Meloni seen as moving towards the centre

Observers on both sides of the political divide revise their assessment of the right-wing Italian Prime Minister, although what is views as a negative phenomenon for one is seen as a positive sign for the other.

Weeklies on Hungary as an outlier in the EU

Left-wing commentators wonder if the government is paving the way for Hungary to eventually leave the European Union, while a pro-government columnist lambasts left-wing members of the European Parliament who accuse Hungary of corruption, while their peers are under investigation for taking hundreds of millions of Euros in bribes.

Hungary’s future (or not) in the EU

A pro-government analyst thinks that it would be timely to assess the potential benefits of ‘Huxit’. Conservative and liberal commentators disagree and see EU membership as Hungary’s number one strategic interest.

Ruminations on the future of the EU

A pro-government columnist expects fierce disputes over migration to dominate the European Union in 2021. A left-wing commentator wonders whether the Hungarian government might quit the increasingly integrated European Union.

Further comments on the lessons of 2020

Opponents of the government find the administration at fault in both home and international politics, while being dissatisfied with the performance of the opposition. A pro-government analyst describes the government's conflicts with international partners as a clash over national sovereignty.

Liberals regard Hungary as a former democracy

A liberal columnist suggests that Hungary is no longer a democracy. A centrist critic of the government agrees with much of the criticism but deems that judgment exaggerated. A pro-government analyst believes threats to democracy are coming from outside the country.

PM Orbán protests against international criticism

As the Prime Minister sends a letter of protest to 53 European People’s Party (EPP) leaders rejecting what he sees as baseless attacks on his government, while a conservative analyst welcomes government efforts to openly confront international critics.

Weeklies on Hungary’s emergency act

Weeklies and the weekend editions of the dailies are sharply divided over the wider political implications and international repercussions of the government’s emergency laws approved by Parliament on Monday.

Macron courts Hungary and Poland

A pro-government pundit cautions against what he sees as an insincere attempt by President Macron of France to befriend the leaders of Hungary and Poland.

User guides for political rivals

As both Fidesz and the opposition brace themselves for the 2022 elections, two authors ponder what might make each successful.