Commentators came to Viktor Orbán’s defense en masse under an article in German portal Welt. The piece was on the Hungarian government following the Dutch example and applying for an opt-out from the EU’s asylum regulations.
Welt made sure to note that the “populist” government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been pursuing an “anti-migrant” policy for years and is therefore in constant dispute with the European Commission. It also clarified that Hungary refuses to pay the €200 million fine imposed by Brussels due to its migration policy, an amount that they are looking to deduct from future EU payments intended for Hungary.
However, readers took issue with the paper’s slant and came to Orbán’s defense, with Mandiner.hu offering up some choice commentary.
Rolf R.:“The European Commission imposes fines for a completely correct attitude. It is pushing Europe to the edge of the abyss!”
One unidentified commenter: “Germany is ultimately to blame for the downfall of the EU. By launching unlimited mass immigration in 2015, Mrs. Merkel’s CDU brought about the end of the EU.”
Claudi S.: “(The decision) is completely understandable on the part of both countries. Mass illegal immigration, which is also predominantly Muslim, is no longer a ‘problem’ in many EU countries, but an existential issue, not only in terms of social systems, but also in terms of social peace, free coexistence and individual self-determination.”
Another thought Germany should join the Netherlands and Hungary, as paying EU fines would still be more worthwhile than spending the same money on migrants, adding that the EU’s asylum system has collapsed and is only serving those civil organizations that campaign for mass migration.
As to the label given to Fidesz, one reader said: “‘Hungary’s right-wing populist government’ Just because something is said over and over again does not make it true!”
While another asked: “What exactly makes Orbán’s policies right-wing populist? I see here a real top politician who simply represents conservative values.”
