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PM Orbán: The Tisza tax would take several hundred thousand forints from everyone

Prime Minister Orbán warned that Hungary is living in increasingly dangerous times, with external threats and internal political proposals that risk undermining national sovereignty and household security.

Speaking on his regular Friday appearance on Kossuth Radio, Prime Minister Orbán emphasized both the geopolitical volatility surrounding Hungary and the potential domestic impact of what he labeled as destructive opposition policies.

He began by highlighting the recent entry of Russian drones into Poland as a stark example of Europe's direct exposure to war-related threats. "We live in dangerous conditions every day," said the prime minister, stressing that Hungary cannot afford to be drawn into the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He underscored Hungary's commitment to peace, drawing a clear line between current government policy and past European failures to remain neutral in global wars.

The conversation shifted to domestic issues, where Prime Minister Orbán launched a firm critique of the Tisza Party’s proposed tax policy. He stated that the introduction of a new wealth and property tax—dubbed the Tisza tax—would cost Hungarian citizens dearly. According to the prime minister, individuals with average incomes could lose around 250,000 forints annually, while certain professions, such as soldiers, could face losses exceeding 400,000 forints. He described the tax plan as a threat not just to household finances, but to national cohesion.

"This is not just a tax debate. This is a matter of trust," said Prime Minister Orbán, who emphasized the need to bring these issues to the forefront through national consultation. He said the government intends to provoke open discussion before the elections, ensuring that voters understand the real-world implications of opposition policies.

The prime minister also said that the Tisza and Democratic Coalition (DK) parties are aligning themselves with Brussels against Hungarian interests. He warned that if these parties were to govern, Budapest would become an extension of what he called a failed Brussels agenda—high taxes, relaxed migration policy, and the abandonment of national economic interests. "They want to raise your taxes to lower those of the multinationals," he added, portraying the opposition as enablers of foreign corporate influence.

Turning to economic cooperation, Prime Minister Orbán noted growing ties with the United Arab Emirates, particularly in sectors like energy, AI, and digital infrastructure. He stated that the trade volume between the two nations has grown by 24 percent year-on-year, which he attributed to Hungary’s new economic diplomacy and diversified partnerships.

The interview concluded with strong remarks on migration. The prime minister reiterated his opposition to the EU’s migration pact, asserting that real border security can only be achieved by completely stopping unauthorized entry into EU territory. He warned that if Hungary followed Western policies, "public safety would collapse, and legal order would fall apart."

PM Orbán wrapped up the conversation with a call for calm discourse: “Let’s keep our sanity—even in speech—if we can.”