Orban's stronghold? It lurks in the Hungarian countryside

Ferenc Franyik is 32 years old and owns 92 hectares of land in Szolnok, a hundred kilometres east of Budapest, where he grows cereals, raises cows, and produces honey. And he is 'completely satisfied' with Viktor Orban's government. Like him, many farmers are ready to vote for the sovereignist leader for the fifth time. Because, they say, he is the one who has given the most to the sector.

How do you assess these 16 years of the Orban government?

I am completely satisfied with the government's efforts. Since the political transition of 1989 until today, no Hungarian government has done so much to support the agricultural sector. This is demonstrated by the measures taken in the last ten years. It introduced the Land Act, which allows only Hungarian citizens to buy agricultural land and gives priority to young farmers in access. It provided significant support during the Covid pandemic and drought years. It supports generational change in agriculture through non-reimbursable financing. It grants loans to the agricultural sector on favourable terms, with an interest rate of 3%. It has opposed, and continues to oppose, free trade agreements that are harmful to us farmers. And on several occasions, when oil prices have risen dramatically, he has introduced a subsidised fuel price (EUR 1.6). That is why I do not look forward to a change of government: I consider the possible loss of the above achievements a serious threat.

Do you agree with Orban's anti-EU stance?

In my opinion, this is fake news: there is no real opposition to the EU. Orban has no problems with the EU, but with the functioning of its institutions, in particular the European Commission. The Commission is taking measures that are harmful to farmers and consumers, such as the reform of agricultural subsidies and the agreement with Mercosur.