Budapest - Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany called Sunday for parliament to dissolve itself so that new elections can be held to end a government crisis.

Gyurcsany called for a vote on Monday, but it was unclear if Parliament Speaker Katalin Szili, like the premier a member of the Socialist Party (MSZP), would put it on the legislature's agenda.

The prime minister said it was important for him to know how the party viewed the crisis triggered by the pull-out of the Liberal Party (SZDSZ) from his ruling coalition in April.

Gyurcsany's government has been without an overall majority since the withdrawal of the SZDSZ.

The next regular elections in Hungary are not due until 2010.

Analysts said it was possible the Socialists and Liberals would vote against dissolving parliament because many deputies are opposed to early elections.

The move to dissolve parliament was put forward by the small centre-right Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF).

The larger, nationalist Young Democrats (FIDESZ) support new elections.

The SZDSZ pulled out of the MSZP-dominated coalition because of difference over budgetary issues and tax reforms.

Efforts by the prime minister to rebuild the alliance have so far failed to produce a result.

The Liberals have called for Gyurcsany to step down and make way for a government of technocrats. (dpa)