Right loses power in Hungary

The Conservatives last night looked set to lose power to a Socialist-liberal alliance in the second round of Hungary's general election, despite winning the largest number of votes.

Unofficial results awarded them 49% compared with 46% for the Socialist party. Only one other party will be represented in the new parliament, the liberal Alliance of Free Democrats, who are close Socialist allies.

It is unlikely that the conservatives, who have ruled since 1998, will be able to form a government. That would leave the way open for a repeat of the Socialist-Liberal coalition that ruled Hungary from 1994 to 1998.

The former finance minister Peter Medgessy, 59, would then be likely to replace Viktor Orban, the charismatic but controversial premier.

Promises of change within 100 days, including a 50% wage rise for teachers and health workers, pleased voters in the capital, Budapest, where the Socialists won overwhelmingly but proved less attractive to rural voters.