What was happening in those institutions did not serve the interests of Europe, and it is the fault of the commission that one of the most important member states is now leaving, he added.

The way the commission and the EU operates today does not appeal to ordinary people, he said, adding that this was not the government’s official position but his personal one as a Fidesz politician.

Meanwhile, addressing developments concerning the Paks nuclear upgrade project, Lázár said European Commission procedures and talks between the government and the EU were drawing to a close, “which hopefully means that things are coming to a conclusion”.

In response to a question about plans for a new reception centre in Kiskunhalas, in southern Hungary, Lázár said the government had not yet come to a decision, but all plans would be discussed with the town’s leaders.

He said recent government measures, such as the 8km “deep border control” and the transfer of migrants to a transit zone, would reduce migration pressure on Hungary and there would not be any need for a new reception centre. “The government is on the side of closing it down,” he said.

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

MTI photo: Bruzák Noémi