Row over Hungarian Chamber of Physicians

A pro-government author agrees with the new law weakening the authority of the Hungarian Chamber of Physicians. Liberal commentators are divided over the issue. The law was passed comfortably by the large Fidesz majority in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

Dispute over gender and women’s rights

A left-liberal weekly accuses Prime Minister Orbán of waging a war against gender equality. A conservative commentator, on the other hand, accuses liberal feminists of waging an ideological fight against traditional family values in the name of gender equality, while tolerating the exploitation of women.

Heated dispute over vaccination

As the third wave of the pandemic hits Hungary, a respected surgeon calls for ethical proceedings against GPs who hesitate to recommend the Chinese jab to patients. A left-wing columnist, on the other hand, criticizes the government for using the epidemic for political purposes.

The latest storm: Family Minister’s video on women

Opinions diverge on the video in which Katalin Novák, Minister for Family Affairs, encourages women to enjoy their womanhood as daughters, wives and mothers without necessarily considering men as competitors.

Medical chamber elects opposition-leaning leadership

A pro-government site writes about a left-liberal takeover of the Chamber of Doctors, while a left-wing columnist welcomes the result of the election as a victory for the promoters of renewal in the national health service.

Health care in the political debate

Pro-government commentators accuse the opposition of demagoguery when it comes to health care. A left-wing columnist finds the government’s proposed amendments to the Health Care Act both inhumane and discriminatory.

Thoughts on Hungary’s demographic decline

A health care expert who has worked under both left-wing and right-wing governments  thinks that population decline in Hungary cannot be stopped without facilitating migration to the country.

Lajos Simicska’s war on Fidesz

A pro-government commentator and a political analyst ponder the implications of the coordinated attack by media mogul Lajos Simicska and Jobbik on PM Orbán.

Ruminations on the health care system

The leading left-wing daily calls for privatization or substantial extra public spending in the health care system in order to overcome current underfinancing. A liberal commentator fears that the government’s plans to raise wages will not deter doctors from leaving the country or accepting cash ‘bonuses’ from patients.