Hungarian prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsany, whose admission that he lied to the country about the economy led to huge protests, won a vote of confidence in parliament on Friday.

Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany will not quit, his Socialist Party said today, amid signs that protests demanding his resignation might be running out of steam.

Fifteen protesters were injured, including two seriously hurt by tear gas canisters, during protests in Hungarian capital Budapest this morning.

Police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators demanding the prime minister’s resignation today, but the chaos gripping the Hungarian capital appeared to be ebbing after two straight nights of violence.

Hungary’s prime minister, bracing for a third night of violence in the capital Budapest, stood his ground today, insisting his government intended to press ahead with economic reforms.

Hungarian mounted police charged bottle-hurling protesters outside Socialist Party headquarters early today, in renewed unrest sparked by the prime minister's leaked admission that his government had repeatedly lied about the economy.

The Hungarian Prime Minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany, said tonight that his leaked comments about lying “day and night” to the people had been meant to jolt a complacent ruling party into taking action to rescue the Hungarian economy.

Protesters clashed with police and stormed the headquarters of Hungary’s state television early today, enraged at a leaked recording in which the prime minister admitted the government “lied morning, evening and night” about the economy.

Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany today declared victory for his governing coalition in Hungary’s parliamentary elections.

Hungarians went to the polls today in a run-off parliamentary election that could deliver a small majority to the governing coalition led by Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany, which would make it the first post-communist administration to win re-election.

A short video showing Hungary’s prime minister impersonating Hugh Grant could boost his chances of winning April’s parliamentary elections, analysts said today.

Tony Blair was expected to face stern opposition today from four Eastern European leaders in his efforts to reduce the European Union’s next budget.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will today pay a one-day visit to Hungary to promote trade links with the new EU member state.

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair won the support of the new member states for his restructuring of the EU budget which Ireland and France fear will interfere with the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).

Hungary’s prime minister today expressed support for Croatia’s bid to become a member of the European Union.

Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi today delivered an impassioned personal plea to Europe’s leaders for more support to stabilise his country.

Hungary will withdraw its 300 non-combat troops from Iraq by March 31, the country’s new prime minister said today.

The next US president should strengthen ties with Europe and give top priority to the Middle East peace process and securing international support for actions in Iraq, Peter Mandelson said tonight.

Ministers in the Cabinet of newly elected Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany were set to be sworn in today as part of his push to raise living standards and apply “truly Social Democratic” values to Hungary.