"In the next year [until the 2006 elections], Hungary will need more of an agricultural manager instead of an agricultural politician," Gyurcsany said, explaining his move. He also said that the ministry's work should be "more precise and more reliable."
Nemeth has been blamed by observers, and especially opposition politicians, for Hungary's delay in paying farmers all of the EU subsidies under the hectare-based single area payment scheme (SAPS). The delays led to farmer demonstrations in March, which ended with an agreement that the ministry will pay all funds for the year 2004 by March 20, and a promise to pay 80% of the subsidies for 2005 by the end of this year.
Gyurcsany praised Nemeth's efforts to create the necessary EU institutions, eliminating a lag in institution-building accumulated by previous governments through 2002. Graf told reporters that he plans to adhere to the agreement signed with the farmers, and pay all EU subsidies on time.
Graf, just like Nemeth, is an MP of the ruling Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP), and has been a representative since 1994. He has a degree in agricultural engineering, and has been serving on parliament's agricultural committee since 1994. He is expected to take office on May 2 after parliamentary hearings.
