“Panties or thong?” is not the kind of question usually fielded by government spin-doctors. But Zsuzsa Demcsak, a former underwear model and the new spokeswoman for Hungary’s Socialist-led coalition government, is perhaps used to more intimate inquiries than her counterparts. She told Velvet magazine that she preferred thongs.

The internet is awash with pictures of Ms Demcsak, a striking brunette, in various stages of undress in her former incarnation. Political pundits predict that the 28-year-old mother of two, who previously worked as a television reporter, is unlikely to last long in her new position.

Not because of her racy past, about which Hungarians take a relaxed view, but because of her blog. For a communications professional Ms Demcsak is surprisingly tactless about what she reveals in print.

Under the heading “My Nursery Calvary”, Ms Demcsak lamented at length about trying to find a suitable nursery for her toddler son in Budapest’s district XIII, whose staff, equipment and potential playmates would meet her exacting standards. “Beluka”, who only had one set of clothes, did not. Nor did little “Laura”, apparently regularly beaten by her parents, or “Adamka”, who was taken in by his drunken mother even when he had chickenpox.

The staff, she said, were “soulless”.

The blog provoked national outrage. Hungary’s childcare system is a wonder to behold, especially for anyone who has struggled to find a nursery in Britain. The state-subsidised nurseries and kindergartens, which cost just a few pounds a month, are run by much-loved nenis (aunties), who are devoted to their young charges.

One mother replied that she was sorry she was unable to afford more clothes for her son. Magdolna Karacsonyi, a local government official, said that the nurseries were governed by strict regulations covering hygiene and food and also provided clothes.

Another blog entry recorded Ms Demcsak’s delight at attending the Budapest Opera Ball, where tickets start at £183 — almost a month’s pay for the nursery nenis.

For the hordes of outraged readers adding their comments, the thoughts of Ms Demcsak, the daughter of a former diplomat, typify the arrogance of the new rich elite — who are often rooted in the former Communist ruling classes. Ms Demcsak’s boss, Ferenc Gyurcsany, the Prime Minister, is an ex-Communist youth leader turned capitalist multimillionaire and one of the richest men in Hungary.

Ms Demcsak’s defenders say she is a talented professional who is being penalised for being female, attractive and successful, and that her critics are motivated by envy and spite. Her position has been weakened by articles in the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet, alleging links between her husband, Jozsef Kiss, a businessman, and underworld gangs.

She denies the claims and says she will take legal action. Government officials say the articles are part of a smear campaign and are standing by her.

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