"The popularity gap between Hungary's Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány and main opposition party Fidesz President Viktor Orbán has diminished marginally in December, but the first man on Hungary's right still enjoys a huge lead, according to the latest survey by pollster Szonda Ipsos published in broadsheet Népszabadság on Monday.The most popular politician remained President László Sólyom (down 2 pts at 48 pts), while Health Minister Ágnes Horváth is still the least liked in the political elite (down 1 pt at 20 pts).
While the popularity index of PM Gyurcsány rose 1 point to 28 points a month ago, Orbán's appeal has not grown (44). While the Fidesz chief remained in the first quarter of the ranking (5th), Gyurcsány is in the last (19th).
Compared to December 2006, Orbán's popularity grew by a single point, while Gyurcsány lost 8 points since then.
Finance Minister János Veres was left out of the ranking, while former Economic Minister János Kóka came in second to last with 25 points. His popularity index dropped by 10 points over 2007."
Source: Portfolio Online Financial Journal
08.01.2008