Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Declares 2018 to be the Year of the Families

Prime Minister Viktor Orban giving his speech during the Budapest Family Summit. Photo: About Hungary Blog/PM Orbán at World Congress of Families XI summit: 2018 will be the year for families

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared 2018, to be the "Year of the Families"; a declaration made on May 25, during his opening speech at the Budapest Family Summit.

It is a declaration that not only spotlights a nation's strength relies on its people—and fundamental to that is the family, the primary cell of society—but also seeks to address the declining birth rate experienced by many countries in Europe (including Hungary) with real and immediate solutions that will help families have more children.

The World Congress of Families (WCF) and the International Organization for the Family (IOF) chose Hungary for the second time to host this summit—whose theme was “Building Family-Friendly Nations: Making Families Great Again”—because Hungary, as the WCF Managing Director Larry Jacobs put it, "...[H]as demonstrated its strategic leadership as an advocate for the natural family in Europe." Here is what the WCF also published about why they chose Hungary:

Hungary’s leadership in defense of family, life, and Christianity is well known in Europe. The adoption of key provisions in the Hungarian Constitution in 2011 defining marriage between a man and a woman and protecting human life from conception to natural death have made the Orban government the hero of pro-family and pro-life leaders from all over the world. Hungary’s leadership is fully committed to family friendly governance and has recently launched a new national motto, 'Hungary, the Family Friendly Country.'

In Hungary's constitution, The Fundamental Law of Hungary, there are four provisions that specifically point to the truth and accuracy of Jacobs' statements. The first is contained within the National Avowal, which states, "We hold that the family and the nation constitute the principal framework of our coexistence, and that our fundamental cohesive values are fidelity, faith and love." (2)

The second is located at FOUNDATION Article L, "(1) Hungary shall protect the institution of marriage as the union of a man and a woman established by voluntary decision, and the family as the basis of the survival of the nation. Family ties shall be based on marriage and/or the relationship between parents and children."

The third is under FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY Article II, "Human dignity shall be inviolable. Every human being shall have the right to life and human dignity; the life of the foetus shall be protected from the moment of conception."

The fourth is at FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY Article XV, "(5) By means of separate measures, Hungary shall protect families, children, women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities."

Hungary's constitution is impressive; reading it is time well spent. For those interested in knowing more about it, consider my post of December 2016, Viktor Orbán: A True Leader of and for the People of Hungary and Hungary's Constitution The Fundamental Law of Hungary.

It comes as no surprise that Hungary was chosen to host this summit; part of the goal of this summit, as stated on the WCF website, was to "...[S]trengthen our existing international network and help launch a new global profamily alliance of countries dedicated to defending marriage, the family and the sanctity of human life.”

Since Orbán and the party he leads, the Fidesz Party, was elected in 2010, the government has spent 9.7 billion EUR in support of families. Debt relief, child support, family housing incentives, support for household modernization are just some of the latest measures put into place to help families.

It is part of a demographic battle that Orbán is fighting—an approach that seeks to strengthen families from within Hungary rather than rely on the false solution of immigration—knowing full well that strong families will create a strong, competitive, and prosperous Hungary for current and future generations.

The family is at the center of Orbán's vision of the future! It is Orbán's firm belief that protecting families, no matter what the costs, is essential.

Orbán certainly articulated that very belief during his speech at the Budapest Family Summit (World Congress of Families XI); a speech worth reading to not only better understand the importance of the family, but to capture the strength and intelligence of Orbán's leadership.

A safe society is a fundamental component of any government's plan to protect families, which Orbán highlighted in the first part of his speech, when referring to Brussels' so-called "refugee" resettlement scheme and the migrant crisis that it created.

Hungary's southern border fences along the Hungarian-Serbian border. Photo: About Hungary Blog/Hungary’s southern border fence has been protecting the frontier of Europe for two years

Orbán responded to that threat with the building of two border fences along the border with Serbia, as well as establishing border-hunters (specially trained border guards), who form part of a security force: modern-day border-fort garrisons, police officers, and the defence forces.

Not only has Orbán brought the Balkan-migrant route—of which Hungary is an extension—to a complete halt, but he has enabled Hungarians to live in a peaceful and safe society; and in the process, has inspired confidence in young people to have families, secure in the knowledge that throughout Hungary will echo the "Happy cries of children rather than sirens from police cars and ambulances."

Today, Hungary is one of the safest countries in Europe!

The danger for Hungary and Europe is not over as Orbán pointed out, "It is only a matter of time and political expedience before millions of people who are ready to set out are once again channelled in our direction." (1) The coalition of human rights activists and people smugglers continue to work to send waves of migrants—mostly men in their prime—in the direction of Europe.

Recent developments prove Orbán to be absolutely correct as has been reported by Government Spokesman Zoltán Kovács in his latest blog post, European Parliament speeds up realization of the Soros plan.

In that post, Kovács spotlights the proposal made by the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) for a limitless resettlement quota scheme, that coupled with what he described as a "Hungary-bashing report," points to a pro-immigration agenda that will attempt to strong-arm any member that refuses to cooperate.

Hungarian youth and traditional dancing at the Budapest Family Summit. Photo: Daily News Hungary/INTERNATIONAL FAMILY SUMMIT – ORBÁN: GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE FAMILY TAX BENEFITS

One of the most salient points in the speech that Orbán so candidly spoke of, is the declining birth rate among European countries, including Hungary. He went on to state that, "...The time for straight talking has come. Europe, our common homeland, is losing out in the population competition between great civilisations. Fewer and fewer marriages are producing fewer and fewer children, and the population is therefore ageing and declining." (2)

There are two views on how to solve this problem. The first sees immigration as the answer, while the other view taken by Central Europe (including Hungary) is that they must solve the demographic problem by relying on their own resources; a truth that Orbán stated must be acknowledged through a spiritual renewal.

To put the declining birth rate in Hungary into perspective, Orbán cited from national statistics on Hungary's population in 1980, when the population was at 10,709,000 people; by 2017, that figure dropped to 9,799,000. It is a dramatic drop in population—a loss of almost 1 million people—which as Orbán pointed out, "...[I]s more than all the casualties we sustained in World War II." (2) 

So important is the need to address the declining birth rate that Orbán refers to the restoration of natural reproduction not only as a national cause, but "the national cause."

Orbán's goal is to raise the birth rate to 2.1% by 2030, which will require responsible family policies that must be pursued for decades, over the course of several governments. Orbán considers this to be the first precondition for the population turnaround.

The second precondition is a powerful financial engine, "A competitive model that is full of energy." Elaborating further on this Orbán stated that any major political, social and intellectual turnaround always requires financial resources:

As far as we Hungarians are concerned, I can tell you that here economic growth is in a range between three and five per cent. This is the magical GDP growth. Government debt is declining and unemployment is coming to an end. Because our economic policy has been successful, the next target of our general and economic policy is to promote the number of children being born. It is to this that we’ve adjusted our fiscal system, it is to this that we’ve adjusted our housing support system; and our work-based economic system – with which we shall soon reach full employment – also serves this purpose. (3)

The third precondition for a successful demographic turnaround is for Europe to be in "good shape"; that is, each country's economic plan has to include support for the family. So important is this that Orbán stated, "If as a unit of community the family does not occupy first place in the hearts of young people, however, economic strength and excellent national economy figures are in vain: we cannot achieve anything." (3) Hungary spends 4.6% of GDP on family support.

Orbán acknowledged the simple truth that it is essential to pursue a policy that removes obstacles from the path of young people if more children are to be born. It was in the spirit of this truth, that he declared 2018, as the "Year of the Families." 

