The referendum on land sales is at the current stage an initiative for which the Socialists have collected the required 200,000 signatures, he said, adding that the Election Office has yet to certify these.

The opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) said in reaction to the announcement that the government “has started preparations for Hungary to leave the European Union”.

DK deputy leader Csaba Molnár said that a valid referendum would be “a prelude” to leaving the community, and urged supporters to boycott the vote. “Those who stay away will by default vote for Hungary’s remaining a member,” he argued.

Radical nationalist Jobbik, on the other hand, encouraged residents to participate and vote against the quota. Jobbik spokesman Ádám Mirkóczki said that his party was against “any senseless diktat from Brussels”. The Liberal Party also promotes participation in the national vote.

Party leader Gábor Fodor said that the referendum question was “sham and manipulative” because the EU would not force settlement of migrants in Hungary; it only expects Hungary to complete asylum procedures for 1,294 migrants. People should turn up and vote in favour of European values and thwart the government’s initiative, he insisted.

The Együtt party said the quota referendum went against Hungary’s interests. In a statement, the party accused the prime minister of using the referendum campaign as means to increase his power and wealth.

The party said it would start a campaign calling for the boycott of the referendum and a signature drive in support of Hungary’s EU membership.

With its “senseless and invalid” referendum question and “hate mongering”, the Dialogue for Hungary (PM) party’s spokesman said, the ruling Fidesz party is seeking to divert attention from real problems such as poverty, low wages, corruption and the ailing health-care and education sectors. Bence Tordai called on voters to boycott the referendum.

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