Hungary declares state of emergency over Ukraine war

Budapest, Hungary: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban informed the public via Facebook video that in order to be able to respond more quickly to challenges created by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Hungary's government will assume emergency powers.

This is Orban's fourth term as Hungary's Prime Minister and he has declared emergency twice in the past. Once due to Europe's migration crisis and later during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his video, Orban reiterated that Hungary must stay out of the war and “protect families' financial security.” He also said "The world is on the brink of an economic crisis."

Orban said the government will announce its first measures on Wednesday.

Orban's government needs to avoid a marked slowdown in the economy amid 9.5% annual inflation rate, plus a first quarter budget deficit caused due to pre-election spending spree and the ongoing war in Ukraine which has affected entire Europe.

Source: Reuters