In a series of op-ed articles in Magyar Nemzet, conservative intellectuals and political analysts argue in favour of the nation state. They all contend that democracy presupposes sovereign nations, but they disagree on whether social rights are also important for a free and democratic country. READ MORE
A staunch left-wing critic of the Orbán government ridicules the counter terrorism squad for assaulting a university campus and taking a student dressed up as a Jedi knight in custody. But the leading left-wing daily and a pro-government pundit believe that there is nothing funny about the episode. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators claim that Fidesz wants to send women back to the kitchen, after a Fidesz MP suggested that the low birthrate is the main problem with Hungarian families. A pro-government columnist contends that the opposition is deliberately misinterpreting the statement. READ MORE
Right-wing pundits believe that the criminal inquiry into the suspected war crimes of the former Communist politician is an important symbolic act which could serve historical reconciliation. Liberal columnists, however, worry that the government wants to use Biszku’s case against the opposition parties. READ MORE
Commentators on both the right and the left agree that former Premier Gyurcsány’s decision to start a hunger strike in protest against the government’s electoral reform is a piece of theatre which cannot be taken seriously, and will do little to mobilize the masses. READ MORE
Commenting on the re-election of the LMP floor leader, and the party’s decision not to join anti-Jobbik demonstrations, left-wing pundits wonder if the green party will and can maintain its centrist image. READ MORE
The dominant themes in Hungarian politics last week, the extradition of the Azeri murderer and the Prime Minister’s stance on the IMF talks are interpreted along political lines: commentators on the left call Orbán names including “traitor” and “liar”, while the premier’s supporters argue that critics on the left have no national feelings at all. READ MORE
Left-wing dailies accuse Mr Orbán of lying about the harsh conditions the IMF has allegedly set to start negotiations about a standby credit line for Hungary. Pro-government dailies, on the other hand, defend the Prime Minister’s resolve not to give in to IMF dictates and to prepare an alternative proposal. READ MORE
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s announcement of a cooperation plan with neighbouring countries is dismissed by left and liberal commentators as arrogant and unrealistic, while Magyar Nemzet defends it as an important initiative. READ MORE
Commentators argue that the left-of-centre opposition in Hungary is fragmented, and despite some hopes to the contrary, LMP and MSZP remain unlikely allies. Civic organizations offer no alternatives. They have also failed to perform well in condemning the diplomatic blunder caused by the transfer of a convicted Azeri murderer to his home country. (See BudaPost, September 1 through 5) READ MORE