News / EU

1000s of Hungarians protest PM’s policies, call for ouster

Monday, 02 February 2015 3:09 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 02 February 2015 3:24 AM ]

Protesters hold an EU flag in front of parliament in Budapest downtown on February 1, 2015.

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators have poured onto the streets of the Hungarian capital Budapest to protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s policies, demanding the premier’s ouster.

Some 4,000 demonstrators convened outside the parliament building on Sunday for "Spring Comes, Orban Goes" rally. They accused the government of failing to tackle corruption and develop the economy, calling for the ouster of Orban who still has one year left out of his four-year term.

Smaller rallies were also held simultaneously in 11 towns across Hungary.

"Everything is winding up in the pockets of Orban and his entourage," a protester exclaimed.

The demonstrators also slammed the premier's pro-Russian policies.

“We want to stay EU citizens!” read a banner written in German addressed to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is slated to visit the country on Monday.

The visit by Merkel, whose country is believed to be Hungary's biggest trading partner, will follow another by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will meet with Orban in Budapest two weeks later.

Despite Orban’s initial support for the EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine crisis, his administration has been under fire since October 2014. The criticisms come after he voiced unease about sanctions saying the EU had "shot itself in the foot" by damaging trade relations with Moscow.

The popularity of Orban's Fidesz ,a national conservative party, has plunged since attempts in October to introduce a tax on Internet use.

HJM/NT/AS

Russia, Hungary sign agreement to build nuclear reactors Dec 9, 2014

Thousands of Hungarians march in anti-graft protest Dec 4, 2014

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk