The Hungarian Prime Minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany, has admitted to lying to the public in a just released tape. The recording has caused a storm in Hungary, with opponents calling for his immediate resignation. This report from Nick Thorpe:

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It's not known exactly who recorded the speech, nor why it was made public now. Hungary is in the midst of a campaign for local elections in two weeks' time and the Socialist Liberal government has been trying to defend a tough austerity package. It's also hard to guess what impact the publication of his words will have. He has admitted that he made the remarks, but said he was trying to turn over a new honest page in Hungarian public life.

Political allies have leapt to his defence, saying he was referring to the whole Hungarian political elite, not just himself and his party. But opposition leaders say he's morally bankrupt and must now step down. Demonstrators calling for his resignation gathered in front of parliament and outside his private residence.

Nick Thorpe, BBC News, Budapest

Listen to the words

littered with
full of

confronted
made them aware (of a situation)

to mislead the public
to make people believe that something that isn't true, is true

resort town
a town where people go for holidays or weekends to get some rest

made public
brought to people's knowledge and attention

in the midst
going through

a tough austerity package
a number of severe economic laws and reforms

impact
influence, effect

to turn over a new honest page
to start a new period that will be without lies

morally bankrupt
unable to hold his position because what he's done is wrong

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