Budapest - Hungary's small opposition liberal party gave its support on Wednesday to former finance minister Gyorgy Suranyi, one of three prime ministerial candidates put forward by the governing Socialist Party.

The leader of the Alliance of Free Democrats, Gabor Fodor, said his party could support the choice of the former banker to head a new government.

Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany announced on Saturday that he would stand down to make way for a new government, acknowledging that he had become an "obstacle" to reform.

Rather than call early general elections, Gyurcsany said he wanted a new premier installed through a vote of no-confidence on April 14.

The Socialist Party is a few seats short of a majority, but with the backing of the Free Democrats' 19 members, it has the parliamentary majority it needs.

However, speaking from Brussels, Suranyi told the Hungarian news agency MTI on Wednesday that he would not accept the post unless he had the support of all domestic political parties.

Hungary's only major opposition party, the centre-right Fidesz, has flatly refused to cooperate in setting up an interim government and insists that general elections should be held as soon as possible.

Suranyi said he was flattered to be considered for the post, and was clear about the burden of responsibility that would come with it.

"The decision, however, is not in my hands," Suranyi said. (dpa)