Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stressed the importance of maintaining patriotism and living a healthy lifestyle in order to prosper.
He said that everyday patriotism, when “we fall under the spell of our homeland,” serves to ensure the country’s continued survival.
During the opening ceremony for the Tokaj Canoeing Tours Centre, the prime minister said the facility is part of a program that makes patriotism a natural experience and embraces others within the national community.
The prime minister said that only those countries in which there is patriotism will remain standing in Europe’s expanding future.
He said the government’s goal by 2030 is that the lifestyles of Hungarians will be among the healthiest in Europe. He added that Hungarians’ respect for their top athletes is not reflected in their everyday lives, as they are among the continent’s least physically active nations – with only 36 percent of young people regularly participating in sporting activity.
The prime minister also revealed that sports and leisure activities will receive priority funding in next year’s budget.
PM Orbán outlined the upcoming battle against unhealthy foods, a reduction in the number of people smoking, support for daily physical education classes, and the organization of “Erzsébet Camps” and adventure camps for children.
The prime minister also highlighted that the government is investing a large amount in the construction of cycle paths and the promotion of hiking. He stressed the importance of the fact that this year 7,500 students have enrolled for canoeing and cycling camps. Regarding regional developments, he said that a cycle path will soon be incorporated in the Tisza Bridge at Tokaj.