Minister Gulyás started out by announcing that the government decided on an additional 3.5 percent increase in pensions on top of the previous 15 percent raise, which equates to a budget expenditure of HUF 190 billion. He explained that pensioner inflation is predicted to be 18.5 percent, hence the previous hike needed to be supplemented. As a result, the average monthly pension will increase by 6,500 forints, with senior citizens receiving an additional 84,000 forints per year altogether.
Minister Gulyás explained that the German government had decided to remain in support of the migration pact, so talks will continue despite the unimaginable situations that have formed in various areas already. The minister said the migrant pact will turn the Schengen border states into Lampedusa, adding that it seems Brussels wishes to let in those who are prepared to use live ammunition to get into Europe, referring to a recent incident on the Hungarian border.
Gulyás reiterated that “the only solution is to protect the external borders,” adding that Hungary “will not be involved in any distribution decisions,” as it seems that “Brussels wants to organize migration and not put a stop to it.”
The minister also remarked that Brussels continues to stall over EU funds, calling the Commission's procedure “absurd and embarrassing.” He stated that “Brussels is breaking every law and abusing its power” in this matter.
Hungary has “not even received the money we paid in,” he continued, adding that it is “time for the money we are rightly owed to be paid out,” voicing the prevalent suspicion that the money was spent instead on something else, namely, Ukraine.
On this Gergely Gulyás said that even though the “EU budget is on the table for amendment,” any changes to it “require unanimity.” Therefore, the minister explained that while “there are many technical ways to finance Ukraine and also help in the humanitarian field,” if Ukraine cannot account for its previous aid, “it will not receive a single penny of new aid.”
Another issue raised was Ukraine’s hostile minority policies, affecting ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia. On this Minister Gulyás reiterated that the government has a clear stance, emphasizing that “as long as there is no progress on minority education and language rights in Ukraine, Hungary cannot support the country's integration with the West.”