Kicking off the presser, the minister confirmed that Minister for EU Affairs János Bóka received a mandate to negotiate with the European Commission regarding a court ruling related to Hungary's migration policies.
Minister Gulyás reaffirmed that Hungary's stance on migration aligns with the results of its 2016 referendum, which categorically opposed the forced resettlement of migrants. "The Hungarian people's will is clear," he emphasized, adding that the government is committed to blocking any migration policies imposed from Brussels.
Additionally, Hungary plans to seek compensation from the European Union for the approximately €2 billion spent on protecting the Schengen zone’s external border. According to Gulyás, Hungary has funded this effort without EU financial support, and the government is prepared to take legal action if necessary.
Reflecting on the current state of the Schengen Agreement, Gulyás pointed to Germany’s introduction of internal border checks within the EU as proof that failing to protect external borders undermines the entire Schengen system. This sentiment echoes Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's warnings dating back to 2015, when he first argued that without strict external border protection, Schengen would collapse.
Turning to economic matters, Minister Gulyás spoke about plans for the 2025 budget, highlighting that Márton Nagy, the minister for economic development, will lead negotiations with employers and trade unions to secure a significant increase in the minimum wage. While the government plays the role of mediator in these discussions, Gulyás expressed the administration's commitment to achieving a long-term agreement that ensures steady wage growth.
Gulyás pointed out that while many discussions focus on minimum wage figures, in Hungary, the guaranteed wage minimum impacts around 700,000 workers—significantly more than those earning the base minimum wage. With inflation expected to stabilize, the minister believes that favorable conditions are in place for sustainable wage increases.
In a move aimed at boosting opportunities for young workers, the government also plans to introduce a new workers’ loan program starting in January 2025. This initiative, similar to the successful student loan program launched during the first Orbán government, will provide affordable loans not only for skilled workers but for all employees starting their careers.
Minister Gulyás also addressed pressing issues within Hungary's healthcare and infrastructure sectors. Responding to public concerns about appointment no-shows in hospitals, he suggested a refundable appointment booking fee as a potential solution. However, he emphasized that no formal government decision has been made on the matter.
In addition, Gulyás offered updates on Hungary’s energy security, expressing cautious optimism about continued gas supply following a successful agreement between MOL and its partners. While remaining vigilant about potential threats to supply chains, the government is confident that immediate risks have been mitigated.
In response to questions about recent criticisms from Brussels regarding Hungary's migration policy, Gulyás reiterated the government’s discontent with the EU’s perceived double standards on border protection. While some European leaders advocate for open migration policies, Hungary remains committed to protecting its borders and maintaining national security.
Gulyás also took a swipe at the European People's Party (EPP), stating that its leadership, while critical of Hungary's actions, has largely contributed to current migration problems by consistently supporting pro-migration policies. He also pointed out that the EPP has contributed to the prolongation of the war in Ukraine by backing military aid packages.
The briefing concluded with a forward look to next week's presentation of Hungary's EU presidency program to the European Parliament. Gulyás emphasized that Hungary's broader focus during its presidency will be on strengthening Europe’s external borders and ensuring that migration policies are implemented fairly across the Union.