New Austrian chancellor: Orbánʼs authoritarianism wonʼt make migrants disappear

History

Flickr.com / SPÖ Presse und Kommunikation

Christian Kern, the Social Democratic Austrian chancellor appointed after an independent Green candidate narrowly won the countryʼs presidency a few days ago, said yesterday that, by acting as an authoritarian leader, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is mishandling the migrant issue, according to reports.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern. (Flickr.com / SPÖ Presse und Kommunikation)

Giving one of his first speeches as a chancellor, Kern was quoted as saying that it “is an illusion to think that issues related to migrants can be made to disappear by creating a state that follows authoritarian principles, which is what Viktor Orbán is doing.” Kern, a Social Democrat, suggested that Austrian-Hungarian relations, which have become icy due to the migrant crisis, are not likely to change anytime soon. 

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that Kern’s remarks were “deeply disillusioning”. He added that it was “an illusion to think that a change in chancellors in Austria would bring a change in cultures in Austrian domestic policies”.

Hungary CPI Drop Acknowledged at IMF/World Bank Spring Meeti... Figures

Hungary CPI Drop Acknowledged at IMF/World Bank Spring Meeti...

Hungary to Address Future of Cohesion Policy During EU Presi... EU

Hungary to Address Future of Cohesion Policy During EU Presi...

AI may Save Hungarian Healthcare, Says Leading Doctor Science

AI may Save Hungarian Healthcare, Says Leading Doctor

Time Out Market to Open in Budapest Next Year Food

Time Out Market to Open in Budapest Next Year

SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL

Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.