People in several western European cities have lost their sense of security and crime has increased, as well as the threat of terrorism, he said.

Economic slow-down, crime, terror, migration, the inability to make decisions and insincere communication have all added up in the western world and the leaders have not found a solution, Orbán added.

“We are people with origins in the east but we belong to the western world,” he said, describing the Hungarian people. As a result, it is in the country’s interest that the West should be successful and that Europe should “not want to change us, but accept and respect that we are Hungarians and will remain Hungarians”.

The prime minister said not everything should be taken over from western Europe and “everything that’s bad must be resolutely rejected”.

“We will say no also” when Brussels wants to make Hungary roll back its public utility fee cut scheme, he added. Orbán said the main goal for 2017 is to make it worth for people to work in Hungary. The government is reducing taxes on employers to pave the way for rising wages.

In response to a question about reforms in health care and education, Orbán denied claims that reforms came to a halt arguing that 71 hospitals have been revamped and wages for doctors and nurses will be gradually increased in 2017 and 2018.

Teachers’ wages have been increased by 50% and new schools are being opened, he added.

Commenting on the opposition’s repeated accusations of corruption in the ruling parties, he said it is necessary to make it clear that “we do not tolerate abuses of power”.

The reason that there is money left for pension increase, family support and free textbooks for children is that “I do not tolerate money being stolen,” Orbán added.

In response to a question concerning the nomination of the country’s president for a next term, he said President János Áder is highly respected in the ruling Fidesz party and if he is willing to take the post again, he will be nominated.

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

MTI photo: Szecsődi Balázs