Orbán cabinet shared how much the Ukrainian state’s operation and the rebuilding costs for the European taxpayers
Fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession to the European Union would be a “serious risk” and a political and economic burden on Europe, including Hungary, the prime minister’s political director said on Saturday.
Because neither Europe nor Hungary could bear such a burden, the Hungarian government will be the first in the European Union to seek the opinion of the people in the matter in a public survey, Balázs Orbán told public current affairs channel M1.
“The results of the survey will be politically binding for the Hungarian government,” Orbán said. “From there on, at the negotiations in Brussels, we intend to represent the opinion expressed by the Hungarian people.”
He argued that Ukraine’s admission to the bloc would also violate the principle of merit-based enlargement and send the wrong message to candidate countries that have been waiting 10-20 years for the conclusion of their accession talks “and are economically far better prepared than Ukraine”.
Citing data from the World Bank, Orbán said Ukraine’s reconstruction would cost Europe more than 500 billion US dollars, while the operation of the Ukrainian state alone costs an annual 100 billion dollars.
Read also:
- PM Orbán vetoed the EU’s EUR ~20bn military support for Ukraine, but remained alone – read more HERE
- Hungarian scientists issue joint statement condemning government’s stance on Ukraine
In Hungary, a public referendum is a legal process that allows citizens to directly vote on specific issues. It can be binding (if voter turnout and approval thresholds are met) or consultative (advisory).
Here are the key elements that make a public referendum in Hungary:
1. Who Can Initiate a Referendum?
The National Assembly (Parliament) can call a referendum with a two-thirds majority.
The President of Hungary can initiate a referendum based on a parliamentary decision.
Citizens can propose a referendum through a signature collection process.
2. Signature Requirement for Citizen-Initiated Referendums
At least 200,000 valid signatures must be collected within 120 days to force a national referendum.
If at least 100,000 but fewer than 200,000 signatures are collected, Parliament may choose to call a referendum, but it is not obligatory.
3. Legal Restrictions on Topics
Referendums cannot be held on certain issues, including:
a) Constitutional amendments.
b) The state budget, taxation, and financial obligations.
c) International treaties and obligations.
d) Military and national security matters.
e) Elections and personnel appointments.
4. Validity Requirements
For a referendum to be binding:
a) More than 50% of eligible voters must participate.
b) More than 50% of the valid votes must support one option.
c) If voter turnout is below 50%, the referendum is only consultative and does not automatically lead to legal changes.
5. Types of Referendums
Mandatory Referendum: Required for specific issues (e.g., EU accession).
Optional Referendum: Can be initiated by Parliament or citizens.
Consultative Referendum: Non-binding, used for gauging public opinion.
Hungary does not need to spend one penny rebuilding Ukraine. Hungary was rebuilt by Hungarians after WWI, WWII and 1956. Ukraine’s Zelensky’s provocation caused the melee, Ukrainians supported him, Ukrainians are responsible for rebuilding their ruined country. Why help and enemy, it makes no sense.