Ferenc Gyurcsany became Hungaria's new prime minister Wednesday after 197 of the 384 members of the Hungarian parliament supported his nomination.

Twelve lawmakers voted against Gyurcsany and 175 opposition lawmakers abstained in the vote.
 
Gyurcsany took his oath of office immediately after the vote and was due to unveil his cabinet Thursday.

His minister-elects, consisting of members from his Socialist Party and its liberal coalition partner, the Free Democrats, were expected to take their oaths Monday.

The new prime minister promised to promote economic growth by balancing budget, reducing deficit, tidying government, decreasing foreign debts, creating new jobs and investing in infrastructure construction.

In foreign affairs, Gyurcsany pledged to strengthen European integration, improve relations with neighboring countries, expand international cooperation and develop relations with Russia, China, India and Japan.

Gyurcsany became chief advisor to former Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy in 2002 and later his sports minister.

Gyurcsany has been the de facto leader of the country for the past month after replacing Medgyessy, who resigned after losing the support of the Free Democrats, the ally of the ruling party.

(Xinhua News Agency September 30, 2004)