Poll: Twice as many Hungarians support opposition as PM

The public mood is bad, and nearly half (43%) of Hungarians would like a change of government, writes FigyelőNet, based on a poll conducted by Századvég and Forsense. Twice as many voters support main opposition party Fidesz as the governing Socialist Party (MSZP). The junior member of the governing coalition, the Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ) only enjoys the support of 1% of the population.

Out of all respondents, 28% would vote for Fidesz and 14% for MSZP, which means the governing party is struggling with a record-low popularity level.

Among decided voters, support for Fidesz has increased by three percentage points and is currently at 61%. The support for the Socialists has decreased by the same number of points and is currently at 28%. Five percent of decided voters support the opposition party Democratic Forum (MDF) and 2% would vote for the Free Democrats.

A major change has occurred in the above 65 age group, which typically supported the Socialists. During the two months since September, the five percentage point advantage seen by the Socialists turned into a five percent advantage for Fidesz. Another major change occurred in the capital, where the former tie between the two largest parties turned into a nine percentage point advantage for Fidesz.

Of respondents, 61% had a negative opinion about the government's work, and one-third said that neither political sides are doing their work well.

One-third (32%) of respondents think that Fidesz Chairman Viktor Orbán would be a better leader for the country than Socialist Chairman and Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány, while 27% think that Gyurcsány is better for this post. Within his own party, Gyurcsány is more accepted. He enjoys support from 84% of Socialists, while 80% of Fidesz members think that Orbán is fit to lead the country.

Public mood has worsened, and only 4% of respondents think that things are going well in the country. If elections were held this Sunday, 63% of Hungarians would cast their ballots, but only 48% would vote for one of the political parties. At the beginning of September, this figure was nearly ten percentage points higher.

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