VZCZCXYZ0012
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUP #0117 0300938
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 300938Z JAN 07
FM AMEMBASSY BUDAPEST
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0682

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 000117 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/25/2017 
TAGS: PINR
SUBJECT: BLOGGER-IN-CHIEF: HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER'S BLOG 
 
REF: SECSTATE 6376 
 
Classified By: POL/C ERIC V. GAUDIOSI; REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D) 
 
¶1.  (C) Post offers the following information, keyed to the 
questions posed in reftel: 
 
¶2.  (C) We see minimal policy impact to PM Gyurcsany's blog 
to date.  It has not, for example, blunted criticism of the 
government's often opaque approach to reforms, and is more 
often a review of Gyurcsany's thoughts than a preview of his 
intentions.  We strongly suspect that the blog attracts his 
faithful followers and his irreconciliable opponents ... and 
confirms the views of both groups. 
 
¶3.  (C) Our sense is that the blog reamins more a curiosity 
than required reading.  With internet penetration in Hungary 
among the lowest in the EU (often cited at approximately 
35%), regular readership is likely limited primarily to 
Gyurcsany's supporters and his critics.  As noted, it may 
provide further ammunition but likely changes few minds in 
either group.  Among the former, it has probably reinforced 
his image as young, modern, and accessible (younger, more 
modern, and more accessible, in fact, than many in his own 
party).  Among the latter, it is cited as further evidence of 
Gyurcsany's insincerity and his preference for style over 
substance. 
 
¶4. (C) We understand that responses are screened before 
being Qsted.  Gyurcsany has, however, responded to questions 
posted on the site.  He has also gone jogging with 
respondents. 
 
¶5.  (C) We understand that Gyurcsany is the primary author of 
his blogs, although he did not write the very first entry. 
The usual blog begins with Gyurcsany's dictation - often 
reportedly during his morning commute - which is then 
transcribed, edited, and reviewed by him before release. 
During a TV interview January 29, Gyurcsany announced his 
intention to begin a videoblog as well. 
 
¶6.  (C) Even the PM's critics have not accused him of using 
his family as a political prop.  To the best of our 
knowledge, the accounts offered in the blog, such as his 
niece moving in with their familQto complete school, are 
substantially accurate. 
 
¶7.  (C) The blogs have been marginally successful at best in 
helping the government's communications efforts, which 
Gyurcsany himself rated as deserving "a D grade."  The degree 
of polarization between the parties - mirrored and reinforced 
in their respective media affiliates - is so extreme that 
reaction to Gyurcsany's blog is determined  almost 
exclusively by party affiliation. 
 
¶8.  (C) Gyurcsany's blog first appeared in early 2006 in what 
is widely regarded as an attempt to establish a direct 
connection to the public.  Gyurcsany may also have seen the 
experiment as a way to avoid working exclusively through the 
Hungarian bureaucracy, which has been a frequent source of 
frustration. 
 
 
FOLEY 
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