This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7956610.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
'Obstacle' Hungary PM to resign | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany says he will stand down, as his government's popularity plummets amid the global financial crisis. | Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany says he will stand down, as his government's popularity plummets amid the global financial crisis. |
The Socialist leader, in power since 2004, told his party congress that he considered himself a hindrance to further economic and social reforms. | The Socialist leader, in power since 2004, told his party congress that he considered himself a hindrance to further economic and social reforms. |
He is to officially notify parliament of his decision on Monday. | He is to officially notify parliament of his decision on Monday. |
Badly hit by the global credit crisis, Hungary received a $25.1bn (£17bn) IMF-led loan last October. | Badly hit by the global credit crisis, Hungary received a $25.1bn (£17bn) IMF-led loan last October. |
"I hear that I am the obstacle to the co-operation required for changes, for a stable governing majority and the responsible behaviour of the opposition," he was quoted as saying on Saturday by Reuters news agency. | "I hear that I am the obstacle to the co-operation required for changes, for a stable governing majority and the responsible behaviour of the opposition," he was quoted as saying on Saturday by Reuters news agency. |
"I hope it is this way, that it is only me that is the obstacle, because if so, then I am eliminating this obstacle now. | "I hope it is this way, that it is only me that is the obstacle, because if so, then I am eliminating this obstacle now. |
"I propose that we form a new government under a new prime minister." | "I propose that we form a new government under a new prime minister." |
Mr Gyurcsany did not name any possible successor. | |
He won re-election in 2006, becoming the first Hungarian premier since the end of communism in 1989 to hold on to power. | |
But week of riots erupted when he revealed on a leaked tape in September 2006 that he had lied about the nation's poor finances to win re-election. | But week of riots erupted when he revealed on a leaked tape in September 2006 that he had lied about the nation's poor finances to win re-election. |
Correspondents say that although Mr Gyurcsany had reduced the budget deficit, he had failed to win public support for wider economic reforms. | Correspondents say that although Mr Gyurcsany had reduced the budget deficit, he had failed to win public support for wider economic reforms. |
His popularity fell to record lows due to tax hikes and spending cuts implemented in the last three years, say analysts. | His popularity fell to record lows due to tax hikes and spending cuts implemented in the last three years, say analysts. |
Previous version
1
Next version