Accompanying that declaration is an action plan that will help to ensure young people are financially supported and encouraged to have more children. There is no better way to understand that action plan than to read it from Orbán's own words:

We’ve decided to further raise the rates of family tax allowances, and to place families with two children at the centre of this, as they represent the largest section in Hungary. And I’ve learnt that where there is room for two, there is also room for three – or even four. Braver families may even find room for five. For young women with two children and student loans, the Government will cancel fifty per cent of their debt, and for those with three or more children one hundred per cent of the student loan debt will be cancelled. For graduates we shall extend the term of maternity leave by a year, and for university students it is extended until the child reaches the age of two. Hungarians 3/4 understand the meaning of this family policy measure. “My home is my castle”: this is how the Hungarians think, and this is another reason why it is difficult to adopt a good policy here. We have decided that families with mortgages can have one million forints written off their debt if they have three children, and one million forints will be written off for each further child, with the state bearing the burden. Finally, we shall embark on infant day care developments on an unprecedented scale. We are going to build infant day care centres everywhere families live, and we shall renovate existing infant day care centres wherever necessary. We are also opening up our family support system – although cautiously – to fellow Hungarians who live outside the borders As a result, from next year they may also be eligible for maternity support after the birth of children, and baby bonds will be available across the entire Carpathian Basin. (4)

If that wasn't impressive enough, Orbán also announced the establishment of a research institute that will serve to better Hungary's spiritual and intellectual competitiveness, and good policy planning. The institute will become an international think tank that will, as Orbán put it, "...[P]rovide sufficient knowledge and intellectual munition to help and support families, laying the philosophical foundations for our family policy, and enabling accurate understanding of the situation in Europe and the world." (4)

Using the analogy of a ship sailing into the wind Orbán pointed out that obstacles do exist, but no matter what those obstacles are, with perseverance, courage and the backing of like-minded allies, together Hungary and Europe, just like a ship that knows what port it is aiming for, will reach its destination.

The brave, responsible, and intelligent leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has proven itself for seven straight years, and there is every reason to believe that Hungary's progress and growth will continue for many years to come: the Hungarian model is working and it shows!

Such is the kind of leadership that other countries should be seeking if they are serious about: a major demographic turnaround; protecting and strengthening the family; securing their borders; and guarding against all threats to their Christian identity, heritage, and culture.

God bless Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for continuing to demonstrate the kind of leadership that is so desperately needed in many countries in Europe, in Canada, and throughout the world.

May 2018, be a great year for the families!

Viktor Orbán: A True Leader of and for the People of Hungary and Hungary's Constitution The Fundamental Law of Hungary

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's speech on March 15, 2016. Photo: Vlad Tepesblog/Orban'shistoric speech puts Hungary on war footing

In late November when President-elect Donald Trump placed a call to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and invited him to Washington, it stirred up many positive thoughts I have had about Hungary and Viktor Orbán for quite some time. It seemed only fitting to share those positive thoughts in what I consider to be a timely post, one that not only acknowledges the Hungarian constitution, The Fundamental Law of Hungary, but also draws attention to Viktor Orbán: a true leader of and for the people of Hungary!

Like President-elect Donald Trump—who has great respect for Hungary—I too am a big fan of Hungary and its prime minister. I have been impressed with both for several years now; a positive impression that first began with the writing of its new constitution, The Fundamental Law of Hungary (25 April 2011), that took effect on January 1, 2012.

The constitution is a document worth reading all on its own, but especially as a primer to Prime Minister Orbán's most noteworthy speech of March 15, 2016; the annual day that Hungarians commemorate the 1848 Revolution.

Orbán has proven that the words in The Fundamental Law of Hungary have meaning and can only be taken seriously if they are backed up by action. Action is exactly what Orbán took to stave off the flow of hundreds of thousands of Middle Eastern "migrants"—what is essentially an aggressive Muslim invasion of Europe—who simply decided they were going to trek across Europe, on their way to Germany, and impose themselves upon each individual country along the way.

Hungarian army and police setting up fencing at Roszke and Horgosz, at the Border Crossing Station, near the southern border with Serbia. Photo: RafaVideoart/Hungarian army stopped Refugees in Roszke and Horgosz Hungary

Well, not Hungary! Orbán made that abundantly clear, as he closed Hungary's southern border with Serbia in Fall'2015; mobilizing the army to erect secure fencing to prevent the hordes of so-called "refugees" from travelling through Hungary. This was all done in a very expeditious manner, proving that Orbán means what he says.

