According to Minister Gulyás, many topics were covvered in Sopron, including the earthquake in Turkey, Hungary's economic situation, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the situation of Hungarians in Transcarpathia.
With regard to the devastating earthquake in Turkey, Minister Gulyás reported that rescue teams from nearly 50 countries, including Hungary, are working in the disaster areas and that Hungarian organizations have so far rescued 27 people.
As of this moment, no information has been received about victims of Hungarian nationality.
In terms of the economy, Gulyás stated that Hungary is keeping its promises by increasing wages for both pensioners and workers, which have already outpaced the current rate of inflation. Doubling down, the minister said that the government's main objectives in this turbulent period are helping people keep their jobs, lowering inflation, and avoiding recession.
He also stated that investment in the industrial and agriculture sectors will continue. The government also discussed an energy strategy that includes nuclear, solar, and grid development through the year 2030. According to the minister, these major energy developments will begin once EU funds arrive, alongside the modernization of water supply in industrial parks.
Voicing concern over the ongoing war, Minister Gulyás stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire and peace talks in Ukraine.
When asked about the situation of Hungarians in Transcarpathia, Gulyás said that the situation is difficult, but Hungarians in the region are persevering. Determined to help, the Hungarian government is working on an aid program for Hungarians in the region, which could be approved within a week.
Gulyás stated that Hungary supports Ukraine and opposes Russian aggression, but he reiterated that sending weapons to Ukraine would endanger the Hungarians living there.
The minister additionally spoke about the negotiations with the European Commission over Erasmus funding being blocked from certain universities due to conflict-of-interest concerns. He announced that the ministers in question had resigned from their positions on the boards of these universities as of February 15.
The government is also considering putting a time limit on the membership of the boards.
In response to recent news about foreign funding of the opposition, Gulyás stated that it is reasonable to assume that the Hungarian opposition is being controlled from abroad and that the left has committed an illegal act by accepting foreign money in the campaign resulting in “the most egregious violation in the history of Hungarian democracy.”
Gulyás also addressed the debate over the proposed battery factory in Debrecen. He stated that the basic principle is that the project must meet the strictest environmental standards in order to receive state support. However, no reservations have been expressed in this regard. The government does not believe that a referendum on the issue is justified but will respond to reasonable objections.
Finally, the government has authorized Márton Nagy, the minister in charge of economic development, to continue negotiations on the takeover of Liszt Ferenc Airport.