Free Democrat (SZDSZ) Chairman János Kóka, leader of the junior coalition partner of the governing Socialist Party (MSZP), threatened to leave the coalition if the Socialists continue to argue for the withdrawal or delay of healthcare reforms, writes Index.hu.
Since the March 9 referendum, where a large majority of voters cast their votes against medical fees, which were an important part of the healthcare reforms, an increasing number of Socialists have been saying that the health insurance law passed in February should be withdrawn or the reforms delayed. They would prefer if the health funds were owned by the state.
The Free Democrats believe the Socialists “messed their pants” at the prospect of another referendum, when instead they should fight and win such a referendum.
Meanwhile, the government and the coalition expects another defeat from the new referendum on whether private capital should be excluded from the health insurance system, consequently, it is possible that they will not wait until the next referendum to eliminate private capital from the health care law. This was indicated by a recent comment made by Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány, when he said that he knew what another defeat at a referendum could mean to his party.
According to other opinions, main opposition party Fidesz will achieve its goals even without a referendum, as their promises of reverting to the current system after they return to power have scared away all investors interested in Hungarian health funds.
When asked about what would happen if the Socialists backed out from the health insurance law, Kóka said: “If there is no reform, the coalition no longer makes sense.” The Free Democrats think that there is a 50-50 chance of the coalition breaking up or staying together. This also depends on how the party can solve the problems raised by the alleged fraud during the chairman election last year. It is possible that after replacing party officials, Kóka will cease to be chairman.
