The document also said the EU had attempted to distribute migrants among member states through a mandatory quota scheme. Hungary was the first member state to vote on in a referendum, it said, noting that 98% of Hungarians who cast valid votes in the referendum had rejected the EU’s migrant redistribution plan.

This created a new cross-party bloc that put the protection of the country’s sovereignty first, it added.

The leader of radical nationalist Jobbik voiced support for the proposal. Gábor Vona added, however, that he would suggest some changes to the text. Referring to a ruling by Germany’s Constitutional Court, Vona said that on issues concerning migration or quotas, the constitutions of member states should have precedence over European law.

The leftist opposition Democratic Coalition said the proposal was a “sham” composed of “reshuffled Hungarian and European stipulations”. Csaba Molnár, DK’s executive vice chair, insisted that the prime minister had “not defended” the country through his proposal but “swindled it”.

The state secretary for government communications later told a press conference that Fidesz group leader Lajos Kósa had convened a meeting of parliament’s five parties for Tuesday to discuss the amendment proposal.

Bence Tuzson said the government was open to any suggestions from the parties regarding the proposal that merit any changes to it. A vote on the proposal is scheduled for Nov. 8, he noted.

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

MTI photo: Máthé Zoltán