Ader sets date of 2014 election for April 6

(MTI) – President Janos Ader on Saturday set the date of Hungary’s 2014 general election for April 6, which is the earliest possible Sunday under the law.

In a statement issued by the President’s Office, Ader said that at the past three parliamentary elections, the people of Hungary could always express their wish in the first half of April.

In addition to paying respect to this tradition, Ader said his decision was also based on the understanding that it is a rightful expectation of the citizens of Hungary that the campaign period should not extend longer than necessary.

It is in Hungary’s interest that the new government to be formed in 2014 should be able to start work as soon as possible, he said. The sooner the new government is set up, there will be the least delay in getting access to development resources from European Union funding, he added.

Additionally, Ader said having the election on April 6 will allow the Easter holidays to be held in peaceful and calm circumstances.

The opposition Socialists, E-PM, DK and LMP said they were not surprised about Ader’s announcement of the date for the spring parliamentary election on April 6.

Socialist leader Attila Mesterhazy said in a statement sent to MTI that earlier “slips” by several ruling Fidesz politicians indicated that a decision on the election date had been made for quite some time.

E-PM said in a statement that setting the election date at the earliest possible time has been a “ruling party decision” that was made all the more likely by developments in recent weeks.

DK co-leader Agnes Vadai said Ader “only announced a date demanded by Viktor Orban.” She added, however, that the party appreciates that the campaign will be the shortest possible and a new cabinet can be set up within the soonest time.

LMP group leader Andras Schiffer said the party acknowledges the president’s sovereign right to select the election date but noted that “it had been obvious” that a later date would have been unfavourable to the ruling parties.

Source: http://hungarymatters.hu/