Mr.Gyurcsány is terribly scared of Orbán, and hates him. Unlike Gyurcsány, Orbán did a very good job as a previous prime minister. Gyurcsány tried every possible means to discredit him, he even criticised his hair style and clothing. It is an old and successful bolshevik tactic to repeat a discrediting label over and over again. During the communist dictatorship "reactionary, capitalist, clerical, fascist" labels were used, and now "nationalist, racist, and antisemite" are used as swear-words.
However, nothing proves this to be true. During 1998-2002, when the Fidesz was in power: a new Holocaust Museum was established, no Neonazi demonstartions were permitted, which are allowed now, and there were three Jewish Ministers in the Orbán-cabinet (one of them, the Minister of transport, being most effective). The communists miss no opportunity to slander their opponents. They are very efficient in doing so, since they (as Mr.Gyurcsány is) are masters in lying.

István Szabó, B udapest, Hungary

In the Gyurcsány interview of March 01 he is presented as a reformist whose chief aim is to rescue the failing Hungarian economy. As a prime minister he had the opportunity to do that in the last four years, however, he was selling out the country instead, and tripled its international debts of 20 billion US$. He and his five coworkers in the government became suddenly extremely wealthy since 1990, making use of dubious manipulations with the help of the surviving communist network (his personal property is now worth more than 20 million US$). In a secret meeting of the inner circle of the socialist party he confessed last spring, that during the previous four years they were not doing anything, but lying day and night. Who on earth will believe that he is going to change this time?

Gábor Kovács, Szeged,

Mrs.Gyurcsány is a very attractive and clever woman, and nobody cares about her ethnic descent. She is popular, more so than her husband, who received only 14 % at the latest Gallup poll. What matters rather is her family background. Her grandfather: Antal Apró was a staunch communist being in the highest decision-making position during the whole Soviet era: he also had an important role in the death-sentence of Imre Nagy, the prime minister of the 1956 revolution. Her father was a high ranking officer in the Bulgarian Secret Service, and her uncle was and is in high position in the Hungarian Secret Police. The mansion where the Gyurcsánys are living did originally belong to a Jewish person, who was dislodged by the communists, and the house was given as a present to Mr.Apró; the genuine owner was never recompensated.
Mr. Gyurcsány, after divorcing two previous wives, has married into this family of the highest nomenklatura, which was of great help in his carreer.

Korda Géza, Szeged,

From your editorial comment: „The fundamental problem remains Mr Gyurcsány’s credibility”. This problem will never disappear. Lying –as he said: „The unperfect propagation of the truth” - is his standard of life, a fundamental component of his mind-set. He continued to lie ever since he admitted it in a speech behind closed doors before his closest supporters. He was caught, but he did not make a repentant confession to the public. More or less, he is rather proud of being a liar. He carries on with apparent zest, one lie after the other, up to and including the present interview. He is simply not the man ever to gain sufficient support for his „reforms” (what look like to be simple money squeezing, not a realistic plan for a better future).

Nagy Sándor, Szeged, Hungary

About the Arpad flag and the red star.
The Arpad flag - used several times by the different minor opposition groups - itself was not the symbol of the Hungarian Nationalist Party (HNP). This more than 1000 years old royal flag . - condemned by Mr Gyurcsany and his friends - was combined in 1944 with the symbol of the HNP, it was abused for about three months. However, nobody worried about the red flag, although its combination with the black swastica was introduced by the German nazies, and used overall in Europe not for three but for 144 months.And the red star on the Heineken beer bottle? If you drink a good Heineken beer in your London pub, you probably don't care this symbol on the bottle. You have no bad association, since you did not suffer under a red-star-bearing communist government - as we did. But how would you feel if you would see the black swastica instead of the red star on the Heineken bottle served? Think about this, Mr LeBor. Yours sincerely,

Mihaly Sajgo, Budapest, Hungary

The statement that “There is something horrible happening” in Hungary related to anti-Semitism is quite overdriven. There was never any pogrom against the Hungarian Jewish population (contrarily to most European countries) which was quite large at the beginning of the 20th century and this tradition determines that there is no anti-Semitism in Hungary beyond the usual level of some antisocial extremists. There was never anything in Hungary that can be compared to the recent attack in Berlin on the Jewish nursery school. These rumours reappear from time to time (mostly before elections), repeated by spokesmen of the now ruling coalition, telling that the “leftist danger” and the danger of the revival of anti-Semitism necessitate voting their parties.
I consider these rumours as wanton acts that weaken societal cohesion and trust in Hungary. A responsible and honest leader should never use these means to (falsely) influence his voters, be it supporters or opponents.

Keszei, Ernő, Budapest, Hungary

In my last posting, I have misprinted a word.
In:
'These rumours reappear from time to time (mostly before
elections), repeated by spokesmen of the now ruling coalition, telling that the "leftist danger" and the danger of the revival of anti-Semitism necessitate voting their parties.'

"leftist danger" should be changed for "RIGHTIST danger".

Keszei, Ernő, Budapest, Hungary

Mr. Gyurcsany lied to us, so he must resign as he would have in any other democratic country.
Take for example the US or Britain. Bush and Blair would immediately resign if it turned out that there aren't any WMDs in Iraq, wouldn't they?
Oh no, wait a minute.
It turns out that the only politician in the world who never lies is (according to him) Mr. Orban?
Let's make him the president of the US and PM of Britain as well, or better let's just give him the title of "president of the word", he deserves it for being so honest.
Viktor for president !!!!

