BUDAPEST, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban emphasized national sovereignty on Saturday and criticized what he described as foreign political influence, while outlining his government's economic agenda ahead of upcoming general elections.
In his annual state-of-the-nation speech delivered in Budapest, Orban said Hungary must continue efforts to reduce external influence in domestic affairs.
Orban criticized what he described as external political and economic pressures, including from European Union (EU) institutions and multinational corporations, saying Hungary must continue defending its sovereignty.
He listed "pseudo-civil organizations, bought journalists, judges, politicians, algorithms, and bureaucrats" as representatives of what "Brussels means in Hungary today."
Turning to economic policy, Orban said his government had curbed inflation and introduced measures to support families and young people, including a fixed 3 percent housing loan program, pension payments and minimum wage increases. He said the government had also imposed special levies on banks, energy firms and retail chains to finance public programs.
Addressing supporters, Orban framed the general elections on April 12 as decisive for continuing Hungary's long-term national development strategy, arguing that political stability is necessary to complete ongoing reforms and strengthen Hungary's economic position.
He said his purpose was to make Hungary a "great and prosperous" country again, and called on "everyone" to join him. ■