In remarks delivered at the site, Prime Minister Orbán said he rarely visits the area and joked that prime ministers are usually invited “where there is trouble,” but added that the workforce milestone was “the kind of news that makes a Hungarian heart beat faster.” He called the 5,000th employee mark the true reason for celebration, alongside the factory’s 14th anniversary, and said the Kecskemét plant demonstrates that Hungary can build and operate world-class manufacturing capacity.
“This factory is not simply about making good cars,” Prime Minister Orbán said, arguing that the plant’s success shows that “in 14 years we are capable of building one of the world’s most modern factories on a former cornfield—and not only building it, but running it.” He said the facility’s performance places it among the best in the Mercedes group and described the achievement as an issue of national self-respect that strengthens Hungarians’ confidence.
Prime Minister Orbán also traced the long history between Hungary and Mercedes-Benz, referencing early Hungarian advertisements for gasoline-powered vehicles in the 1890s and highlighting what he said were early examples of Mercedes vehicles in Hungary, including electric mobility more than a century ago. He said Mercedes became associated in Hungarian thinking with prosperity, success, and quality.
Turning to broader economic issues, Prime Minister Orbán said Hungary had expanded employment significantly over the past 15 years—from 3.6 million to 4.7 million people working—and set a goal of reaching 5 million workers through training and regional development policies.
He warned that European auto manufacturers are losing competitiveness both in global markets and inside Europe, citing high production costs and especially high energy prices. Prime Minister Orbán argued that affordable energy is crucial to the future of the Mercedes brand and European car manufacturing, and said Hungary is fighting to keep energy affordable for both factories and households.
Prime Minister Orbán said Hungary could serve as a “safe harbor” for Western European industries under pressure, but only if it avoids what he called misguided energy policies. He pledged that the government would protect jobs and provide all necessary support for further expansion in Kecskemét.
“People say the soul of a car is the engine,” Prime Minister Orbán said. “But the soul of a factory is its workers.”