Orbán: Hungary can be ‘local exception’ to global recession

The prime minister listed several factors that could shield Hungary from an economic downturn, including the country’s border protection policy, its “family-based society”, a major military development scheme and the diversification of its energy sources.

Orbán also said Hungary could use ongoing technological shifts as well as foreign capital inflows from both the West and the East to its advantage. “We’re a transit country and we want to remain a transit economy, and for that we have to oppose any re-emergence of blocs,” the prime minister said.

He also underscored the political stability provided by ruling Fidesz’ two-thirds parliamentary majority, and noted a recent generational shift on the “nationally minded side”.

“Hungary still has its national thought, its national feelings and culture,” Orbán said.

He also emphasised the importance of the country’s ambitions at the community and national levels. “To preserve those national ambitions in the coming difficult period, we must stick together,” Orbán said. “The motherland, Transylvania and the other parts of the Carpathian Basin with Hungarian populations must all stick together.”