Hungary's Opposition Parties Move Closer to Alliance

"Hungary's fractured liberal opposition is moving closer to an alliance aimed at defeating conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban, rolling back controversial constitutional changes made by his populist government and adopting policies they say will be friendlier for foreign investors.

'There's no disagreement among us about these points,' said Attila Mesterhazy, the head of the Socialists, the largest opposition party, who is working to cement a coalition with smaller groups to take on Mr. Orban in elections next year, as well as to drum up international support for his cause. A series of changes to Hungary's judicial system and media regulations and other steps taken by Mr. Orban and his Fidesz party, have drawn sharp criticism from European Union officials as well as global human-rights groups for undermining checks and balances in the former communist country.

The prime minister and his backers defend the measures, saying they are intended to defend national interests and haven't made Hungary less democratic. 'Re-establishing rule of law is the most important' task for the next government, Mr. Mesterhazy said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. He said the Socialists also want to bring 'the country back to a path of sustainable development' after a damaging recession."