In a short speech in Parliament, the Prime Minister noted that he has high hopes with regard to Hungary exiting the Excessive Deficit Procedure this quarter.

He stressed that the struggle to ensure the abrogation of the excessive deficit procedure was a battle for the money of the people of Hungary. "We must all express our gratitude for the efforts of the Hungarian people, which have made it possible for the Government – it is my strong hope – to bring our homeland out from under the excessive deficit procedure already this quarter", the Prime Minister stated.

With reference to flood protection, the Prime Minister declared that Hungary had spent 250 billion forints since 2010 on flood protection, reinforcing dams and constructing reservoirs. Everyone in Hungary is safe today; all the facilities and resources required for successful flood protection are readily available.

With regard to measures introduced to help for-ex debtors, the Prime Minister listed the measures that the Government has brought so far in the interests of for-ex debtors, including the introduction of a forced sale quota system and providing interest subsidies to certain debtors.

According to Viktor Orbán, the Central Bank may launch further loans for businesses, if the previously earmarked HUF 250bn budget runs out. In reply to further questions regarding loan placement, the Prime Minister stated that the Government and the Central Bank are independent of each other and the Prime Minister has no say in the matter, nor may he provide information or an evaluation on the activities of the Central Bank.

Regarding the social inclusion efforts of the Government, the Prime Minister pointed out that the real issue is "how should we regard Roma youth". "Hungary is digging its own grave, if it gives up on such a large group of people who belong to a disadvantaged, ethnic minority" and views them only as a danger and a public security issue. The Government is open to recommendations on the issue, the Prime Minister said. However, he also stressed that the Government also views our Roma compatriots as an economic opportunity and labour reserve.

(Prime Minister’s Office)