LMP had said earlier that it would not withdraw its candidates anywhere in the second round of voting, and repeated that vow after Lendvai’s announcement.

Speaking alongside the four Socialist candidates affected, Lendvai said the move is not being taken in the interest of the Socialist Party nor LMP, but in defence of democracy and to prevent excess power falling into the hands of Fidesz leader Viktor Orbán.

The Socialist candidates to be withdrawn are Dezső Avarkeszi, Csaba Hatvani, Gergely Bárándy and Zoltán Szabó.

In response, LMP campaign chief Gergely Karácsony observed that one need not say “thank you” for unsolicited assistance. A deal is out of the question and LMP will not withdraw its candidates, he confirmed.

The party’s national council unanimously agreed on Tuesday that LMP did not hold talks, is not holding talks, and will not hold talks with the Socialists.

Party list leader András Schiffer said on MTV Tuesday night that the Socialist move is aimed at depriving LMP of credibility rather than preventing Fidesz from obtaining a two-thirds majority. He said he is not worried that party supporters will leave the LMP."

Source: Hungary Around the Clock.

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