The choice of Budapest for the congress was no coincidence – it was chosen by leaders in order to support Hungarian member party the MSZP. The governing party in Hungary, Fidesz, which is a member of the European People’s Party (EPP), has removed rights and even discussed bringing back the death penalty as well as undertaking a carefully planned and executed hate campaign are migrants and refugees.
Sergei Stanishev, PES President said: “Orban’s regime of hate will not last. Hungarian people will see through his scapegoating and lies. The reality on the ground is that more young people have left Hungary for lack of opportunity under the populist government than immigrants have arrived.’ He added: “Our vision for Europe is one where people have secure jobs, prospects for the future and a real say in their future through genuine democracy. This discussion does not end here – we will be working so that the European Youth Guarantee can provide hope to all young unemployed people – as many as 50% in some countries.”