Akos, Oxford,

How can we deny the growing importance and presence of the extreme right wing when even the politicians of FIDESZ accept the apperance of the Árpád flag in the last few years. They know eactly that these flags have nothing to do with historical pride.
10 years ago it couldn't have spotted it at any rally except on the ones organized by Blood and Honour. Now half of the flags appearing at Fidesz demonstrations are Árpád flags....what a coincidence again.
Just like the old fashioned antisemitic books such as the famous Protocols advertised in Demokrata and sold at Szkítia, bookstore chain of a Fidesz ally enterpreneur, formely a journalist of the official bulletin of the Communist party.......accidentaly lot of people understand these hidden indications.
And for those blaming the actual government for the presence of the neo-nazis I shall only tell one date: 1999. Then thousands of them paraded in the Castle District for the first time ever. Who was the prime minister then?

Tamás, Budapest, Hungary

Adam LeBor should know better than presenting the facts concerning rising antisemitism one-sidedly. Why isn't it mentioned Gyurcsány did not hinder a massive neo-Nazi commemoration on Heroes' Square, he lets police attack innocent people who demonstrate against him, like in any normal country, he narrows our constitutional rights etc. The sad truth is that he is clearly unable to govern, does not have the faintest idea how to "modernise" Hungary - financially and morally alike. The only way that is left for him is to use chaos and political disorder to maintain power. Do other Hungarians really believe his crazy visions that are only supported by servile media? (foreign media distorting the facts, too)

Agnes Vajda, Nagykanizsa, Hungary

Mr. Gyurcsany is a skillful tactician. He now talks abut the growing threat of right-wing extremism and Anti-Semitism, but he does not talk about the main cause of the deepening political crisis in Hungary, his government. Under his leadership, the country accumulated an unprecedented national debt and a huge budget deficit. The reforms he talks about are actually austerity measures, aimed at restoring the fiscal balance. The readers of The Times are probably not aware that the right-wing radical parties won only 2.2 per cent of the total vote at the general elections in 2006. Anti-Semitism is present in Hungary, like in all European countries, but it does not enjoy popular support. Mr. Gyurcsany tries to present himself as the only safeguard of constitutional order, whereas he is the main obstacle to resolving the political crisis.

Gabor Dalnoki, Budapest, Hungary

It's very easy to come with "the lying PM" story. It's far much easier than having and pronouncing any credible idea about how the country and the economy should move: what should we do with sectors like healthcare, education, public services, etc. Massive actions started in order to change the country's economy, way of thinking of the people and relation between state and citizen. The real question is modernisation and cathing up the train for this new century, or the danger of remaining in a railway station where no train will come anymore, joined by other loosers. So, with great respect I will ask for debate about real problems and possible solutions instead of "soccer player, using massive police force, Hungarian oligarchs, play the antisemitim card, paprika-gas". The problems of the country are not certain (1 or 10 or 100) people's, but old, expensiv structures, financial loads and a still existing, massive unwillnes of tax payment. I want to be on the rain.

László, Gyál, Hungary

Ferenc Gyurcsany, the lying PM himself is the biggest problem in Hungary at the moment. I am sorry to say but he is anything but a credible and a competent Prime Minister. He is also very inconsiderate. Remember when he described the soccer players of an Arabic country as terrorists? Should MSZP come up with a different Prime Minister, Hungarian people would be more supportive of the reforms needed. Until then, the political situation remains extremely uncertain and so does the success of the economic reforms.

Tibor, Pecs, Hungary

I refuse it, Mr Zoltan. I do not insult anyone, and I am not a left-winger. I am just an European person who wants to live in a country where the rules are clear, and where it is not a popular thing to cook the books and do everything to avoid paying taxes. I think, it's just time to stop crying over the past because it relies on us to make our lives better. We just need to look a bit further than this 'they steal it all, so i steal it myself instead' attitude. Before we ask for the money of the gov, we should work a bit. I know it is hard to do for most people here but we should give up thinking that every service is generally free and things like that. I am sorry to say but I think Mr Orbán builds his 'fanbase' on this kind of way of thinking. I do apologise if it's not the case, then I expect a sensible debate of the opposition, some communication (apart from name calling and threatening with dictatorship) would be very much appreciated.

Zita Katona, Budapest, Hungary

1. When was the last time the Hungarian police used massive force against the masses? In 1989 and 2006. Is it a fact?
2. When was the last time the country's net debt was over at least 15B $s? In 1989 and 2005. Is it a fact?
3. When was the last time that Hungarian oligarchs ruled the country? In 1989 and from 2002? Is it a fact?
4. When was the last time that anyone ever dared to play the antisemitism card in Hungary? Answer for yourself...

Who will dare to stop this Central-European Stalin/Gitler (as the guys over the second border would say), who uses "paprika"-gas and rubber bullets against his own people?

Meciar to the North and Mladic to the South just set the rules for this guy.

George, Budapest,

To Zita & the rest of the fearing left wingers.
May I recommend that before voicing any degrading opinion of the right wing, you acquire thorough knowledge of the situation in the country. Your and current PM's deliberateness to discredit over 2 million people is unquestionable and abhorring. Judy, may I remind you that the country was divided into two factions, when Rákosi and his communist henchmen came to power in 1947. There were those that served them and those that didn't. Mr.Orban's did more for the country in 4 years than the Horn, Medgyessy-Gyurcsany governments did in 9. Where were they for 9 years. Where is the money as many Hungarians are asking??? You not only underestimate but insult the intelligence of lot of people when you definitely state that they are against reforms. They are against plain robbery. Mr. Pfeifer, you speak very highly of human dignity. 17-18 years ago, the now once again ruling post communist leaders were very keen on observing that human dignity. I have a damned long memory.

