“I did not arrive empty-handed,” PM Orbán said, speaking at a symbolic location in Brussels. He explained that through the national consultation, he brought with him the mandate of 1.6 million Hungarian citizens. The consultation, he noted, stands among the most successful exercises of public participation in recent years, not only because of its high turnout but also because of the unmistakable clarity of its results.
The message from Hungarian voters leaves no room for interpretation. Hungarians do not want their financial burdens to increase because of the war, and they firmly reject left-wing austerity measures promoted from Brussels. These proposals, PM Orbán argued, would ultimately force Hungarian families and businesses to finance the war in Ukraine through higher taxes and reduced support.
The consultation results show overwhelming public opposition to such measures. PM Orbán highlighted that 98 percent of respondents rejected the introduction of a multi-rate tax system, while 97 percent opposed narrowing family tax allowances. An equally decisive 96 percent said no to abolishing tax exemptions for mothers and young people. Support for maintaining utility cost reductions was nearly unanimous, with 99 percent backing the policy, while 98 percent rejected any increase in corporate taxes.
“These figures speak for themselves,” the prime minister said, arguing that Hungarian voters have drawn a firm line against policies that would weaken families, raise living costs, or undermine economic competitiveness. In his assessment, the consultation confirms that Hungarians want stability, predictability, and the protection of hard-won economic achievements, even as external pressure intensifies.
PM Orbán emphasized that the national consultation is not a symbolic gesture, but a tool of democratic self-defense. The participation of nearly two million citizens on strategic economic and social questions, he said, provides a strong political and moral mandate that no responsible government can ignore, significantly strengthening Hungary’s position in European debates.
“Our task is simple,” the prime minister stated. “We must enforce the will of the Hungarian people.” This obligation, he added, applies not only in Budapest but also in Brussels, where decisions are currently being prepared that could have severe long-term consequences for national economies and future generations.
By arriving in Brussels backed by the clearly articulated will of Hungarian citizens, the government is better equipped to resist policies that conflict with national interests and to represent Hungary’s position with clarity and confidence at the European level.