What further impresses me about Orbán's actions is that he clearly understands that one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government is to ensure the safety and protection of its citizenry, whatever the threat may be.

Hungary and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán impress me in many other ways. To expand on this would require a separate blog post. No doubt that will be forthcoming in the very near future. In interim, I invite you to discover more about Hungary and Viktor Orbán by visiting the following: the official Government of Hungary web site, www.kormany.hu/en, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's web site, www.miniszterelnok.hu, his Facebook page, and on Instagram. 

As to the specifics of what has primarily impressed me about Hungary and Viktor Orbán, the remainder of this post provides those details: Hungary's National Avowal, The Fundamental Law of Hungary, and Viktor Orbán's speech on March 15, 2016.

Hungary's National Avowal

Hungary's National Avowal, a two page listing of statements—that is preceded by God bless the Hungarians—preambles the constitution. At its core, it acknowledges its Christian origins attributed to King Saint Stephen, and the establishment of the Hungarian people as part of Christian Europe. It proudly recognizes the struggles and sacrifices that Hungarians of past had to make to ensure survival, freedom, and independence. It also recognizes the outstanding intellectual achievements of the Hungarian people, Hungary's participation in defending Europe in a series of struggles over the centuries, and how the Hungarian people have enriched Europe's common values with their talent and diligence.

The National Avowal commits to the preservation of the intellectual and spiritual unity of the Hungarian nation, torn apart in the "storms" (World Wars I and II, the 1956 Revolution and the Communist suppression and occupation that lasted until 1989) of the last century, and to promoting and safeguarding Hungary's heritage, unique language, and culture.

The Fundamental Law of Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian parliament on the twenty-fifth
anniversary of parliamentary democracy in Hungary in 2015. Photo: Viktor Orbán Facebook

What I found particularly noteworthy was the explicit statement on the first page that recognized the role of Christianity in preserving nationhood, and the following statements that spotlight the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, freedom, the nation, and fundamental values: 

We hold that human existence is based on human dignity. 

We hold that individual freedom can only be complete in cooperation with others. 

We hold that the family and the nation constitute the principal framework of our coexistence, and that our fundamental cohesive values are fidelity, faith and love. (2)

It also makes clear that democracy is only possible where the, "...State serves its citizens and administers their affairs in an equitable manner, without prejudice or abuse." (3) This is such an essential point considering that preceding this, it holds that the common goal of both the citizens and the State is, "...[T]o achieve the highest possible measure of well-being, safety, order, justice and liberty." (3)

Firmly believing in the contributions of the future generations, it states, "We trust in a jointly-shaped future and the commitment of younger generations. We believe that our children and grandchildren will make Hungary great again with their talent, persistence and moral strength." (3)

The ending of the National Avowal concludes with a statement that paves the way for the remainder of the constitution, "Our Fundamental Law shall be the basis of our legal order; it shall be an alliance among Hungarians of the past, present and future. It is a living framework which expresses the nation’s will and the form in which we want to live." (3)

The Fundamental Law of Hungary

At fifty-seven pages, The Fundamental Law of Hungary, is quite the refreshing read. As with the National Avowal, it is explicitly Christian and nationalistic. It is the kind of constitution one hopes to read, in that, it includes the essential elements that ideally should form part of any constitution: the dignity of the human person; the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman; that a human person's right to life begins at conception; the right for parents to choose the upbringing to be given to their children; the importance of and the assurance to protect families; the role of Christianity in Hungary's nation building; and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

The bulk of The Fundamental Law of Hungary begins at page four and is organized in the following sections: Foundation, Freedom and Responsibility, The State, Special Legal Orders, and Closing and Miscellaneous Provisions.

To illustrate how gratifying a read this constitution really is, I have selected the following excerpts:

FOUNDATION 

Article L

(1) Hungary shall protect the institution of marriage as the union of a man and a woman established by voluntary decision, and the family as the basis of the survival of the nation. Family ties shall be based on marriage and/or the relationship between parents and children. 

