Orbán said Brexit is one of the proofs of the commission’s failure. “Idealising the European plan” must come to an end, he said. Orbán cited the opening of borders to migrants as one of the reasons for the EU crisis. Additionally, some member states were allowed free reign to break budget deficit rules with the EC’s “silent approval”, he said.

The two most important European achievements are in danger: the common currency and the unified internal market, he said. By closing its borders to migrants, Hungary has helped save the European model and the European way of living, he added.

Opposition Együtt party leader Viktor Szigetvári accused Orbán of fearmongering and creating strawman enemies. He said the prime minister was giving the wrong answer to the European Union’s crisis by blaming the European Commission.

He said the real solution would include a mix of stricter border controls, a standardised migration system, a mandatory quota scheme, solidarity, and managing crises in non-European neighbouring countries.

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

MTI photo: Botár Gergely