one of the closest colleagues of Chancellor Angela Merkel, he said the German official informed him that Germany is also in a difficult situation regarding the international press. In some cases, the country is also often drawn up in an unjust, disproportionate and distorted way, which is another similarity between the two nations, Deputy State Secretary Kumin added.
He emphasised that one can sense that German-Hungarian friendship remains remarkably strong and undisturbed. This relationship is a valuable resource that one has to work on maintaining it in these exceptional circumstances, he added. Talking about his meetings, Deputy State Secretary Kumin highlighted that some of the reoccurring criticisms have been cleared up, as the German media follows Hungarian events closely, but sometimes lacks what is necessary to see the whole picture. He stated that hopefully the missing pieces have now been put into place and key players are now able see the situation more accurately. As an example, he mentioned that German journalists asked him about the introduction of voter pre-registration, after which he had the opportunity to inform them that it will not be introduced. This seemed to be new information to most of the audience, he added.
The Deputy State Secretary pointed out that his counterparts were mostly interested in the rule of law in Hungary, especially the planned amendments to the Fundamental Law and the role of the Constitutional Court. With regard to these issues, he was able to serve with good news, which seemed to reassure them, he stated. Talking about the economy, the Hungarian official informed his meeting partners that, as opposed to the forecast of the European Commission, Hungary will keep its deficit under 3% and aims to have the Excessive Deficit Procedure against the country terminated this summer. He also emphasised that German investment is welcomed in Hungary, adding that experts also generally acknowledge the results achieved in stabilising the budget situation.
Deputy State Secretary Kumin highlighted that Germany has a particular interest in the integration of the Roma minority, adding that in this field some of the Hungarian Government’s measures came as a surprise, while additional information helped clear up misunderstandings.
(Prime Minister's Office)