Zoltan, Budapest, Hungary

Gyurcsany PM says the truth. The right political wing in Hungary is not modern at all and they want to push the country to the past.

Pierre, Budapest, Hungary

The presence of the far-right extremism does scare me. But it is not about the colours of the flags they use, not the Blood and Honour either, nor Mr Gyurcsány's lies, nor cheating over economy datas not at all. I am sad to say but the truth is, I think, that this country is not ready to accept the general European values, such as economical and social morals, and so on. Mr Gyurcsány and his gov represent these values, and the sad situation is that the majority of the country refuses it and follows the opposition and the far-right movements. It's much more comfortable to believe we won't have to pay higher taxes, rather than facing the real problems and finding a solution together. I don't like comparing them, because Mr Orbán has no financial program for the country to offer, and he is an 'unwished person' in the EU, due to his needlessly agressive rhetoric.
Anyway this is just an opinion but as long as people follow a policy like this, there is no step forward in this country.

Zita Katona, Budapest, Hungary

Gergely,
The only problem is that the actual opposition does not have any plans to restore and reform the country besides grabing power....if they had I would be the first to support them.
And by the way one must be rather naiv complaining about lying politicians......or should we trust someone that even now, knowing all details of the economic situation, declaim of free education, state financed health care system and decrease of taxes?

Tomi, Budapest, Hungary

Gyurcsány is a well-known liar, here's another proof. A self-proclaimed leftist Messiah, who cherishes Che Guevara and his terrorist techniques, who quickly forgets that Orbán and other con leaders were also "stigmatized" as jews by some a$$holes - who could be agent provocateurs, or just simple antisemitists - it doesn't matter anyway.

However the truth is that Gyurcsány's government is the one who allowed a massive neo-Nazi commemoration on Heroes' Square (see Karl Pfeifer's comment, sadly he's mistaken by who tolerates what in Hungary) MEANWHILE the same leftist leaders are doing everything in their power to quell any demonstration against their untrue regime, including narrowing down our constitutional rights.

Judy how the heck you know about Hungary and antisemitism here? if you're a frequent reader of Mr. LeBor's false articles I no longer wonder.

Miklós Pálvölgyi, Budapest, Hungary

Mr. Gyurcsány said in this interview : "Every star finally falls. It will be my fate as well, the only question is when. " I hope it will happen soon. He lied to us about everything, but the worst thing he lied about our country's economical situation.He said before the election, that everything is allright. Now he sais we have to pay, because of the bad economical situation. Isn't it funny? Who made the mistake(mistake is my kind word, it is rather a crime)? He admits on that tape, he did. Then he and his party have to pay the price. He is a Liar, nothing more, and now We, all the hungarian workers have to pay back what is his and his party made wrong. And he still considers him as a left wing politican. It's a joke, but for Hungary it's a disaster. He has to go....

Gergely, Budapest, Hungary

I would strongly recommend to analise the purposes, the important features of the Hungarian right wing, its leaders as well. Where Orban has come from, who is he and what does he want in the politics ? As far as it can be seen under his name several extreemist, some fanatics and at the same time a large
group of democrats gather. One thing seems to be sure. The leadership and personaly Mr. Orban doesn't understand the peaceful democracy and he doesn't even want to learn it. The idea of "permanent revolution" has failed, To chemoflage the past
by going back a thousand years to explain nazi flags in their hand
is tasteless, the antisemitism is dangerous, the caos in Europe sholdn' be caused and supported. The price can be high.
Professional revolutionist agains the itelligence and wisdom ?
May be but who can be sure ?

Aranyi Jozsef, Budapest, Hungary

Gyurcsany is ill-advised to overstate anti-Semitism in Hungary. The far-right is fairly insignificant and neither should too much be made of the Arpad flag. What he is accurate in saying, however, is that Orban resorts to dog-whistle politics when he holds local rallies around the country -- his veiled anti-Semitism is well documented in video footage shown on national TV -- and when he fails to distinguish himself from far-right loonies taking part in Fidesz rallies. Of course, Gyurcsany conveniently omits criticism of Ibolya David for failing to distance herself from anti-Semitism: I remember her remark "I don't know anything about football" when she was justice minister during Orban's term in power, shamefully dodging an opportunity to condemn anti-Semitism.

Rob, Budapest, Hungary

Unfortunately Hungary tolerates demonstrations of blood & honor nazimob in the centre of Budapest as it happened on February 10.
A British nazi could vilify Winston Churchill as one who got the money for financing the war from the "United States of Israel"
Unfortunately Hungary tolerates the denial of Holocaust.
Unfortunately Hungary tolerates explicite antisemitism
Some of the active antisemites have been communists, others have been informers of the political police and now they say communism is the responsibility of the Jews.
Racism and antisemitism are not the essence of liberty, but simply a byproduct of it. On the other hand, a disregard for human dignity is the essence of dictatorship.
Todays antisemites - unlike their preworld war II counterparts - do not regard themselves as antisemites.

Karl Pfeifer, Wien, Austria

Hungary is in the heart of Europe. The Dalai Lama comes to Hungary and visits the Pilis region because he says that is the region where you find the heart of the body. Hungary was one of a few Super Powers, like USA today . The jealous and evil influences could not cope with the Hungarian energy, brains, intelligence, discoverers and inventors, family loving humans . The programme of the money people was to squeeze that country completely out, the people should urinate blood in their struggle for survival. Torture and split Hungary , strangle your neck to the last phase, 5 minutes to 12 . And this is what will not let my Nation and my Blood Brothers and Sisters ever to sink or disappear. It is special to be Hungarian. In America they printed badges " Kiss me , I am Hungarian "

Gee Bee, Regensburg, Germany

It's sad to see how the Hungarians are divided again thanks to the hunger for power of the right wing leader! The responsibility is with those who started to push the young people toward nationalism from the beginning of the 90's. Mr. Orban had his chance to prove how to form the country when he was PM (98-02), and there was no reform installed, they frittered away what was built previously, even ruined the agriculture. Next, they did nothing but hinder progress at the expense of the people. We haven'seen any real plan just "ideas". My hope is this PM, whose intellect is apt for carrying out the necessary changes. As for anisemitism, it's there and it means a lack of empathy in a country where a huge number of Jewish people were killed in the name of this ideology.

