Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice Pál Völner said in an interview appearing in the latest edition of Hungarian daily Magyar Idők on Monday 8 August 2016 that if the referendum on relocation quotas is valid, and “no” votes win, the law will prevent the European Union from forcing Hungary to admit persons that the country does not want to accept. “The act will be effective for at least three years”, he explained.
Mr. Völner stressed that the Government had an unequivocal position on the issue, adding that the Cabinet believes that forced relocation violates the interests of Hungary.
He pointed out that members of the Government, ministers and sate secretaries would also participate in the campaign. “The most important thing to do will be to explain to the electorate in an easily understandable way why a referendum is necessary and what is at stake in the referendum.”
The State Secretary stressed that the Cabinet has been representing the same position on the referendum from the beginning on. The most important thing is that Hungarians should be able to decide who may settle in the country. “As opposed to this, left wing politicians hesitate: they would really like to support the “yes” answer, that is, the unlimited forced relocation. However, due to the incidents, terror acts and unfavourable events abroad, they do not dare to do so”, he emphasised.
According to Mr. Völner, in the past, the political Left used to adapt to Moscow and now they would like to follow Brussels, but they have realised that Hungarian voters are becoming less susceptible to the uncritical emulation of foreign countries, serving multinational companies or neglecting national interests. ”In recent weeks even Jobbik has shown its real intentions, which is using the quota issue simply for gaining benefits”, he added.
He stressed that the Government did not initiate the quota referendum against Europe but for Europe and added that there are no substantial arguments for Hungary to exit the European Union. He also pointed out that he is convinced that Hungary can achieve its aims as a member of the community.
As he explained, those who will cast a “yes” vote in the referendum on 2 October will express the position that the EU could send any number of any foreign persons at any time to Hungary. Those, however, who will cast a “no” vote will declare that Hungary can only be entered by people who comply with the national rules and have the permission of the Hungarian State and the Hungarian authorities to do so.