Orbán urges Hungary’s new government to protect his legacy
Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has urged Hungary’s newly appointed Tisza government to preserve what he described as the achievements of his 16 years in power.
In a video address from Budapest on Wednesday, Orbán said Hungary’s economy, employment levels and national assets had improved significantly under his leadership.
“Hungary’s economic growth is now the second highest in the European Union,” Orbán said. “Thanks to a work-based economic policy, one million more Hungarians are employed today than in 2010.”
He said the minimum wage had risen more than fourfold since 2010, while average salaries had also increased significantly.
Orbán also pointed to the repurchase of key assets, including the airport and energy companies, as well as an increase in Hungary’s gold reserves from three tonnes to more than 100 tonnes.
“This is the point from which the liberal government begins,” he said. “Let’s hope they do not ruin it.”
Orbán also defended his government’s energy policy, saying reduced utility prices and energy security were among its major achievements.
His remarks came days after Péter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, ending Orbán’s 16-year rule. Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party won a landslide victory in April, securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
In his inauguration speech, Magyar accused the former ruling elite of leaving Hungary politically and economically weakened, and pledged democratic and institutional reforms.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