Judy, Wise, USA

I simply do not understand those Hungarians, who still believe in Gyurcsany He lied to stay in power, he ruined our economy, the budget deficit in 2006 was the highest in the whole world. A leader of any European democracy would have stepped down after Sept 17 2006. Is still Hungary a democracy?

By the way, Mr Teremi, who allowed the Nazis to parade in Budapest? The government. The opposition had protested against it, if you live in Hungary, you should know that.

Two weeks ago Mr Gyurcsany was the Special Guest at a CHE GUEVARA commemorative event organised by the youth wing of the Socialist Party, the Young Left. We all know who Guevara was. A communist and terrorist. What conclusion can be drawn from it?

Anatol Pall, Budapest, Hungary

Ooo just drag the country's name through the dirt, dear Prime Minister, acting up to the west. It is easer to accuse, lie and scaremonger than face the dark reality of the country's state, led by your party and you.

Well done, as a politician, you do not "disappoint", you are truly revolting.

K Kiss, Brussels, Belgium

Funny, but none of my previous posts have appeared....
I just wanted to point out that it is a pure coincidence that the right has discovered the only historical flag between the dozens which is reminiscent to the one used by the Arrow Cross movement....
And what a shame that the majority does not remember the younger and liberal Mr. Orbán's opinion on it when the far right humiliated Mr. Göncz....
But times are changing and the once liberal politician has become a Peron-like populist demagogue for whom nothing is worth more than the power and he is determined to seize at any price.

Btw, I find rather curious when somebody calls Mr. Gyurcsány a communist and than start calling for state subsidized health care, state financed gas prices, re-prvatization and free university education.....The only communists remaining in the country are now voting for you, Mr. Orbán.

Tamás, Budapest, Hungary

As an amateur historian and heraldry buff, I must point out that, as before, Mr. Gyurcsány is lying. He is referring to the green based flag of the short-lived Arrow Cross government. This flag was green, with a barry (double stripes) of five white-red stripes. The national colours, as also found in Mr. Gyurcsány's Hungary's official Coat of Arms is a barry, gules and argent, or red and white, of FOUR, not five. This goes back to the 12th Century and was first the flag of th princes of the Árpád royal house, later that of the state.
Please do not let lies get in the way of the substance of the matter, which is how well or poorly the government does its job.

Christopher Szabó, Pretoria, South Africa

Yes, nobody doubts that the red-white stripes were the flag of the Árpáds but somehow it was not important during the last 17 years and when a liberal himself, Mr. Orbán was equally opposed to them when they first appeared in connection with the shameful humiliation of Mr. Göncz....
For some reason the right wing picked the only flag from the dozen historical flags which is related to the Hungarian Arrow Cross movement.....what a coincidence.....

And when talking about communists and communism we have to consider one thing: the only party that supports the ideas (?) of Mr Orbán's Fidesz is the Labour Party of the old, hard wing communists.....you can call Gyurcsány a communnist (he was around 27 when the changes happened) but I rather qualify based on the political ideas and what I see now is that Fidesz is protesting against privatization, the more self-sustaining health system, it wants to have a state financed university education, etc.
So who is the demagogue? Who is the true communist?

Tamás, Budapest,

This man (gy.f.) lied in his own country to the people, who elected him & gave him their trust (I NEVER DID!!!) Click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferenc_Gyurcs%C3%A1ny%27s_speech_in_Balaton%C5%91sz%C3%B6d_in_May_2006 for an instant reminder! May I say, that the Hungarian version is a lot brutal and the English version doesn't give back the "blood-boiling-effect "of the original... :o(
In despair he's playing non-sense cards about anti-Semitism: trying to make the opposition look bad, hoping that he can decieve us all and divert attention of his own failure...(well, he did manage this very well in the past)
Are there still anyone who believes him? Wakey-wakey !!!
gy.f. and his gang wrecked the whole country, the whole nation...
I think it's ridiculous that he doesn't dare to give a public speech on the forthcoming national holiday. I wonder why. If he is as great, wonderful and fantastic as he think he is, he has nothing to be affraid of. Has he???
HAJRA MAGYARORSZAG! HAJRA MAGYAROK!

Mata Hari, London, England

This is logical and ideological tumble of Mr. Gyurcsany's antisemitism. This is an ancient trick of communistic ideology. If somebody has not sympathy with socialism and communism this man will be adjust as rasict devil. Please remember that Mr Gyurcsany's political ideology was developed by Janos Kadar's communistic dictatorship. Other fact is Gyurcsany lied to Hungarian people about the economic situation. Mr. Gyurcsany did not speak about surprising aggressive behavior of polices and chained cordon around Kossuth's square.

