Police and protesters have clashed for a second night running in the Hungarian capital, Budapest. It comes amid growing pressure for the Prime Minister to step down, after he admitted lying to win April’s election. Ferenc Gyurcsany had vowed to crack down on any fresh violence and, after ordering rioters to disperse, police used tear gas and water cannon on small groups of demonstrators who broke away from the main peaceful rally and began throwing missiles near the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party.

A number of people were injured. On Monday night, some 150 people were hurt. Hungary’s worst political crisis since communism collapsed in 1989 was sparked by a leaked tape in which the premier said his government had been lying. At least one police car was burned out in the latest eruption of violence.

In the earlier peaceful rally, some 10,000 people calling for the resignation of the prime minister gathered in front of parliament where deputies had approved a text condemning the previous night’s violence and urging calm. For now, the premier maintains he won’t quit. The protesters seem equally determined to pursue their campaign – meaning this tense stand-off could continue for some time to come.

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