Polls & Research
Archive Search
FIDESZ Up, Socialists Down in Hungary
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The opposition Citizens Party (Fidesz) has extended its lead in Hungary's political scene, according to a poll by Gallup. 34 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 23 per cent, followed by the Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ) with two per cent and the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) also with two per cent. Support for FIDESZ increased by three points in a month, while backing for the MSZP fell by two points. The next parliamentary ballot is tentatively scheduled for April 2006.
Last August, 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.
The Hungarian government is discussing the privatization of several state-administered industries with 26 foreign companies. Gyurcsany has said the proposal could create more than 23,000 new jobs. Opposition lawmakers have urged for a slower process.
On Aug. 27, Orban pledged to review all the privatization deals proposed by the current administration if he is able to form a government next year. Two days later, Gyurcsany dismissed the opposition politician's remarks, calling them "a few badly phrased sentences."
Polling Data
If an election were held today, what party would you support?
Aug. 2005 | Jul. 2005 | Jun. 2005 | |
Hungarian Citizens Party (Fidesz) | 34% | 31% | 29% |
Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) | 23% | 25% | 19% |
Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ) | 2% | 2% | 2% |
Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) | 2% | 2% | 2% |
Source: Gallup Hungary
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,012 Hungarian voters, conducted from Aug. 17 to Aug. 25, 2005. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.
