Europe Asia News

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made a statement on the possible economic effects on the Hungarian people of the long-term financial assistance planned for Ukraine.

Drawing attention to the size of the aid and Hungary’s share, Orban said: “Unfortunately, money does not grow on trees, especially $800 billion. Ukrainians are demanding this amount from Europeans for the next 10 years. For Hungary, this would mean a financial burden of more than $9 billion.”

Arguing that the methods proposed by Brussels to cover this cost threaten Hungary’s social state model, Orban said: “So where, according to Brussels, will all this money come from? Without claiming to present a complete list, they would abolish the 13th and 14th month pensions, housing support programs, subsidies for the purchase of family homes, discounted household energy prices, the flat income tax, the worker credit program, and tax breaks for mothers, young people, and families.”

Orban stressed: “This is not speculation. Brussels’ main plan is clearly and explicitly set out in the European Semester, in country-specific recommendations, and in infringement procedures.”

Noting that the public must make a decision ahead of the upcoming elections, Orban concluded: “As elections in Hungary are rapidly approaching, a decision will have to be made. One thing is certain: we say no to Brussels’ war plan.”