Orban re-elected as Hungary's PM for fourth term

BUDAPEST - Viktor Orban was re-elected as Hungary's prime minister by the parliament here on Thursday, starting a third consecutive and a fourth overall term as leader of Hungary.

Among the 199-seat National Assembly, the only house of the Hungarian parliament, Orban received 134 votes in favor and 28 against. To be elected, the prime minister needs more than half of the deputies' votes.

MSZP (Socialist) and LMP deputies did not attend the session, arguing that the opposition MPs would not have a possibility to react to Orban's speech.

Orban took an oath in front of the historical flags of Hungary.

In his speech, Orban said "My government is based on a majority of two thirds, but I will work for the three-thirds."

"Now we have the chance to start new and big things, everything is together for executing big plans: international prestige, experience, self confidence, life force," he added.

The newly-elected also voiced his ambition about his country in the European Union (EU) for the future, saying "I want Hungary to become part of the first five nations of the EU for 2030, where it will be the best to work and live, the same goes to the international competitiveness."

In the economic field, the veteran prime minister said he wants to make Hungary be one of the world's top 10 with regards to the attraction of direct investments.

"High added value investments are needed," said Orban, adding that "with Poland we will form a new and large central European economic area."

The prime minister once again voiced his ideal for democracy. "Instead of not working liberal democracy, Hungary's answer to international challenges is the Christian democracy that defends Christian values, the role of men and women, the fight against anti-Semitism, and the defense of our borders."

"We want to form a new, integrated cultural, economic and infrastructural region in the Carpathian basin," he said.

About the EU, the prime minister said "We want a strong EU, we need the EU and the EU needs us, we are ready to take part in the changes that the EU must undergo, the EU must work as the association of free nations, and not a United States of Europe," Orban emphasized.

But he urged the EU to change its conception of migration, which the EU believes that migration is a fundamental human right.

"I am convinced that migration will lead on the long way to the end of nations, to the end of the languages, to the own culture, there will be one large open society and one large European government. I will work against this plan in the name of the Hungarian freedom," Orban said.

Hungarian President Janos Ader on Monday officially called on Viktor Orban, the candidate for prime minister of the Fidesz-KDNP party alliance, to form the new government following the general elections on April 8.

The Fidesz-KDNP party alliance won the general elections by a large margin, securing 133 seats in the 199-seat parliament.