During the discussion, PM Orbán highlighted the government's decision to extend the rural home renovation program to pensioners living in villages with fewer than 5,000 residents. "If something good happens, our first thought is always: What can we do for the children and for the elderly?" he stated, adding that the program would now offer pensioners up to HUF 3 million in grants and an additional HUF 3 million in loans to renovate and modernize their homes.
He underscored the scale of the initiative, noting that 2,900 of Hungary’s 3,200 municipalities fall into this category, covering approximately 420,000 pensioner households. "That means we are talking about creating opportunities for around 600,000 people," PM Orbán explained, describing the expansion as a natural step given the government's belief that "the elderly are not just old people, but our parents and grandparents who built this country."
Turning to the topic of pensions, PM Orbán made it clear that the 13th-month pension—restored by his government after being scrapped under the previous left-wing administration—will remain in place despite external and internal opposition.
"I don’t understand why this has become a political issue," he remarked. "If we have 12 months of pensions and we can afford a 13th, shouldn’t we all be happy, regardless of political affiliation?"
However, he noted that the debate persists, with Brussels repeatedly urging Hungary to reform its pension system, often hinting at reducing pension spending. "Their so-called ‘recommendations’ always boil down to the same thing: Pay the elderly less and redirect the funds elsewhere. But we resist this," he said.
PM Orbán also accused Brussels of using financial incentives to push its agenda: "First, they make a recommendation. Then, that recommendation becomes a prerequisite for accessing EU funds. It’s like a fishing hook—they dangle it in front of you, and if you bite, they reel you in."
He also pointed out that the left-wing opposition in Hungary continues to justify the previous government’s decision to scrap the 13th-month pension during their tenure. "They took it away. We gave it back. Instead of celebrating this, they keep debating whether it should exist at all."
The conversation then shifted to broader political dynamics, including the recent revelations about foreign financing of political activities in Hungary. PM Orbán welcomed the transparency brought about by the new U.S. administration’s decision to publish details of financial contributions to foreign entities, including Hungarian organizations.
"What we are seeing now is a flood of information confirming what we already suspected," he said, accusing foreign actors—including NGOs supported by Brussels and billionaire George Soros—of working to undermine the Hungarian government. "They receive money from multiple sources: the U.S. government, the Soros network, and EU funds. And what is this money used for? To strengthen left-wing forces and try to topple our government."
He stressed that his government would take firm action in response. "We need to sweep these networks out of Hungary. Their goal is clear: They want governments in this region that serve their interests, not those of their own people."
PM Orbán also reiterated his stance on illegal migration, noting that Hungary has long warned about the dangers of uncontrolled migration, only to see other European nations gradually adopt stricter border policies. "Germany has just announced new measures to control migration. We said this would happen years ago, and now they are catching up," he said.
In his view, the current EU migration framework is fundamentally flawed. "The only way to change this is through resistance. Other countries are starting to push back—Poland has suspended the migration pact, and now even Germany is debating it. More must follow."