The minority government will continue with the program of the Socialist-Free Democrat coalition to the end of its term, Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány stressed at a 20 minute cabinet meeting open to the media on Wednesday.

He said support from society will have to be obtained through continuous consultations before decisions are made, rather than afterwards. Gyurcsány asked the cabinet ministers to set aside their individual goals and "become embedded" in the cabinet.

Advocating "velvet reforms," the Prime Minister promised smooth and predictable policies in health care, public transport and higher education, as well as further changes in social welfare.

In response, Fidesz deputy spokesman András Cser-Palkovics said the severance pay paid to the leaving ministers costs Ft 20 million, the one year salaries of the extra two new ministers and one state secretary will cost Ft 40 million and if other expenses are added, the sum could total Ft 100 million. This, he said, could easily cover the construction of an air rescue base at Szentes.