Hungary has labeled Frans Timmermans' comments surrounding Hungary's amended law on higher education and CEU as "pathetic accusations".
Péter Szijjártó, minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, made the remarks, adding that “the first vice-president of the European Commission has attacked Hungary in the past two years because, despite the Commission’s and his own personal position, we have been able to give a successful response to illegal immigration."
Government Spokesperson Zoltán Kovács also responded to Frans Timmermans’ comments and said that the legislative phase had been closed. Laws cannot be suspended, but this does not mean that there is no solution. The parties must engage in talks, and the prime minister has appointed Kristóf Altusz to lead the negotiations, he added.
According to the government, there are no conditions in the law that cannot be met. The objective of the legislation is to ensure that the same rules should apply to all universities operating in Hungary, he said, adding that "the rector of the Soros university and the Soros organizations intentionally mislead public opinion".
Kovács also said that Brussels is attacking Hungary due to immigration, and the European Commission is trying to put pressure on Hungary to "forcefully” achieve the adoption of the mandatory quotas and the elimination of the border closure.
Kovács said that an arrangement will have to be reached regarding the issue of migration in the second half of the year, and this is why they are trying to force Hungary to withdraw its measures. Hungary is ready to engage in talks but is not prepared to yield an inch on the position it has with respect to the issue of migration.