December 18, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - The opposition Citizens Party (Fidesz) of former prime minister Viktor Orban is the top-rated political organization in Hungary, according to a poll by Median. 35 per cent of respondents would vote for Fidesz in the next general election.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The opposition Citizens Party (Fidesz) of former prime minister Viktor Orban is the top-rated political organization in Hungary, according to a poll by Median. 35 per cent of respondents would vote for Fidesz in the next general election.

The ruling Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) is second with 32 per cent, followed by the Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ) with four per cent, the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) with two per cent, and the Hungarian Justice and Life Party (MIEP) with one per cent. The next parliamentary ballot is tentatively scheduled for April 2006.

In August 2004, Socialist prime minister Peter Medgyessy tendered his resignation after a cabinet dispute. The Socialists chose businessman and sports minister Ferenc Gyurcsany as the new head of government.

On Dec. 16, Orban said he supported the government's position on the European Union (EU) budget debate, declaring, "If Gyurcsany thinks it necessary to feel a national consensus behind him, we stand at his disposal. This is not a matter of politics, nor of party prestige, it is in the interest of the country as a whole."

Polling Data

If an election were held today, what party would you support?

Hungarian Citizens Party (Fidesz)	35%
Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP)	32%
Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ)	4%
Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF)	2%
Hungarian Justice and Life Party (MIEP)	1%

Source: Median
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Hungarian adults, conducted from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6, 2005. No margin of error was provided.