“In 2010, we did not undertake simply to govern. We wanted our country to be an optimistic, happy one based on a reborn spirit and our own achievements,” he said. Asked to explain why it was that so many people did not identify with the picture he had painted of a bright and buoyant country, Orbán said that this was natural.

“We chose democracy as the form of our modern Hungarian state. But democracy is a system in which everyone can think freely and form their opinion,” he said, adding that it was unavoidable that there should be “differences of opinion within a system of argumentation and debate”.

“Today’s biggest debate in Europe is about migration, and our future stands or falls on its outcome.

The question is whether the character of European countries, their civilisation, culture and way of thinking will be the same as in the time of our parents and grandparents, or something completely different.” Drawing a contrast between the government’s way of thinking and “liberals and left-wingers” backed by “George Soros and international forces”, he said, “We want to preserve the fundamentals of Europe.

We don’t want parallel societies, neither do we want to change our populations; and we do not want to swap our Christian civilisation for another kind.

This is why we built the fence and why we are protecting ourselves against ... the flood of migrants.”Orbán said that Soros, hidden from public view, was supporting illegal migration through Hungarian organisations. “He wants to keep Hungary under pressure.”

He added that Hungary would expect Soros to abide by the country’s laws.

“George Soros should not be underestimated; he is a very powerful and resolute billionaire who does not recognise God or people where his interests are concerned. We want to protect Hungary, and this is why we must undertake the struggle,” he said.

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

MTI photo: Szigetváry Zsolt