Dented, But Undeterred

June 2006 | Ratings Update

The government's fiscal austerity package has damaged public support levels, as tax rises as opposed to electoral pledges of cuts were announced, inflation is expected to rise, and real wages to fall. However, even after a mooted 12,500 civil service job losses, Socialist support has fallen only 6% since their April election victory. As the tax reforms will not come into force until after October's local elections, losses in municipal seats may not be too great. Even if Fidesz make substantial regional gains, the Socialists' parliamentary majority is large, and reforms look set to continue undeterred.

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