Cooperation based on a common programme, common election list, common individual candidates and a common PM candidate is a prerequisite to a government change, Botka said.

Gyurcsány in response said in a statement that Botka had rejected his call for cooperation among opposition parties and gave him “an ultimatum”.

He quoted Botka as saying that talks would only be held if DK agreed to accept his terms set out publicly earlier to the democratic opposition parties. Gyurcsány said he was still ready to negotiate.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Mohai Balázs