(2) Hungary shall encourage the commitment to have children. 

(3) The protection of families shall be regulated by a cardinal Act.

FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY 

Article I 

(1) The inviolable and inalienable fundamental rights of MAN shall be respected. It shall be the primary obligation of the State to protect these rights. 

(2) Hungary shall recognise the fundamental individual and collective rights of man.

Article II

Human dignity shall be inviolable. Every human being shall have the right to life and human dignity; the life of the foetus shall be protected from the moment of conception.

Article III 

(1) No one shall be subject to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or held in servitude. Trafficking in human beings shall be prohibited.  

(2) It shall be prohibited to perform medical or scientific experiment on human beings without their informed and voluntary consent. 

(3) Practices aimed at eugenics, the use of the human body or its parts for financial gain, as well as human cloning shall be prohibited.

Article IV  

(1) Everyone shall have the right to liberty and security of the person.  

Article V

Everyone shall have the right to repel any unlawful attack against his or her person and/or property, or one that poses a direct threat to the same, as provided for by an Act.

Article VII 

(1) Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include the freedom to choose or change one’s religion or other belief, and the freedom of everyone to manifest, abstain from manifesting, practise or teach his or her religion or other belief through religious acts, rites or otherwise, either individually or jointly with others, either in public or in private life. 

(2) People sharing the same principles of faith may, for the practice of their religion, establish religious communities operating in the organisational form specified in a cardinal Act.

Article IX

(1) Everyone shall have the right to freedom of speech. 

(4) The right to freedom of speech may not be exercised with the aim of violating the human dignity of others. 

(5) The right to freedom of speech may not be exercised with the aim of violating the dignity of the Hungarian nation or of any national, ethnic, racial or religious community.

Article XV 

(5) By means of separate measures, Hungary shall protect families, children, women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities. 

Article XVI 

(2) Parents shall have the right to choose the upbringing to be given to their children.

If the above isn't impressive enough, the concluding two statements of the constitution will not disappoint, "We, the Members of the National Assembly elected on 25 April 2010, being aware of our responsibility before God and man and in exercise of our constitutional power, hereby adopt this to be the first unified Fundamental Law of Hungary." The final line below this reads," MAY THERE BE PEACE, FREEDOM AND ACCORD."

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's March 15, 2016 Speech in Budapest

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's speech of March 15, 2016, has to be considered one of "the" speeches of the decade.

Rich in historical and cultural content, it contains nationalistic ideals from both revolutions of 1848 and 1956, and identifies the modern-day threats to Hungary. A common thread that runs throughout the speech is the need for Hungarians to decide for freedom and the truth. 

Sándor Petőfi: portrait by
Soma Orlay Petrich.
Photo: Alchetron

Orbán began his speech by quoting Hungary's national poet and one of the key figures in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, Sándor Petőfi, "Salutations to you. Hungarian freedom, on this the day you were born!"

The hope that Petőfi had, a Hungary free from the Habsburg Empire, was echoed in Orbán's speech, "And today also, one hundred and sixty-eight years later, it is with unfettered joy, the optimism of early spring, high hopes and an elevated spirit that across the Carpathian Basin we celebrate—from Beregszász to Szabadka, from Rimaszombat to Kézdivásárhely: every Hungarian with one heart, one soul and one will."

The threat in Petőfi's time presents the same problem for Hungary today, its survival as a nation. The modern-day threat comes primarily from within Europe, specifically: the European Union (EU), the host of well funded lobbyists, and billionaires who try to impose their agenda upon each nation. What is at stake is Hungary's freedom, culture, identity, and its future.

With a Polish contingent present, Orbán explicitly identified that threat by expressing Hungary's solidarity with the nation of Poland, whose shared history has experienced the loss of freedom and nationhood. Here is what Orbán stated:

... I welcome the spirited successors of General Bem: we welcome the sons of the Polish nation. As always throughout our shared thousand-year history, now, too, we are standing by you in the battle you are fighting for your country’s freedom and independence. We are with you, and we send this message to Brussels: more respect to the Polish people, more respect to Poland!

