The first round of elections has produced a surprise result in Hungary, with the Socialist party (MSzP) coming out on top, ahead of the governing centre-right Fidesz/ MDF party, despite opinion polls predicting a government lead. A second round of elections is due on April 21, at which more than half of the total 386 constituency seats will be subject to a run-off. However, analysts see the chances of Fidesz recovering as slim, as the MSzP will agree an electoral pact with the Free Democrat SzDSz party. The resolution of the election should remove the main hurdle to a number of potential Eurobonds from government related issuers.
April 12, 2002