Hungary leader to pursue reforms

The prime minister of Hungary has admitted he has lost the trust of his people, but says he will continue with unpopular economic reforms.

Ferenc Gyurcsany apologised on Wednesday for a speech at a party meeting in April, leaked to the media earlier this month leading to violent protests in Budapest, in which he said the government had lied about the state of the economy in order to win re-election.

"Of course I am sorry ... these were the words of reproof, affection and passion," Gyurcsany told a press conference after a cabinet meeting.

Gyurcsany said he recognised he had lost the people's trust and it would take a long time to regain their confidence, but he said plans to cut the budget deficit, which is running at 10.1 per cent of gross domestic product, must be implemented.

source

NowPublic

Tags: trust | Reforms | RE-ELECTION | Minister | leader | hungary | Ferenc Gyurcsany | budapest