Hungarian PM Orban says president's resignation 'correct'

In his state of the nation speech, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addressed the recent resignation of President Katalin Novak, calling it “correct.” President Novak and former Minister of Justice Judit Varga resigned in the wake of a child abuse pardon scandal that sparked national outrage and mass demonstrations. Orban thanked the President and Minister of Justice “with a heavy heart” and emphasized the need to strengthen the Hungarian child protection system.

Orban stated that the majority of Hungarians rejected the President’s decision for clemency and stressed the importance of restoring balance through the resignation of the President and the election of a new one. He also called for a new child protection legislative package to be submitted to the National Assembly, highlighting the need to review and supplement laws aimed at protecting children.

In addition to addressing the resignation and child protection issues, Orban discussed Hungary’s economic and political challenges, including maintaining growth, combating inflation, and navigating EU relations. He acknowledged that Hungary had emerged from a difficult 2023 by a narrow margin and critiqued some European Union policies, advocating for a sovereignty approach to reclaim Europe’s autonomy.

Orban also commented on the current crisis facing Europe, expressing a belief that it will not be resolved by “bureaucrats in Brussels.” He suggested that a resurgence of a new right-wing movement across Europe, with Hungary playing a part, holds the potential to bring “real change.”

The Hungarian Prime Minister’s state of the nation speech comes amidst political upheaval and public outcry following the resignation of top officials in the wake of the child abuse pardon scandal. Orban’s comments and proposed legislative actions seek to address the issue of child protection while also positioning Hungary within the broader context of European politics and sovereignty.