Socialist MPs were shocked by the result of Sunday’s referendum, particularly by the high turnout, both Magyar Hírlap and Népszabadság report today. Some leading party politicians are already speaking about the last days of Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány, according to Magyar Hírlap. However, other Socialists believe that they have no choice but to rally behind the Prime Minister and continue the reforms with “gritted teeth.”
Several leading politicians told Magyar Hírlap that the idea had arisen to take back the Health Ministry from the Free Democrats in exchange for the Education Ministry. However, Socialist MP Mihály Kökény denied that he harbours ambitions to again serve as health minister.
Népszabadság quotes an unidentified Socialist as suggesting that Gyurcsány cannot win the next election, but there is no doubt that he could at least lead them to an honourable defeat. If he revitalises himself, he believes the Socialists can rise to 30% in popularity polls.
