On the subject of the US entry ban imposed on six Hungarian persons, Viktor Orbán said that the situation is “getting simpler” as the Americans the other day made a clear statement and said that the head of the tax authority had committed a crime of corruption: according to the Prime Minister, she is expected to take legal action in this respect.

“Hungarian law offers an opportunity for each citizen to defend themselves, and I expect each senior state official to do so in such a situation,” he said, adding that if corruption charges are proven, the offender “will go behind bars”.

To another question concerning allegations that Hungary could also restrict entry in reaction to the US ban, he said that “we will act as a country proud of its national independence should act”.

On the subject of energy, Viktor Orbán said that “the file on the South Stream gas pipeline is now closed” but Hungary's interest has remained to have a pipeline that arrives in Hungary bypassing Ukraine.

He also stated that the failure of the Nabucco project and then the dropping of the South Stream project necessitate a third option, adding that Hungary has a strategic agreement with Azerbaijan, which may offer opportunities for Hungary.

Concerning the government's recent decision to purchase Budapest Bank, the Prime Minister said the aim was not to establish a big state-owned lender but to ensure that at least 50 percent of the banking sector will be Hungarian hands so that financing does not cease in a time of crisis.

Speaking about a proposal to restrict the opening hours of shops on Sundays, he said the proposal was not about closing stores, but about preventing employers from making people work on Sundays. He also said the proposal follows Austrian and German examples.

Commenting on the 2015 budget bill submitted to Parliament, the Prime Minister said it demonstrates that national independence is also useful in an economic sense, adding that the government's policies had directly served the day-to-day economic interests of Hungarian households, citing reduced energy prices, low inflation, the start of economic growth and job creation.

Regarding the by-elections in Veszprém, western Hungary, which may decide over Fidesz’s two-thirds majority, the Prime Minister underlined that majority is not crucial. It is important, however, that Veszprém and its surroundings should have a representative in parliament who is “able to assist them on important matters”, he added.

By-elections in Veszprém will be held on 22 February 2015, the candidate is to replace former Deputy Prime Minister Tibor Navracsics, who has been appointed EU commissioner.

Source: Prime Minister's Office

Photo: Szilárd Koszticsák