Prime Minister Viktor Orban will consult in person at the weekend with National Development Minister Tamas Fellegi on his request to resign, prime minister’s spokesman Peter Szijjarto said on Thursday in Marseille, where Mr Orban is participating at a European People’s Party congress.

Mr Szijjarto confirmed that Mr Fellegi had spoken with Mr Orban on Wednesday. “[The prime minister] understands the points brought up by the national development minister,” he added.

Mr Fellegi on Thursday offered to resign to concentrate on talks Hungary is starting with the IMF and EU on precautionary financial assistance.

Mr Orban is expected to return to Budapest late Friday evening, Mr Szijjarto said.