A conservative thinker suggests that Hungary’s problems are largely due to the kind of institutional pragmatism according to which the founding generation of the post-Communist state tended to neglect the moral side of democracy. READ MORE
Népszabadság warns that the possibility of electoral victories by new, anti-establishment movements in southern Europe makes the future of the Euro-zone increasingly uncertain. Hungary’s adoption of the common currency may thus be postponed to the distant future. READ MORE
A right-wing commentator advises the exercise of caution in both politics and finances, at a time when Russia is facing hard times with obvious negative consequences for European countries. READ MORE
Commentators across the political spectrum agree that after three consecutive easy electoral victories this year, the government is now under unexpected pressure. In their last issues before the end of the year, the weeklies tend to believe that the governing forces owe their difficulties to their own mistakes, although foreign pressure is also being mentioned among the causes. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator thinks Hungary should be glad to hear that the United States plans to devote funds to fighting corruption in Central and Eastern Europe, while his pro-government counterpart likens American allegations to the charges levelled by mysterious authorities against Mr K in Kafka’s famous novel, ’The Trial’. READ MORE
A pro-government commentator argues that the nationwide demonstration proved the presence of vibrant democracy in Hungary. Meanwhile she criticises the government for imposing toll on the Budapest highway belt as well as MPs for wanting to exempt themselves of highway tolls. READ MORE
Commenting on the National Conference of the Socialist Party, both Magyar Nemzet and Népszabadság believe that the MSZP has a long way to go before it can become a decisive factor in shaping Hungary’s future, as its leaders pledged last Saturday. READ MORE