By Krisztina Than
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Sunday he was ready to lead his Fidesz party in 2018 national elections, aiming to become prime minister for a third consecutive term.
Orban, who swept to power in 2010 and was reelected in 2014, has seen his approval ratings boosted by his hardline anti-immigration policies, including the construction of a steel fence along Hungary's southern borders to keep out hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing war and poverty.
Upon being reelected party chairman on Sunday, the 52-year-old father of five pledged to create new jobs, increase support for families and boost construction of new flats by slashing the value added tax on home construction to 5 percent from 27 percent in coming years.
He also said he planned to run for a third term in 2018.
"I would like to make it clear to you that in 2 years' time, if the trust is there, I am ready to lead you in the election fight and ... if we win, to continue my work at the head of the government," Orban told his party to applause and cheers of "Viktor, Viktor".
Orban has received much criticism from the EU for his hard stance on immigration. Earlier this month, Hungary filed a lawsuit challenging EU's mandatory relocation quota system for migrants, along with neighbouring Slovakia.
(Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
