Free Republic

Once shining star, Hungary falters An opposition rally Friday is part of a broader populism that has stalled the young democracy. By Michael Logan | Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – The political and social crisis that has engulfed Hungary for almost three weeks intensified on Thursday as the main right-wing opposition party Fidesz announced a massive street rally for Friday. The rally, which could spark further violence, coincides with a vote of confidence called for by the beleaguered prime minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany. After defeat in local elections on Sunday and criticism from the nation's president, the...

Hungary PM says democracy at stake Oct 4, 2006 — BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany said on Wednesday Hungary's democracy was at stake and underlined he would not resign in the face of mounting pressure. Hungary has been in crisis since the leak of a tape two weeks ago in which Gyurcsany admitted lying about the state of the economy to win April's election. He has defied opposition calls to quit and is firmly backed by his Socialist Party. "The main opposition (Fidesz) and its leader (Viktor Orban) are filled with a thirst for revenge. He cannot accept...

Hungary PM says sorry for lies September 27, 2006 - 8:00PM Source: ABC Hungary's Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany apologised on Wednesday for the tone of a leaked speech in which he admitted lying about the parlous state of the economy to win April's election. The leak of the profanity-littered tape triggered violent protests this month and calls for the government of Socialists and Free Democrats to quit. On the tape, Mr Gyurcsany said in May that "we lied in the morning, we lied in the evening". "Of course I am sorry.... these were the words of reproof, affection and passion,"...

A question of honor Robin Shepherd International Herald Tribune Published: September 20, 2006 BRATISLAVA, Slovakia Rarely has a modern European leader been more brazen in his contempt for basic standards of political decency. After Hungary's socialist prime minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany, admitted that he had secured re-election earlier this year after lying to voters about the true state of the economy "morning, evening and night" for the whole of his premiership, it is difficult to know whether one should be more appalled by his admission or by the astonishing fact that he is now trying to make political capital out of...

BUDAPEST, 20 February 2005 — Saudi Arabia has ordered its ambassador in Budapest back to Riyadh for consultations to protest an off the cuff remark in which Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany referred to Saudi footballers as “Arab terrorists.” Gyurcsany’s comment was made earlier this month when he hailed Hungary’s football team for having “fought with death-defying courage” against “Arab terrorists” in a friendly match against Saudi Arabia on Feb. 2. “We received official notice this week that the Saudi Arabian ambassador in Budapest was called back by his government for consultations,” Hungarian Foreign Ministry spokesman Viktor Polgar told AFP....