The referendum would have required just over 4.1 million valid votes for it to have been declared valid. In the referendum voters were asked: “Do you want to allow the European Union to mandate the resettlement of non-Hungarian citizens to Hungary without the approval of the National Assembly?”

Ruling Fidesz officials declared a “sweeping victory”. Gergely Gulyás, deputy leader of ruling Fidesz, said that any legal decision in light of the referendum outcome would rest with parliament, but “politically the will of voters” would have to be followed.

The Hungarian government and parliament has a duty to take action based on the result of the country’s migrant quota referendum, the government spokesman said. Zoltán Kovács said voters had made their opinion on migrant quotas clear.

“The share of those rejecting Brussels’ [migration] policy is significant.” He said the referendum would also place responsibilities on Brussels, insisting that the European Commission could not act against the results of a referendum.

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

MTI photo: Soós Lajos