ADVERTISEMENT

Govt denounces 'violence' of EU migrant plan

The comments came a day after the European Court of Justice, the bloc's top court, rejected a legal challenge to the relocation plan lodged by Hungary and Slovakia.

They also followed criticism by EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker who earlier this week chided Budapest for demanding extra money for border security while refusing to partake in the mandatory migrant redistribution scheme.

"Solidarity is not an à-la-carte dish," Juncker had said in a letter to Orban on Tuesday.

The Hungarian leader, who has previously called immigration the "Trojan Horse of terrorism", said he was "stunned and puzzled" by Juncker's response.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The interpretation of the principle of solidarity described in your letter is in essence the transformation of Hungary into an immigrant country, against the will of the Hungarian people," Orban said in a letter to Juncker, published on the government's website on Thursday.

"In my view, this is not solidarity, this is violence."

Unlike other European Union member states, Hungary did not have a "colonial past", Orban added.

"These major member states have become immigrant countries, due to the obligations stemming from their colonial legacy," the populist strongman said.

"Hungary on the other hand... does not want to become an immigrant country and cannot accept being forced to change this."

ADVERTISEMENT

More than 400,000 people, many fleeing war in Syria, crossed through Hungary in 2015 as they sought to reach western and northern Europe.

In response, Budapest erected fences on its southern borders with Serbia and Croatia, and recruited 3,000 special "border hunter" police to patrol the frontiers.

The measures slowed the influx of migrants to a trickle, until the so-called "Balkan Route" northwards from Greece was effectively closed in March 2016.

Hungary's fences drew fierce criticism from Brussels, though other EU member states later built their own versions.

On August 31, Orban wrote to Juncker asking that the EU refund half the 800 million euros ($950 million) Hungary says it has spent on the borders.

ADVERTISEMENT

In his latest letter, he reiterated his request.

"The fence and Hungarian border-hunters are not only protecting Hungarians, but Austrian, German and other European Union citizens as well," Orban said.

Juncker insisted earlier this week he and the European Commission "remain committed" to working with Hungary toward a more efficient and fairer migration policy.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT