There can’t be freedom in a country where four million people are starving, can’t be equality where politicians and their families are getting rich, and can’t be fraternity where there are no common goals,” Molnár told an award ceremony of the Free Press Foundation in Budapest.

Referring to the closure of left-wing daily Nepszabadsag last October, Molnár said that the free press had become a thing of the past, which limits democracy as well. He added that the Socialists, once in power, would take away the papers from those who had purchased them from public funds.

Referring to a political campaign launched by his party, Molnár insisted that the rich, having a monthly income of over 1 million forints (EUR 3200) or assets over 100 million, should pay higher taxes.

The Socialist leader called on the people in the street, civil organisations, trade unions and opposition parties to all join forces to replace the government. The Socialists want to become a party of change as Hungary will also choose it future in 2018, Molnár said, referring to next year’s parliamentary election.

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

MTI photo: Marjai János