Demosthenes, USA, USA

Mr. Gyurcsány, talking about antisemitism, wants nothing else than distracting attention from real problems. He suggests that Fidesz and Mr. Orbán are at the origin of antisemitism in Hungary. Two facts are more than enough to disprove it: 1. it was in 2000, under the FIDESZ government that the Holocaust Day was introduced by Parliament as compulsory memorial day each 16th of April; 2. when the FIDESZ government started in 1998 they met the representatives of all six historical churches of Hungary, the FIRST meeting being held was with MAZSIHISZ, the Jewish religious association.
As a matter of fact, the following persons (Stalin's henchmen in Hungary): Gerő Ernő, Rákosi Mátyás, Farkas Mihály, are deeply hated names. However, this is not at all because of their Jewish origin, but because they are the chief criminals of the communist terror in the 1950's. What can be expected from Mr. Gyurcsány, whose wife is the grand-child of the minister of industry that served in the same era.

Bérczy Kristóf, London, UK

Ok, Mr Peter, I've Googled their names. Now what am I looking for; just telling us to Google something doesn't make an argument.

That said, they didn't make either candidate sound real attractive. Do the Hungarians have any other options?

Michael, Pueblo, CO. USA

The writer of the article forgot the mention that Gyurcsány's government failed to prevent a neo-Nazi march recently in Budapest, which was always banned under the Fidesz government. And now he is the one who is complaining about far-right extremism... I think Gyurcsány deliberately allows these groups to operate so that he can put the blame on the opposition party and its supporters. In my view the biggest threat to this country is not extremists, but the government itself as it is attempting to destroy the welfare state, including health and education.

Gabor Soos, Nottingham, England

To J Polgar About that flag…
Do people who are talking about ‘that’ flag know at all, how the ‘avo’ flag looked like? Could you tell me what makes it nazi if there are no nazi sings on it? It is you, ‘cause it is you who call it like that.
Do you remember Hitler’s flag? His cross on a red flag? Now how do you see the red flag without Hitler’s cross? Isn’t it a communist flag? May I bring Gyurcsany party’s favourite colour to your attention? Isn’t it red? What should this make them than?
Italy and half of France was nazi and they used their flag, just like today…Does this makes them fascist? Moreover, you never use the national coat of arm? The very same flag is right on it…it should make you an extreme right anti-Semite, shouldn’t it? How old are you? Use your head instead of repeating demagogues! You must be more intelligent than that!

A. Regnier, France, France

Dear Mr. Polgar,

don't lie! You should know (and I am sure you do) that nobody in Budapest uses the flag of the Hungarian nazis from WWII. Nobody would even have a chance to do it, since it is forbidden by law. You are just repeating this newly invented idea of Your political friends, namely that he historical flags of Hungary are nazi symbols.

I feel sorry for You.

Gyurka, Budapest, Hungary

I just hope that Mr Gyurcsány has the courage and perseverance to continue, to carry out, the necessery reform steps. Hungary, what he visionalise is more Europian, then the other possibility-nationalism. I want my children to grew up in peace, and not in heatred

batuska, budapest, Hungary

This is very disgusting and sad. He is the PM, he has to govern, not blaming his opponent. But governing is something he doesn't do.

KP, Budapest, Hungary

I seems we all know Mr Gyurcsany. Some like him some not. But this article stinks… so I put "Adam LeBor" and "Roger Boyes" into google. Any of you how read this I suggest to do so. With respect to their opinion that explains a lot.
And we Hungarians learned a bit about what kind of game Mr Gyurcsany plays again.

Hangyász Péter, Budapest, Hungary

There were some moments when public opinion and analists in Hungary honestly thought that Mr. Gyurcsány could be an asset, a real, honest "reformer". By now it turned out, he is the biggest liability to this country, at least as dangerous as János Kádár was for more than thirty years...
It is a lot more than disgusting that he, counting on the appropriate emotions it will arouse and the avaited media-interest, repeatedly plays the card of allegedly "rising anti-semitism" in Hungary. In his desparate public relations situation this is probably the last card he has in hand -- with which he pushes this country even deeper to a political turmoil that was initiated by himself. While political antisemtism, in fact, is not an acute problem, this interview and its content will sting with the readers... Well done, mister prime minister, well done :( I just hope -- though its already late -- that Times will give the chance to those who might express an alternate, and more realistic view.

Zoltan Kovacs, Debrecen, Hungary

One thing Mr. Gyurcsany has not mentioned is that a majority of the democratic state of Hungary now wish to have new elections called as Mr. Gyurcsany used old school communist tactics of falsifying economic data and lying to the populus to get re-elected. In any normal Western world government, such a politician would have said goodby already or had been forced to disappear. If he is so honest and upstanding, why not test himself with a real democratic test - call a new election. Unfortunately for Hungary, currently an un-democratic leadership, who has gained it's wealth by privatizing for themsleves pieces of the welfare state is attemtping to teach the people that they need to say goodbye to this very same welfare state. I hope for democracy's sake such leaders will quickly be confined to the dustbin of history.

MH, Budapest, Hungary

Hungary is often referred to as a right-wing nationalistic country with lots of minority issues esp with an ethnic edge. This is just not the case. All this nonsense is a well-constructed cover of the current problems that our country should cope with, such as institutionalised robbery, flawed tax system, nonexistent state health care, closing schools and workplaces, ever increasing unemployment and "terrorism."

Gyurcsány is an excellent example of the incompetent liar that cheats on the taxes, and yet stays in office due to his media manipulations and connections.

What Hungary would need is an actual political paradigm shift when those responsible, e.g. the PM, would have to meet the consequences of their destructive deeds.