Orbán went on to refer to Hungary's two revolutionary traditions, in which he stated that when the need arises, the Hungarian people stand up for what is right. He referred to life in Hungary today as stemming from both the 1848 and 1956 revolutions, which move and guide the nation's political, economic, and spiritual life: equality before the law, responsible government, a national bank, the sharing of burdens, respect for human dignity, and the unification of the nation.

Reinforcing the important influence of both revolutions in today's society, Orbán stated, "Today, as then, the ideals of ’48 and ’56 are the pulse driving the life force of the nation, and the intellectual and spiritual blood flow of the Hungarian people. Let us give thanks that this may be so, let us give thanks that finally the Lord of History has led us onto this path. Soli Deo gloria [Glory to God alone]!"

One can not help but be impressed with Orbán, who not only acknowledged the sacrifices of Hungarians of previous generations, but also gave thanks and glory to God.

Every revolution is a factor of those who initiate it and carry it to its completion. For Hungarians of the past, these were decent folk, respectable and hard working citizens, regular people from all walks of life: military officers, lawyers, writers, doctors, engineers, honest tradespeople, farmers and workers with a sense of duty.

Crowds in Budapest cheering Hungarian troops in 1956. Photo: FORTEPAN/Pesti Srác2

Orbán asked Hungarians to ponder on Sándor Petőfi's question, "So what are you going to do?" It was a question Petőfi asked, three weeks before his death, in his last letter to János Arany. Orbán added to this, "How will you make use of your inheritance?"

Further acknowledging Hungary's existence, inheritance, and identity, Orbán stated, "...[T]he Hungarian people still exist, Buda still stands, we are who we were, and we shall be who we are."

All this is threatened by the instability of Europe! From this current threat, Orbán asked the Hungarian people, "Shall we live in slavery or in freedom?" It is a question that must be asked simply due to the fact that the destiny of Hungary is intertwined with that of Europe's, and Hungarians can not be free if Europe is not free. Orbán described the current state of Europe as, "...[F]ragile, weak and sickly as a flower being eaten away by a hidden worm. Today, one hundred and sixty-eight years after the great freedom fights of its peoples, Europe – our common home – is not free."

As to why Europe is not free, Orbán identified the fundamental problem: freedom begins with speaking the truth. He elaborated on this, in what I consider to be one of the key segments of his speech. Here is what Orbán stated:

Europe is not free, because freedom begins with speaking the truth. In Europe today it is forbidden to speak the truth. A muzzle is a muzzle – even if it is made of silk. It is forbidden to say that today we are not witnessing the arrival of refugees, but a Europe being threatened by mass migration. It is forbidden to say that tens of millions are ready to set out in our direction. It is forbidden to say that immigration brings crime and terrorism to our countries. It is forbidden to say that the masses of people coming from different civilisations pose a threat to our way of life, our culture, our customs, and our Christian traditions. It is forbidden to say that, instead of integrating, those who arrived here earlier have built a world of their own, with their own laws and ideals, which is forcing apart the thousand-year-old structure of Europe. It is forbidden to say that this is not accidental and not a chain of unintentional consequences, but a planned, orchestrated campaign, a mass of people directed towards us. It is forbidden to say that in Brussels they are constructing schemes to transport foreigners here as quickly as possible and to settle them here among us. It is forbidden to say that the purpose of settling these people here is to redraw the religious and cultural map of Europe and to reconfigure its ethnic foundations, thereby eliminating nation states, which are the last obstacle to the international movement. It is forbidden to say that Brussels is stealthily devouring ever more slices of our national sovereignty, and that in Brussels today many are working on a plan for a United States of Europe, for which no one has ever given authorisation.

If all this sounds like an alarm bell, that is exactly what Orbán was sounding off, and rightly so. Other countries in Europe are listening and responding with their own efforts to regain their autonomy, protect their identity, and restore their cultural and heritage. 

Orbán talked about this, referring to it as an "awakening," in which Europe is realizing each day, more and more, that what is at stake is the future of Europe: prosperity, comfort, jobs, security, and a peaceful order.

