BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary’s Socialist Party leader was chosen Saturday as the opposition alliance candidate in upcoming elections and he accused the government of having “wrecked the rule of law” and of sidelining democratic principles.

Attila Mesterhazy was endorsed by 99.7 percent of party delegates to lead the alliance of five left-wing parties, which also includes two parties formed by former Socialist prime ministers Ferenc Gyurcsany and Gordon Bajnai.