Commenting on the outcome of the elections in Hungary, in which Orbán’s Fidesz Party won with more than 48% of the votes, S&D Group president, Udo Bullmann said:

 

“The outcome of the elections in Hungary sends a clear signal beyond the borders of Hungary to the rest of Europe.

 

“The transformation of our societies often creates wounds, which lead to reactions of fear. If we want the European project to survive, we have to transform fear into hope.

 

“We must take care of the future of our societies, and make sure that integration works for all; both those arriving from abroad and those welcoming refugees.

 

“There has been a clear cleavage in voting behaviour between cities and in rural areas, especially among the youth.

 

“In order to address the concerns and needs of people, it is crucial that we unite the progressive forces, both in Hungary and other European countries, to work against those parties promoting exclusion, hate and fear.

 

“The EPP has a co-responsibility for the outcome of the vote and cares only about the maintenance of power, regardless of the political programme put forward. The fact that they have never seriously addressed Orbán’s far-right digressions clearly shows this.”