Lukacsi, Z. Budapest

Lukácsi, Budapest, Hungary

It is enough to read this interview (nevermind watching him all day every day on the tele like we have to) to get a picture of Mr. Gyurcsany's character. He was the typical kid in the class who always got beat up because of his looks and clumsiness (kids are cruel). And he just couldn't bear this. So when he grew up he married into political power which during the system change (what a misleading word) was turned into economical advantages by privatizing state companies with no interest loans from a state owned bank where her mother-in-law accidently happened to sit on the board. Gee what a coincidence!
And now he is out to prove his ex-classmates wrong (or just simply for revenge). Unfortunately they were not.
Mr. Gyurcsany is as talented as a leader as he must have been popular in the class. He led the country from second-best among the new EU members to dead last within 4 years quadripling Hungary's national debt in the process. Enough said.

Kis Gábor, budapest, hungary

Just compare the facts, like the deficit of state budget and national debt now and before and you will see that Mr Gyurcsany is but a liar. The same way he is lying about right wing parties and anti-Semitism.

Kalman Szabo, Budapest, Hungary

Mr.Gyurcsany and his cohorts who robbed Hungary in the name of privatization after the orchestrated collapse of communism,now they are posing as reformists of the destroyed(45 yrs or so mismanagement,under the Soviet boots) Hungarian economy.When the people groan under the poverty created by the new parasitic aristocracy,the red milliardaires,they resort to libels and call the people who revolt against the unbearable tax burdens,pricehikes,
antiSemites.Keep lying,Mr.Gyurcsa'ny and raise the spectre of the new extreme right in the Eastern European block.The pepole in Hungary ,no they are not antiSemites not extreme right,they don't know which side is which any more,they all know that something is not right,the miserable condtions,including the smog in the entire country,the tainted water and food supplies your mismanagement created,they are not extremely right,they are extremely wrong!.You can use your whip, the old AVO is ready to commit new atrocities,your country is sick and so are you.History will be your judge!

A.Stersky, Ottawa, Canada

As the readers of The Times will see, this article will attract various angry comments from Hungarian readers with anti-government sentiments. If you want to decide who is right and who is wrong, please do look at the style and reasoning methods of those opposing and supporting Mr. Gyurcsany - then you will have a clue.

J. Polgar, Budapest, Hungary

This is a great battle between Mr. Gyurcsány and Mr. Orbán.
About a quarter of the hungarian people like the one, another quarter the other. About half of the people hate both. The hungarian political elit served the people of this country to good. They promised everything and tried to ensure welfare from public money, althrough the state depth of the country was rising continously. Mr. Orbán begun it, Mr. Gyurcsány was a good student, he continued.
Now the country is almost bankrupt, nobody trusts the future. Some think that Mr. Orbán would do better than Gyurcsány, but this is an illusion. He has tried and failed and wants to get back in power with every means. He doesn't distance himself from the far right, and announces anti democratic speeches continously. He always says: until we have democrative means to make this goverment fall we gonna use them, but it must fall at every cost...
In my opinion the democratic boundaries must stay at every cost....

Attila Meszaros, Budapest, Hungary

Dear Lenny,
Be sure that what happened in 1938 in Budapest will not happen again.
Gyurcsány is hated, but not because his wife is Jewish, but because what he did, and what he lied.
by the way, he lives in a house that was taken by his wife's communist family, from a Jewish family killed in WW2.

harry, budapest,

Mr Gyurcsany has admitted that during electoion campaign
he was not truthful.He said : we were lying-an obvious overstatment in a speech to the leadership of his party in an effort to convince them of the necessity of painful reforms.But he also said in the same sentence:I am not going to continue in this manner and shell only remain at the helm if we are going to tell the truth in the future.
Mr Orban said that he has never lied.After a fleeting glance at his political c.v. I certainly prefer Mr Gyurcsany and trust him more.

peter sugar, Budapest, Hungary

This is to let you know that there are a lot of people in Hungary, including myself, who agree with the reform agenda of the prime minister. We also believe that the opposition, while wrongly accusing him of being a lyer, is actually telling the biggest lies in the worst populist way.

The leader of the opposition is still demanding tax cuts every day to deal with the budget deficit. Does that sound logical to you? And of course, they come up with the typical demagogy that the government stole the money. Well, the budget deficit is mostly caused by a wage increase of more than 40% in the public sector during the last 4 years - why were these people not objecting when this was introduced?

As I am writing this article, close to my house, is a group of anti-government protesters flying the flag of the WWII Hungarian Nazi party. The leader of the opposition calls them "real Hungarians who demand their rights in a peaceful way". With a Nazi flag. So what do you think about this?

J. Polgar, Budapest, Hungary

Dear Mr. Toekes,

Your semblance is absolutely wrong.

Balazs Toth, Budapest,

‘With rare passion’... rather with customary stupidity and impertinence, the proven arrogant liar dares to cast an ugly accusation of an alleged threat of radical nationalism and antiSemitism rising across Eastern Europe for the purpose of settling scores with his political opponent. I can not express my disgust for the opportunistic, useless and hollow politician who deceived the good people of Hungary just as his good friends did in other European countries, including Poland, and now he found convenient to tarnish my country’s good name. He should pay for that. Everybody remembers him say that his party got themselves elected on hollow lies and no substance, no real political agenda for Hungary. If unsafe, I welcome Mrs Gyurcsany to Poland. As for Mr Gyurcsany – he belongs to a refuse dump. If I am antiSemitic, then who is Mr Gyurcsany?

Rob, Sopot, Poland

Our prime minister didn't speak about his wife's grandfather, Antal Apró, whose picture is on the wall of offenders in House of Terror (it's a museum in Budapest).
The red-white striped flag is a part of our history, not because the radical times in 1945, but the time when our history begun in carpathian. This flag is one of the historical flags. When the parlaiment has festal seat, it is taken into the hall of parlaiment. In the opening ceremony of the olimpic games in Munich thousands of pigeon was flying in the sky as a part of the ceremony, but because that pigeon is not a symbol of nazism. We are proud of our great history, so we use that flag. But we are not anti-semites.

