Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

FIDESZ Lead Down to Two Points in Hungary

October 24, 2005
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - The opposition Citizens Party (Fidesz) maintains a slight advantage in Hungary, according to a poll by Gallup. 27 per cent of respondents would vote for Fidesz—led by former prime minister Viktor Orban—in the next general election.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The opposition Citizens Party (Fidesz) maintains a slight advantage in Hungary, according to a poll by Gallup. 27 per cent of respondents would vote for Fidesz—led by former prime minister Viktor Orban—in the next general election.

The ruling Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) is second with 25 per cent, followed by the Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ) with two per cent and the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) with one per cent. Support for FIDESZ fell by three points in a month, while backing for the MSZP dropped by one point. 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.

Earlier this month, Romania and Turkey slaughtered thousands of birds after both nations appeared to have detected avian influenza or bird flu. Laboratory tests later confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the virus could mutate into a form that can be transmitted among people.

Hungary's National Epidemiology Center recently developed a vaccine that may protect against the H5N1 strain. On Oct. 21, health minister Jeno Racz declared, "The list of countries indicating they are interested (in acquiring the vaccine) is growing, Syria being the latest. We'll also start talks with Romania.''

Polling Data

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

 

Oct. 2005

Sept. 2005

Aug. 2005

Hungarian Citizens Party (Fidesz)

27%

30%

34%

Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP)

25%

26%

23%

Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ)

2%

2%

2%

Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF)

1%

1%

2%

Source: Gallup Hungary
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,010 Hungarian voters, conducted from Oct. 8 to Oct. 13, 2005. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.