As PM Orbán praises the ideals of Christian Democracy, the leading left-wing daily accuses him of betraying its core principles. A pro-government columnist, on the other hand, believes that the Fidesz-KDNP coalition has a coherent ideological vision. READ MORE
A left-wing columnist sees the critical remarks made by President Obama accusing the Hungarian government of intimidating NGOs as evidence that the US is deeply concerned about the state of Hungarian democracy. A pro-government commentator accuses President Obama of applying double standards against Hungary. READ MORE
A centrist analyst maintains that PM Orbán is not a dictator, but rather a highly professional politician who is unlikely to be defeated by the current Left. A liberal pundit replies by pointing out that in 2002, Orbán was defeated by Péter Medgyessy, who was considered to be an unprofessional politician. READ MORE
Left-wing and liberal commentators accuse the government of planning brutal cuts as Minister of National Economy Varga announces plans to reduce the rate of government spending. A conservative blogger suggests that the rate can be reduced without major austerity measures, provided the economy keeps growing at its current rate. READ MORE
After President Obama mentioned Hungary alongside Egypt as a county which intimidates NGOs, Népszabadság warns that those remarks were only the beginning and the worst is still ahead. Heti Válasz believes that the NGOs concerned are in reality liberal political activists, but condemns demonstrations of force against them. READ MORE
Commentators both from left and right agree that the Scottish referendum was a victory for democracy. They also believe that despite the failure of the Pro-Independence movement, Scotland will enjoy more autonomy in the future. Right-wing columnists suggest that the referendum sets an example for other national minorities, including ethnic Hungarians in the neighbouring countries. READ MORE
An economist remarks that despite lavish government subsidies on industry and trade, investment and employment rates have not increased in the long run. READ MORE
A Marxist pundit expresses his complete lack of surprise if at the October local elections, the Left receives its third consecutive blow from voters this year. The Left’s unpopularity is due to its inconsistent politics, he suggests, and without a complete overhaul, it has no chance to regain its strength.
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Columnists commenting on the weekend Swedish and Brandenburg elections agree that the rise of the far-right is inevitable even in western European countries which were not hit hard by the economic crisis. The growing popularity of far-right radicalism is a good reminder for moderate parties that they should pay more attention to growing inequality and lack of opportunity. READ MORE
A conservative analyst contends that a new model of ‘Europeanism’ is emerging in Central Europe. Central Europeans are realizing that EU integration is only possible at a slower pace. READ MORE