The Government Spokesperson believes that the liberal world has had its day; it is impossible to make politics and to talk about reality “with pointless political correctness that leads nowhere”.
Zoltán Kovács said in a Christmas interview given to the news portal PestiSrácok.hu that at next year’s parliamentary elections the governing parties will not necessarily have to take on members of the opposition themselves, but more the informal and economic power that is behind them which has inexhaustible resources at its disposal and “seeks to sweep out of the way” the Hungarian government which raises obstacles and says no to migration.
In answer to a question, the Government Spokesperson spoke about the performance of the Hungarian economy as the achievement of the year, observing that “it is not just some sensation: there is hard work and performance on the government’s part behind it”. Regarding the surprise of 2017, he mentioned the fact that “the opposition have still failed to realise that they should talk about reality; they would then find it easier to reach members of the electorate”.
In his view, the scandal of the year is perhaps the series of revelations regarding incidents of sexual harassment. He highlighted that this problem should have been openly addressed decades ago, and healthy mechanisms should have been put into place. He said that a system with which these incidents could be avoided is closer to us in terms of our set of values.
“On the left-liberal side sexual harassment is seen as an element of the show, and articles in the press are reduced to angry showdowns. I am not sure that this helps the cause. The activist and campaigner viewpoint does not bode well when it comes to solving the problem”, Mr Kovács said.
He said in answer to a question regarding a shift in “western pro-migrant politics” that “reality has finally broken through the wall of silence and nonsense, and is beginning to reveal itself”.
“Thanks to Hungary and the Hungarian government – among others – we have managed to dismantle the wall which hides reality from the sight of European public opinion. In this we have had an undeniable role. We were the first to start to talk about the crisis. By doing so, we achieved a great deal; we have yet plenty to do, but time is on our side”, the Government Spokesperson said.
He observed that in Western Europe coming to reason is not a great strength. One proves to be right in vain; reason is not recognised overnight. This is what is happening now, he added.
“We have demolished the wall of nonsense. Brussels and western politicians are now building another wall, or are – for that matter – installing a screen to hide reality”, he said in answer to the question as to whether he is expecting a change in the EU’s migration policy.
Mr Kovács highlighted regarding next year’s parliamentary elections: “In 2014 we said we are going to carry on. What is at stake in the 2018 elections is whether we will be given a chance to carry on.”
He said that with seven years’ systematic work in government, by sometimes making risky choices and risky decisions, the Government has been able to achieve major results in the style of nation-oriented governance, and this has fundamentally changed Hungary’s and the nation’s scope for manoeuvre. He stressed that in the present world of globalisation, the nation is the best solution, as is a nationally-oriented government.
“In the near future we shall also have to build the structure which will allow us to become a natural and unavoidable part of globalisation processes, but which also ensures that our traditions and core values which guide our daily lives remain fully functional”, he said.
Mr Kovács highlighted that a government benefits from having a responsible and well-functioning opposition. As to how people on the left or in Jobbik can reconcile their actions with their conscience is their business alone. When the time comes, electors will pass judgement regarding everyone, remarked the Government Spokesperson who said: “We are entering this battle with a clear conscience as the performance we have rendered and the political goals we have achieved speak for themselves”.
In light of the fact that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán referred to this year as a year of rebelling, the Government Spokesperson spoke about 2018 as a year of self-confident hope in answer to a question.
He asked the question in response to observations from opposition media outlets branding the right-wing press as propagandists: what do you call it when opposition media forward their messages to the public?
He said that if a government wishes to relay its messages through the press, it is not propaganda but the fundamental nature of politics. The alpha of making politics lies in the wider dissemination among members of the public of a party’s own arguments, information, messages and communications. Anyone who cannot cater for this need is unable to make good politics, he said.
He added: “People are not stupid. We should talk to people about reality, and we should ask them to tell us their opinion. The government does just that. The propaganda mantra too indicates a problem with the perception of reality, rather than with how anyone uses the available means to reach the public.”