Anna Kovacs, Budapest, Hungary

Gyurcsany has right. Budapest become a very conservative and antisemite city in these last years. Question is this is the blame of his chiefs or the people who leave hisself driven. Last event international Nazi picknick in the Place of Heros in the mi-february commemorating the day of the honor of the Nazis.
Budapest become the first goal of trip of international Nazi tourisme. Nazis fell well and free here. If you are Nazi you can come here spend a unforgetable weekend at an unbeatable price. Only hungarian citizens feel a certain amerture. Agressivity of the governement and of the police is only for his critizens. That seems to be. Or not easy to believe the opposite under a socialdemocrate and a certain "said" liberal full power of his authority.

Teremi Nandor, Erd, Magyarorszag

The painful truth is that Hungary’s left-wing government, in office since 2002(!), has proved to be absolutely incompetent. After 5 years of doing nothing and still lacking a clear vision and strategy for the country, they of course make all efforts to distract public attention from the disastrous economic situation, most of which they caused. They simply try to sell their makeshift austerity measures as a reform, whereas Hungary has never been more in need of a genuine change than now.
Former communists like Mr. Gyurcsany have extensive experience in depicting their political opponents as devils, lying to the people and bypassing democratic rules. The alleged growth of anti-Semitism in Hungary is part of that propaganda game. I myself have Jewish ancestors. Hungary’s main center right wing party, Fidesz, has several Jewish politicians. Can anyone seriously believe those people would stay in an anti-Semitic party? Anti-Semitism is not bigger a problem in Hungary than in most Western European countries. What is bigger in Hungary is the tolerance of people towards a ridiculously incompetent, propaganda-propelled government. In my opinion, using anti-Semitism as a false accusation is just as disgusting as anti-Semitism itself.

Zoltan Farkas, Budapest, Hungary

It is also true, that East Europe have been 'sold out' in JALTA by Sir Chirchill, a public functionary of the Queen, Her Majesty!
It wouldn't be a surprise for analiest that, someday, the greatest super-power would declare;
Where we are now-, round the world, it constitute part of the the Queen's, Her Majesty's empire!
If, you doubt about; read again what have had said Harold Pinter in his video-message to Nobel-committe, when he got the Nobel Prize!
So, have a nice day!

Obi van Obi, EU, Eu

Things are simple for the typical Hungarian right wing supporters as Mr. Toekes. They need simple answers to simple questions. Mr. Orban is giving them those kind of answers. "Yes, you can proud to be Hungarian, nothing is your foult."
I'm not a fan of Mr. Gyurcsany, but seriously reject the stupidity, the national pride, and the agressivity of Mr. Orban. My intelligence is truly hurt by Mr. Orban who treats me like a blind, dumb, stupid voter, who can't see that he is not having a plan or a vision at all, beside of being the PM of Hungary at any price. It doesn't matter what this price will be or who has to pay it.
I'm convinced that deep reforms are necessary and Mr. Orban would be never capable of even starting them.

Endre Ambrus, Budapest, Hungary

This is an old communist trick - accuse its political opponents of being fascists, or having such sympathies. Willing and gullible western press eats it up and doesn't see it for what it is - agitprop. Even this article leans toward Mr Gyurcsány when it says that his task is to "force Hungary to choose between “progressive modernization or the isolation of radical nationalism”. Somehow it's rarely mentioned that fascists were socialists, of a national rather than international, variety. All types of socialism and communism have a history of anti-semitism, when it becomes convenient to them.

Mark, Suffolk, VA

The BBC has made much of this second issue today -but it brings forward some interesting points.

Firstly an EU investigation into antisemitism was quashed 2 years back - why ? simple ! It found that the vast majority of anti semetic attacks in Europe are not committed by Nazi Boneheads but by Muslim youths and such attacks are acceptable in the left-liberal culture that governs Europe-So in the midst of Jewish people being attacked throughout France and ,especially Belgium,at which the BBC is silent an act of pointless vandalism where noone is injured gets worldwide coverage.

In Budapest an incompetent socialist Government tries teh left-liberal trick of smearing it's opponents with the label of Fascism.The intrepid Times Journalists takle a self confessed liar at face value and uuterly fail to present the counter side of the story.

Am I reading the Times or the Guardian ?

Thor Halland, Somewhere in , London

And please separate the two above articles because they have nothing in common!

Thank you very much!

Bence Toekes, Budapest, Hungary

Just one more thing about the "reforms" of Mr Gyurcsány!

You trust someone to watch your house, car, money, other real estates, in short everything you have. After 5 years you find out that this person you trusted has been lying about everything all the time and wasted everything. Then he tells you that he is very happy you found out these things and he wanted to tell you everything. And after all this he tells you that you need reforms because your economic situation is not looking good. If you pay him almost everything you have left, he will repair your problems (suddenly they are your problems). And of course he is not responsible but all the others who have been warning you. WOULD YOU TRUST THIS PERSON EVER AGAIN?

Bence Toekes, Budapest, Hungary

In 1938 all of the Western Europe failed to recognize the
signs of Nazi beginning their march. One cannot hope
to divert the Nazi rage towards someone else. Fascist
Islamic movements + uprising Nazi spirit in all Eastern
Europe and in Russia will result in a disaster if this issue is not approached today in an urgent and decisive manner.

Lenny, Haifa, Israel

The article looks like a PR attempt in favor of Mr. Gyurcsány.
I am not sure what the rest of Eastern Europe "from Poland to the Balkans" has to do with the internal politics of Hungry?
I am also not sure about the right wing parties (in this part of the world - liberals and conservatives) as being overtly nationalistic and anti-reform. In countries of Eastern Europe other than Hungary, the very opposite may apply, as well.
Very week journalism...

