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Changes to the Hungarian Fundamental Law are essential

During next week’s meeting of the European Council it is Hungary’s political objective to prevent the mandatory quotas, or in other words, to remove this issue from the European political agenda

The goal of the Hungarian government is to prove that the amendment of the Fundamental Law is essential with a view to protecting the borders of the country, János Lázár, the minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office, said in a joint press conference with government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács.

In the context of the quota referendum, he stressed that the goal of the government is to ensure that the decision of the electorate should form part of the Fundamental Law.

He reiterated that the debate of the proposed amendment to the Fundamental Law which was submitted by the prime minister will begin in Parliament on Monday, and the final vote may take place in the first or second week of November

The minister said that during next week’s meeting of the European Council it is Hungary’s political objective to prevent the mandatory quotas, or in other words, to remove this issue from the European political agenda.

He pointed out: they seek to achieve in the ministerial councils, in the dialogue conducted with the European Commission and at the meeting of the European Council that the European Commission should abandon its plans related to the quotas.

Minister Lázár said that they support the German plans which intend to curb immigration with agreements concluded with Turkey, or with Arabic States, but Hungary takes the view nonetheless that we cannot give up on the protection of our borders. He remarked that they regard the EU decisions adopted in the interest of the protection of the borders as pathetically inadequate.

The minister said that they expect the leaders of the European Council "to take back their former decision-making powers”, and to reinforce their former position, based on which the quotas can only be voluntary.

He told the press that he will meet with Austrian Minister Thomas Drozda in Vienna on Thursday evening with a view to making preparations for the summit of the European Council.