Hungary’s Minister of Economic Affairs, János Kóka, will bow out of office by 31 December at the latest, local news portal index.hu has reported on Thursday. Kóka, who sources say wants to focus on his work as the leader of the liberal junior coalition partner, the Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ), will remain in his post until the end of the year.

Kóka has already notified his party’s top decision-making body and will meet regional chapter leaders this morning. He and his closest supporters believed that he could cope with the posts of minister and party chairman, but have reportedly realized that he cannot. Kóka feels he will have greater scope of action as party chairman, as at present he is merely a subordinate to Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány, Index writes.

Kóka’s successor has not yet been named, but Economy Ministry state secretary Ábel Garamhegyi is considered a likely candidate. (Forbes, Caboodle, portfolio)