Hungarian PM vows to outlaw radical Guard

HUNGARY'S prime minister has said he will outlaw the radical nationalist Hungarian Guard, a movement backed by the far-right Jobbik party, describing it as an agent of disorder.

The Hungarian Guard, whose members stage marches in black uniforms in areas where they say security is low, was dissolved by a court ruling last year only to be resurrected under a different name.

It seeks to protect what it calls national values, being criticised for staging anti-Roma marches. Its opponents claim its uniform and insignia are reminiscent of the Nazi era.

The Guard is backed by the Jobbik party, which became the third-biggest force with 47 members in parliament at April elections and whose leader, Gabor Vona, took the oath of office wearing the movement's black waistcoat.

Prime minister Viktor Orban - whose centre-right Fidesz holds a two-thirds majority in parliament - yesterday said he opposed not just the movement but the philosophy behind it as well.