PM Orbán's remarks this morning in a Kossuth Radio interview underscore a national policy that aims to safeguard children against abuse unequivocally. "In a decent country like Hungary, such occurrences simply cannot take place," Orbán stated, highlighting the importance of unyielding legal actions against those convicted of harming children.
The conversation on child protection policies gained momentum following a controversial pardon decision by former President Katalin Novák, which PM Orbán criticized for undermining national unity. The incident led to Novák's resignation and sparked a nationwide debate on the role of presidential pardons in cases involving child abuse, with PM Orbán advocating for a stricter approach.
Regarding the decision on granting pardons, the prime minister stated that this falls within the presidential prerogative. However, in a particular case, “Katalin Novák approved a pardon where the only acceptable response would have been to deny it. This sentiment was widely felt across the country.”
Following extensive deliberations, the Fidesz-KDNP coalition nominated Tamás Sulyok, President of the Constitutional Court, for the presidency, signaling a potential shift towards more rigorous enforcement of child protection laws. In the interview, PM Orbán praised Sulyok's qualifications, emphasizing his legal expertise and commitment to upholding Hungary's constitutional values.
"We thought that experience, proficiency in constitutional and legal matters, knowledge of international law, and a suitable career path made Tamás Sulyok the most suitable candidate," the PM said.
Prime Minister Orbán also addressed the need for thorough background checks within child protection institutions, calling for comprehensive evaluations of candidates to prevent any oversight. The Prime Minister's insistence on "setting things right" reflects a broader governmental effort to ensure the safety and well-being of Hungarian children.
The prime minister's stance on child protection intersects with broader themes of national sovereignty and cultural identity, particularly in relation to European Union policies. PM Orbán has often positioned Hungary's policies in contrast to those of Brussels, advocating for a Hungary-centric approach to social issues, including child rearing and education.
According to PM Orbán, there’s a "closing gate panic" in Brussels as the European Parliament's mandate nears its end in June, leading to a last push on issues like LGBTQ rights, migration, and war. Orbán emphasized Hungary's need to withstand this pressure, noting a divided stance on migration within Hungary compared to broader agreement on LGBTQ matters. He referenced the infamous "Soros Plan" from 2015-16, suggesting it aligns with the current Brussels' agenda, and stressed the importance of resisting this final push with support from other countries opposing migration-friendly policies.
On the ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership, PM Orbán highlighted “manageable differences” in values between Hungary and Sweden, emphasizing that while there are military and defense issues to resolve, these differences do not hinder the possibility of cooperation. He noted ongoing discussions with Sweden's Prime Minister aimed at resolving pending matters, including military and defense agreements. Orbán stressed the importance of recognizing and respecting the distinct values that guide each country's way of life, underscoring Hungary's commitment to Christian values and family-centric society, in contrast to Sweden's stance on various modern issues and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Concluding with the war in Ukraine, PM Orbán said that there’s a need for ceasefire and peace in Ukraine, as Hungary sees no military solution to the conflict. On the two-year anniversary of the war's outbreak, he highlighted the conflict's complexity and the necessity for a peace that ensures a sustainable future for Europe, advocating against the Western push for military resolution, and stressing Hungary's call for peace due to its existential and humanitarian implications related to it.