The prime minister said this kind of ideology had led to the financial crisis of 2008. It also led to the “free movement of illegal migrants replacing the free movement of labour.” Orbán argued, however, that central Europe, a diverse, Christian, and multi-ethnic region, acted as “the continent’s gateway and fortress.”

“We are proud to live here; we are proud of our nations, our historical achievements and the survival of difficult centuries,” he said. “We want to remain Slovenes and Hungarians.” Many think the solution to the continent’s aging population lies in an open immigration policy, Orbán said.

“But we say that even if it is harder, we must mobilise our own inner reserves to survive as a nation, and we are convinced that it is possible.” Slovenia’s opposition democrats, he said, are the ruling Fidesz party’s “twin” and “comrades” with shared Christian values.

“The history of a free and independent Slovenia could not be written without SDS, just like a free and independent Slovenia in the future could not be conceived without them.” He referred to SDS head Janez Jansa as a “strong, reliable and respectable leader”.

In his address to the congress, Jansa said Europe is “old and rich” and Slovenia is especially inflicted by problems of an ageing society.

“Whereas the left wing advocates mass migration,” SDS promotes population growth and family support, he added.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Koszticsák Szilárd