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Hungary holds referendum on EU mandatory migrant plan Hungary holds referendum on EU mandatory migrant plan
(35 minutes later)
People in Hungary are voting in a referendum on accepting mandatory EU quotas for relocating migrants. Polls have closed in Hungary in a referendum on whether to accept mandatory EU quotas for relocating migrants.
Early indications show most who voted overwhelmingly rejected the quota system but turnout could be less than 50% which would make the vote invalid.
Right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposes plans to relocate a total of 160,000 migrants across the bloc.Right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposes plans to relocate a total of 160,000 migrants across the bloc.
Under the scheme Hungary would receive 1,294 asylum seekers. Opinion polls suggest strong support for a rejection among those who say they will vote. Under the scheme Hungary would receive 1,294 asylum seekers.
To be valid, turnout needs to be over 50%. An hour and a half before the end of voting the figure was about 40%.
During last year's migrant crisis, Hungary became a transit state on the Western Balkan route to Germany and other EU destinations.During last year's migrant crisis, Hungary became a transit state on the Western Balkan route to Germany and other EU destinations.
In an effort to curb the influx, it sealed its border with Serbia and Croatia. The measure was popular at home but criticised by human rights groups.In an effort to curb the influx, it sealed its border with Serbia and Croatia. The measure was popular at home but criticised by human rights groups.
Voters are being asked: "Do you want the European Union to be able to mandate the obligatory resettlement of non-Hungarian citizens into Hungary even without the approval of the National Assembly?" Voters were asked: "Do you want the European Union to be able to mandate the obligatory resettlement of non-Hungarian citizens into Hungary even without the approval of the National Assembly?"
Shortly after voting, Mr Orban said: "Hungarians are aware of what is at the stake. And it's important because it's not about the will of the government, it's not the intention of the parliament. It's the voice and will of the people - that's most important."Shortly after voting, Mr Orban said: "Hungarians are aware of what is at the stake. And it's important because it's not about the will of the government, it's not the intention of the parliament. It's the voice and will of the people - that's most important."
When asked if a "Yes" win means he will resign, Mr Orban said: "Yes".When asked if a "Yes" win means he will resign, Mr Orban said: "Yes".
The EU proposal was meant to ease pressure on Greece and Italy, the main entry points for migrants and refugees into the bloc.The EU proposal was meant to ease pressure on Greece and Italy, the main entry points for migrants and refugees into the bloc.
In December Hungary filed a court challenge against the EU plan, which would see relocations over two years.In December Hungary filed a court challenge against the EU plan, which would see relocations over two years.
Referendum explained, by Nick Thorpe, BBC News, BudapestReferendum explained, by Nick Thorpe, BBC News, Budapest
Why has the government called it?Why has the government called it?
Mr Orban closely links migration to terrorism, and what he regards as the dilution of European Christian culture. He wants to play a bigger role on the European stage, as a "champion of the concerns of ordinary Europeans", against the actions of "an unelected, liberal elite".Mr Orban closely links migration to terrorism, and what he regards as the dilution of European Christian culture. He wants to play a bigger role on the European stage, as a "champion of the concerns of ordinary Europeans", against the actions of "an unelected, liberal elite".
Mr Orban proposes that all migrants be put in a giant refugee camp in Libya, from which they can apply to come to Europe. His policy has proven popular in Hungary. His Fidesz party has regained voters it had lost, and the referendum is a useful organising tool ahead of the next parliamentary elections in 2018.Mr Orban proposes that all migrants be put in a giant refugee camp in Libya, from which they can apply to come to Europe. His policy has proven popular in Hungary. His Fidesz party has regained voters it had lost, and the referendum is a useful organising tool ahead of the next parliamentary elections in 2018.
What is the mood?What is the mood?
Fidesz and the opposition nationalist party Jobbik favour a "No" vote, although Jobbik would privately like Mr Orban to fail. Some opposition parties propose a boycott, others propose spoiling one's ballot.Fidesz and the opposition nationalist party Jobbik favour a "No" vote, although Jobbik would privately like Mr Orban to fail. Some opposition parties propose a boycott, others propose spoiling one's ballot.
The tiny Liberal party urges people to vote "Yes".The tiny Liberal party urges people to vote "Yes".
To be valid, more than 50% of Hungary's 8.3 million electorate needs to cast a valid vote.To be valid, more than 50% of Hungary's 8.3 million electorate needs to cast a valid vote.
What consequences could it have?What consequences could it have?
Legally none, politically many. As an EU member, Hungary is bound by EU rules. But the bloc's executive is wavering over compulsory quotas.Legally none, politically many. As an EU member, Hungary is bound by EU rules. But the bloc's executive is wavering over compulsory quotas.
Mr Orban would like the satisfaction of Chancellor Angela Merkel falling from power in Germany, the EU abandoning compulsory quotas, and the Visegrad 4 countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Poland) emerging as a strong power bloc for a Europe of nation-states, against the federal vision of French, German and other leaders.Mr Orban would like the satisfaction of Chancellor Angela Merkel falling from power in Germany, the EU abandoning compulsory quotas, and the Visegrad 4 countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Poland) emerging as a strong power bloc for a Europe of nation-states, against the federal vision of French, German and other leaders.
If the referendum is not successful, however, after throwing so much money and effort into it, Mr Orban will look weak, even foolish.If the referendum is not successful, however, after throwing so much money and effort into it, Mr Orban will look weak, even foolish.