Filip Jirousek, Ostrava, Czech Republic

George is absolutely right. Gyurcsany has always tried his best in order to dirty the Hungarian opposition abroad with such groundless allegations. As to the Jew-listing speech given on Parliament Square, you have to know that the protests were absolutely spontaneous, it was just like Hyde Park: anybody could go onto the stage to tell his thoughts. It is completely unfair to accuse the Hungarian opposition of extreme-rightism when a dozen skinheads happened to join the demonstrating crowd of 50-100.000 people. And it's better to know the Holocaust Documentation Centre of Budapest has been founded by the Fidesz government. For the Times, it would only be fair and politically correct if they gave a chance to Fidesz-leader Viktor Orban as well so that he could also share his views on these columns about Gyurcsany and his politics that is most disastrous for our country.

Thomas, Budapest,

Dear George from San Francisco, how do you know what you are talking about? You do not even live in Hungary. Gyurcsány did not authorize anything, we have a democratic country, with the rule of law. Our political system is very similar to the American one. I imagine Pres. Bush authorizing personally any rallies.... :-)

TM, Budapest, Hungary

You must surely know a lot of Hungary, dear George.
Could you cite any of his internal policies that are the most anti semitic since WWII?
Btw, Gyurcsány did not authorize any neo nazi rally. Hungary is a free democracy where within certain limits everybody has the right to demonstrate without the personal authorization of the prime minister. Just like in 99, during the era of Mr. Orbán, when thousands of neo nazis from all around Erupoe conmemorated the battle of Budapest in the Castle District.

a jew from bp

Tamás, Budapest,

In 2004 Gyurcsany came to be Hungary's prime minister not by national vote but as part of post-communist central committee party practice. Since then he follows an agressive neo-conservative economic and social policy the dark side of which (the country's full scale exploitation by foreign capital's profit repartiation, etc.) becoming increasisngly apparent. To put "danger from the right" first in such grave situation of failure (HE is admitting that a Hungary ideologically and economically run by him and his fellow partisans for 60 years now is not compatible with the EU and needs reforms which only HE is capable of) cries to sky for explanation. Poor The Times.

Jakab Árpád, Budapest, Hungary

"Gyurcsany authorized a recent neo-nazi rally ..."

According to the Hungarian law, theres is no such thing as previous "authorization" of any rally. It only has to be announced to the police, and they can only refuse (and therefore ban) the rally if it obstructs the traffic disproportionately.

I think it's quite OK in a democracy and it is the responsibility of the policitical parties and their leaders not to abuse this freedom.

If Mr. Orbán wanted to be seen as someone who had nothing to do with the right extremists, he would make it clear.
But, while Fidesz offcially denies sharing the anti-Semitic views of the far-right, Orbán integrates their icons ("Árpád"-striped flag) into Fidesz.
Every Fidesz-happenning is accompanied with a pretty mart where tons of anti-Semitic books and leaflets are on sale -- obviously because there is explicit market demand for theese among the participants.

Robinson Cursor, Budapest,

I am a Hungarian, and I have never heard about this Mr. Kepiro. I wonder what do you know about Hungary from San Francisco....

Richard, Groningen,

"his opponent a former student dissident "

Mr Orban had never been a dissident, he went to Oxford University with a scholarship in 1988.
Please check your sources more thoroughly.

"The Prime Minister faces the colossal task of persuading Hungarians of the need to cut back the bloated welfare state"

Gyurcsany is not cutting back on welfare state, he only makes it more expensive for the middle classes, but his voting basis continues to enjoy the benefits of generous social transfers.

Gabor , Budapest,

Prime Minister Gy. might be hated or loved, what I think both is wrong...
Just like George´s comment.
Facts:
1. The Prime Minister is not able to authorize any rally, because hungarian law does not allow this. Its just not in his competence.
2. The hungarian government is not hiding anyone. What are you talking about?
3. "fact that his internal policies are the most anti-semitic since WWII"
What fact is this? Again: what are you talking about? Just give one example for anti-semitic policies in Hungary during his leadership.

His reforms can and should be criticizised, because there is enough to criticize on them. But to accuse him of anti-semitism, is just absurd.

Bela Lugosi, Chicago,

No Question. There is no more antisemitism in the society of Hungary than it was before.

It is true that Mr. Gyurcsany made it possible for neo-nazis to do a rally two weeks ago in Budapest. Just think about why....

This is clear, it is scare tactic policy to stay in power, at least a little more...

Otherwise he lost all credibility of the peolpe in Hungary...

Richard, Budapest, Hungary

Er...George, drinking again from early morning? Gyurcsany's policies antisemitics? Kepiro was fred by a court. Rally authorized by police. I guess if Gyurcsany had step in to forbid the rally or hand over Kepiro people like you would accuse him of being a Communist dictator who breaks the rule of Law...

Peter, Budapest,

Oh no Mr. George what are you talking about???
Do you know Kövér,Hegedüs,Csurka and so on?

Tom, bud,

Ferenc Gyurcsány accused Viktor Orbán, the leader of the right-wing opposition Fidesz party, of exploiting antiSemitism in an attempt to derail his Government’s modernisation programme ???

Gyurcsany authorized a recent neo-nazi rally in Budapest, his government is practically hiding Mr. Kepiro, a convicted WWII murderer... Gyurcsany is using the small elderly Jewish population of Hungary to appeal to the western media.. this is absolutely outrageous considering the fact that his internal policies are the most anti-Semitic since WWII....

George, San Francisco,