If Brussels wants illegal migrants, then Brussels can have them, said Hungary's Deputy Interior Minister Bence Rétvári at a press conference on Friday – standing in front of the very buses he wants to use.
The reaction in Belgium is divided. Brussels' mayor Philippe Close promises to stop all possible buses and accuses Hungary of only being after money.
Hungary must stop thinking that the EU is just an ATM, says Close according to the newspaper Le Soir.
Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of the liberal MR party, chooses to direct criticism against his socialist compatriot Close rather than against Hungary.
"Was it not you who wanted to receive all migrants with great generosity? Hungary is right to show the well-meaning left the real effects of their policy", writes Bouchez on X.
The newspaper Le Soir notes at the same time that Belgium registered 30,000 asylum seekers in 2023 – compared to 30 in Hungary.
