Hungary:Hungarian fury at government lies and cutbacks could spark violent protests during today's national holiday events, according to the leader of a far-right group accused of drawing inspiration from the country's wartime fascist regime.
Police in the capital, Budapest, are on high alert for any repeat of the riots that marred last year's commemoration of Hungary's 1956 uprising against communist rule, which followed a month of protests against the Socialist prime minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany.
Hundreds of police and demonstrators were injured in sporadic street fighting during those protests, which were triggered by Mr Gyurcsany's tough cost-cutting measures and his admission that he lied about the parlous state of the economy to win re-election last April.
Dozens of events are planned today around Budapest and the rest of Hungary, which is in the grip of tax rises and cuts to public services. Economists say these measures are vital to reduce a huge budget deficit, stabilise the economy and prepare for adoption of the euro.
The government says the austerity measures are unavoidable, and blames the right-wing Fidesz opposition party for stirring up public anger and for not condemning the far-right groups that Mr Gyurcsany says were responsible for last year's violence.
Last Sunday, some 600 new members were inducted into the Magyar Garda, or Hungarian Guard, which critics denounce for using a black uniform and red-and-white striped flag reminiscent of Hungary's wartime, pro-Nazi Arrow Cross regime.
When asked whether violence could erupt again today, Gabor Vona, leader of the far-right Jobbik party and founder of the Hungarian Guard, said: "I can imagine that.
Mr Vona (29) insisted the guard was a peaceful group whose priority was to strengthen Hungarian society by increasing the nation's pride in its history and culture. Mr Gyurcsany takes a different view, however, after receiving strong complaints about the guard from Jewish groups and liberals at home and abroad who accuse it of fomenting anti-Semitic and anti-Roma feeling.
Reuters adds: Thousands of anti-government protesters clashed with police and set a water cannon on fire near Budapest's opera house last night, where Mr Gyurcsany was attending a state event.