Deutsch: Hungary would have become immigrant country if it had followed Brussels’ migration rules

Deutsch told public radio that next week’s European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg will make it clear that the Hungarian government and prime minister’s approach resulted in a programme for the presidency that pinponts the real problems of the European Union and its member states instead of denying them, and offers proposals that could resolve them.

Among the highlighted ideas are ways to improve the competitiveness of the European economy “which is currently in ruins”, he added.

Another highlighted topic is reigning in illegal migration, Deutch said.

“Contrary to Brussels which considers it important to manage illegal migration flowing in its direction … the Hungarian presidency wants proposals to be discussed on finally putting a stop to illegal migration,” he said.

Deutsch said the Hungarian opposition’s position differed from the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrats’ position in this matter. As the head of the Tisza Party, Peter Magyar, made it clear recently, he calls for applying Brussels’ migration rules in Hungary, Deutsch added.

“Had it happened already, had we applied Brussels’ migration rules already instead of protecting Hungary’s borders, even against Brussels when necessary, Hungary would have already become an immigrant country,” Deutsch said.

He said the Hungarian presidency’s programme also focused on demographic issues and this will be an important part of the prime minister’s address in the EP on Wednesday.