Prime Minister slams opposition attitude to democracy

Fidesz supports democratic institutions when it suits it and rejects those it finds displeasing, Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány said on ATV television station last night.

Regarding the upcoming referendums, he said debate can finally be held on intelligent matters. "It is good that people can express their opinion on health care, rather than on Árpád flags," he remarked.

Gyurcsány said the nation and the government are proceeding on the right path, as Hungary is being renewed, adding he is sorry that some see only destruction. He said he has no intention of advising President László Sólyom how to behave.

Meanwhile, Gyurcsány told trade unions that the government is pursuing a “genuine, fair, humane and just left-wing programme” that serves the interests of those living on wages, Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány declared at the Vasas trade union headquarters yesterday. He promised 3% inflation and economic growth in excess of 4% from 2009.

A round of applause went up when Gyurcsány said employers who do not respect labour regulations can expect heavy sanctions and the loss of state subsidies. South Korean tyre maker Hankook has been heavily criticised and is being inspected by labour authorities regarding alleged mistreatment of employees at its Dunaújváros plant.

Before Gyurcsány spoke, Péter Pataky, head of the trade union federation Mszosz, criticised the government for deciding on changes without consulting unions. Pataki also said the austerity measures have mostly afflicted those living on wages and salaries.

The above story is just one of more than two dozen published today by Hungary Around the Clock, the most comprehensive source of daily English-language news about Hungary. For a free trial of HATC, click here. Hungarian news sources include Népszabadság; Magyar Hírlap; Világgazdaság; Napi Gazdaság; Magyar Nemzet; Népszava; Kossuth Rádió news and Hungarian television's nightly news broadcast.

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