The official Hungarian stamp commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight.
The identified heroes visible on the frame image of the stamp block are: Erika Kornélia Szeles (1941-1956, center),
Mária Wittner (1937-), patron of the Memorial Year, Katalin Havrila Béláné Sticker (1932-1959), László Dózsa (1942-),
actor, Dénes Dóczi (1932-1958) and József Vass (1937-?). Photo: Hungarian Post Office, via Wikimedia Commons 

Europe is a community of Christian nations, that are free and independent, but that status is being challenged by the modern-day threat, that is different from threats of the past—which may not be so obvious or understood compared to the open oppression and attacks of totalitarian regimes of the past—a comparison which Orbán made to spotlight the dangers of the modern-day threat:

This danger is not now threatening us as wars and natural disasters do, which take the ground from under our feet in an instant. Mass migration is like a slow and steady current of water which washes away the shore. It appears in the guise of humanitarian action, but its true nature is the occupation of territory; and their gain in territory is our loss of territory. 

Orbán went to to repel the false accusations made against Hungary by so-called "human rights warriors," that Hungarians are xenophobic and hostile. Quite the opposite is true which Hungary's history proves; it is a nation of inclusion and intertwining cultures:

Those who have sought to come here as new family members, as allies or as displaced persons fearing for their lives have been let in to make a new home for themselves. But those who have come here with the intention of changing our country and shaping our nation in their own image, those who have come with violence and against our will, have always been met with resistance.

What first appeared to be a relatively small number of "migrants," quickly grew into hundreds of thousands. Orbán asserted that the main danger to Europe comes from within, Brussels' itself, with its "fanatics of internationalism." He boldly stated that Brussels must not be allowed to place itself above the law:

We cannot allow Brussels to place itself above the law. We shall not allow it to force upon us the bitter fruit of its cosmopolitan immigration policy. We shall not import to Hungary crime, terrorism, homophobia and synagogue-burning anti-Semitism. There shall be no urban districts beyond the reach of the law, there shall be no mass disorder or immigrant riots here, and there shall be no gangs hunting down our women and daughters. We shall not allow others to tell us whom we can let into our home and country, whom we will live alongside, and whom we will share our country with.

Orbán had no illusions as to the negative implications and social unrest that would result from Brussels' "cosmopolitan immigration policy." He stated that Hungary would be forced to take in the "migrants," and serve them, which would eventually result in Hungarians confronting a situation of forced removal from their own land.

Orbán clearly has the foresight, fortitude, and the courage to see to it that, such a scenario does not come to pass. He completely rejected the forced resettlement scheme and he made it clear that Hungary will not tolerate neither blackmail, nor threats.

Calling upon all European nations, Orbán explicitly stated that, "The time has come to ring the warning bell. The time has come for opposition and resistance. The time has come to gather allies to us. The time has come to raise the flag of proud nations. The time has come to prevent the destruction of Europe, and to save the future of Europe."

Orbán's alarm bell is a call for unity in Europe. The peoples of Europe can not be free individually if they are not free together.

In the last part of his speech, Orbán referred once more to Hungary's history as an encouragement to the people of Hungary to resist the modern-day threat. During the Habsburg Empire, the people of Hungary were not resigned to accept foreign control, and the same holds true during the Russian occupation after World War II. As for today's modern-day threat, Orbán stated the following, "Today it is written in the book of fate that hidden, faceless world powers will eliminate everything that is unique, autonomous, age-old and national. They will blend cultures, religions and populations, until our many-faceted and proud Europe will finally become bloodless and docile."

The resistance required against this scheme for Europe is especially understood by the peoples of both Hungary and Poland, who Orbán characterized as people who know how to resist, defeat, rewrite and transform the fate intended for Europe today.

It comes down to a choice that Hungarians and the rest of Europe must make, answering in the process the question that Orbán posed, "Shall we live in slavery or in freedom?" His encouragement to his fellow Hungarians, "That is the question—give your answer! Go for it Hungary, go for it Hungarians!"

God bless Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the nation of Hungary and Hungarians all over the world.