22nd Congress of Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union

On 19-20 May 2007 Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union held its 22nd congress in Budapest. Viktor Orbán was re-elected as chairman of the Union and Lajos Kósa, mayor of Debrecen became the party's new vice-chairman, alongside with Ildikó Pelczné Gáll, Mihály Varga and Zoltán Pokorni, all of whom have kept their position since 2005.

Created: 28th September, 2007 15:04 \| Last updated: 22nd May, 2007 11:07	print	send

Thousands of party-members and supporters turned up for the 2-day event which hosted a number of guests, including Joseph Daul, chairman of the European People's Party Group in the European Parliament, Wilfried Martens, president of the European People's Party, and Ferenc Mádl, former President of Hungary.

The congress has taken place at a time when all opinion polls reveal a massive, 20% advantage for Fidesz ahead of the governing socialists, while 70% of Hungarians judge things "going badly" in the country.

Mr Daul, conveying the greetings of newly elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy, expressed his belief that the new generation of European politicians: Mrs Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, Mr Sarkozy and Viktor Orban will protect the commonly shared values of European conservative leaders.

Speaking on the second day of the congress, Wilfried Martens stressed the need for Hungary's wholehearted commitment to a common European energy policy, judging the current government's policy towards Russia in this matter "unacceptable".

The ‘Our Future' document, which was based on nationwide discussions with the relevant bodies, was accepted by the congress. The paper, focusing on social justice, the quality of life, public services and competitiveness, was introduced by Tibor Navracsics, leader of the parliamentary group of Fidesz. Mr Navracsics pointed out the importance of Fidesz's trustworthiness as well as the need to rebuild confidence in politics, and referring to the recent polls said that the Union was now the strongest party in Hungary.

Re-elected as chairman of Fidesz with 1608 to 39 votes, Viktor Orbán spoke of the "new majority" that would help build a new, strong Hungary, which in turn will continue be a member of a strong European Union. The "new majority" will be based on a "mutual responsibility" between people and the government, meaning that "politics should not serve the interests of the cabinet but the general welfare of the people". In terms of economic policy mutual responsibility is the basis for carrying out the policies of a social market economy.

Mr Orbán emphasized the importance of a united political right, which had not collapsed even after a defeat at last general election, but instead regained its self-confidence and won the local elections by a sweeping majority last October.

"No matter when the next elections are held", continued the chairman of the Union, "the weakest Socialist Party of all times should face the strongest Fidesz ever".

Upon concluding his speech, Mr Orbán said that at the time of the regime-change, he would never have imagined that seventeen years later he still lives in a weak Hungary. "No matter how this could happen, I will not accept it. I invite everyone to join the new majority that aims to re-strengthen our country" - he said.

The chairman of Fidesz ended his exposé by calling everyone to take responsibility for each other and a strong Hungary, calling this duty a "matter of honour".

fidesz.hu