Issue Watch
Track global public opinion on current issues.
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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
FIDESZ Gains, Socialists Drop in Hungary
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The opposition Citizens Party (Fidesz) has extended its lead in Hungary, according to a poll by Gallup. 29 per cent of respondents would support Fidesz—led by former prime minister Viktor Orban—in the next general election.
The ruling Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) is second with 24 per cent, followed by the Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ) with three per cent and the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) with two per cent. Support for FIDESZ increased by two 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, SZDSZ leader Gabor Kuncze caused a stir when he suggested that current guidelines for the financing of religious organizations—such as tax-exempt status on donations and properties—should be scrapped.
In a letter addressed to the leaders of 25 Hungarian churches, Kuncze said his earlier statement had been misinterpreted. The SZDSZ leader added that religious activities should be funded from separate duties paid only by the faithful, rather than by every taxpayer.
Polling Data
If an election were held today, what party would you support?
Nov. 2005 | Oct. 2005 | Sept. 2005 | |
Hungarian Citizens Party (Fidesz) | 29% | 27% | 30% |
Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) | 24% | 25% | 26% |
Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ) | 3% | 2% | 2% |
Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) | 2% | 1% | 1% |
Source: Gallup Hungary
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,007 Hungarian voters, conducted from Nov. 11 to Nov. 14, 2005. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.