Viktor Orban’s anti-EU campaign MOCKED by Brussels chief – ‘It’s almost Monty Python like'

In a scathing attack, European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans said Hungary’s claims that the bloc is plotting to make immigration easier were “almost Monty Python-like, if it were not so serious”. The Commission had this week previously branded the Facebook campaign “fake news” based on a “ludicrous conspiracy theory”. Viktor Orban’s anti-immigration government this week accused Commission boss Jean-Claude Juncker of threatening Hungary’s security with the EU’s plans for migration.

A poster released as part of the taxpayer-funded campaign displayed a smiling Mr Juncker alongside US billionaire and philanthropist George Soros.

A caption beneath the two faces reads: “You also have the right to know what Brussels is preparing for!

“The government is launching an information campaign on Brussels’ migration incentivising plans.

“Everyone has the right to know what are the actual proposals, which fundamentally threaten Hungary’s security.

“They want to introduce mandatory resettlement quotas. They want to weaken member states’ right to border protection. They would ease immigration with migrant visas.”

Mr Timmermans rubbished the allegations, saying the Hungarian government’s assertions were false and rejecting the claim that the Commission plans to weaken border security, German newspaper Tiroler Tageszeitung reports.

The Commission was also quick to hit back, labelling the accusations a “ludicrous conspiracy theory” and branding the campaign “fake news”.

A spokesman said: “The Juncker commission made a commitment to fight disinformation and fake news and this case is no exception.

“The Hungarian government campaign beggars belief.

“It is shocking that such a ludicrous conspiracy theory has reached the mainstream to the extent it has.”

Mr Orban’s nationalist government has frequently found itself at odds with Brussels on migration policy.

His administration adopted a hardline approach during the 2015 migrant crisis when Hungary became a transit state for refugees and asylum seekers headed for Germany and other countries in western Europe.

Arrivals were blocked from entering after the border with Serbia and Croatia was closed and a huge fence constructed.

Budapest has also fiercely opposed the EU’s mandatory migrant quotas.

American-Hungarian billionaire George Soros, the antithesis of Mr Orban’s right wing, anti-immigration government, has also become a frequent political target.

Mr Soros has previously likened the Hungarian leader to both the Nazis and the Communists by saying his premiership evoked dark tones from the 1930s when the state was more oppressive than during its Cold War Soviet occupation.

source: express.co.uk