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Socialists Gain, FIDESZ Drops in Hungary
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The opposition Citizens Party (Fidesz) is holding on to the lead in Hungary, according to a poll by Gallup. 30 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 26 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 four points in a month, while backing for the MSZP increased by three 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.
Yesterday, government spokesman Andras Batiz denied suggestions that Hungary would announce a delay in the adoption of the Euro, saying, "There is no change in the 2010 target date. (The suggestions) are mere speculation."
In 2004, Hungary's fiscal deficit was 5.3 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The European Central Bank has set a fiscal deficit limit of 3.0 per cent to allow countries to adopt the single European currency.
Polling Data
If an election were held today, what party would you support?
Sept. 2005 | Aug. 2005 | Jul. 2005 | |
Hungarian Citizens Party (Fidesz) | 30% | 34% | 31% |
Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) | 26% | 23% | 25% |
Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ) | 2% | 2% | 2% |
Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) | 1% | 2% | 2% |
Source: Gallup Hungary
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,010 Hungarian voters, conducted from Sept. 8 to Sept. 13, 2005. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.