Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hopes that the crisis in Ukraine will have an insignificant effect on the gas supply, but stated that "we are also prepared for the worst case scenarios".
Speaking on Hungarian National Television M1's Az Este ("Tonight") show on Friday, he emphasised that Hungary is capable of securely supplying the population and industry with energy in a stable manner "for a long time" – and the Government has made the necessary decisions to assure that, he said.
Regarding the speech he gave following his inauguration on May 10, the Hungarian Prime Minister said that Hungary’s interest is a stable and democratic Ukraine, which cannot be realised without providing the minorities, who live there, including the Hungarian community, what they are entitled to; namely dual citizenship, community rights and autonomy. Several instances of the successful realisation of the legal institution of autonomy exist in Europe, he added, stating that Hungarians in Transcarpathia will decide on what exact version of autonomy they desire. Prime Minister Orbán pointed out that since the new Ukraine is being established now, this is the time to voice expectations. However, he also made it clear that "we must support Ukraine" with regard to Russian action violating the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine.
Regarding foreign currency loans, the Hungarian Prime Minister stated that the Government wants to come up with a solution that provides security to those concerned, and accordingly a court ruling that provides a clear legal position must be issued first, after which the Government will make the required decisions, and "the position of all foreign currency loan holders will be secured". He would like the related decisions to be made this autumn, he noted.
Following consultations held last week in preparation for the forming of the new Government, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Government has acquired significant assets, and as such the country’s debt-to-asset ratio has improved significantly. He mentioned that there are monies "in stock" that are earmarked for paying maturing debts during the course of year, which will lead to "an immediate improvement in the level of government debt". In summary, the Prime Minister stated that "it is much better to be indebted towards our own citizens rather than to foreigners" and to have profits remain in domestic pockets.
Regarding the forming of the new Government, the Prime Minister said that since the people voted for continuance at the elections, the same programme will be carried out, with mostly the same people. According to plans, discussions currently underway with the ministers of the new government will be finalised the week after the EP elections, "the list of ministers will be ready by the 6th of June", and the final list of ministers of state will also be complete two or three days later. Some decisions regarding personnel have already been made, he added.
(Prime Minister's Office)
