Columnists on both the left and the right project the lessons of World War I onto current events, and warn that defiant and unyielding geopolitics may trigger a chain reaction that cannot be contained.
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Commentators agree that RTL Klub, the leading commercial TV channel has launched a harsh anti-government reporting campaign in retaliation for the new advertisement tax. READ MORE
The leading left-wing daily contends that the government wants to punish the left- and liberal leaning capital city by redirecting structural development funds to its core constituencies in the countryside. The main pro-government daily is convinced that infrastructural projects will not grind to a halt in Budapest. READ MORE
A conservative columnist blames the exclusion of the Roma on what he calls “the culture of poverty” rather than on discrimination by the majority. His left-wing counterpart finds it peculiar that the Right would expect those living in deprivation and exclusion to fight prejudice. READ MORE
A left-wing columnist accuses the government of introducing censorship through a selective media advertisement tax. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, welcomes the taxation of commercial media outlets with little added social value. READ MORE
Two conservative analysts agree that Fidesz has solidified its power and closed the post-Communist era. They caution the government, however, against utopian social engineering and emphasize the need to rein in containing its own elites. READ MORE
A left-wing columnist criticizes the government for claiming historical continuity with István Tisza, an early 20th century conservative statesman. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, believes that left-wing and liberal politicians are still failing to come to terms both with Hungary’s past, and her national heroes. READ MORE
Analysts from right across the political spectrum warn that Hungary should focus more on economic sectors with higher added value, for wages and demand to catch up with western European levels. First and foremost, they believe, the government needs to help Hungarian investors and spend more on education. READ MORE
A liberal analyst wonders whether Fidesz will ban far-right Jobbik after a prominent politician of the movement was accused of spying for Russia. By banning the far-right party, Fidesz could in the short run increase its own constituency, but it would thereby lose the strategic advantage of claiming the centre of the political spectrum, challenged from both sides. READ MORE
A conservative columnist comments on PM Orbán’s remark about the death penalty points out that taking someone’s life is contrary to Christian values, even if such measures would help to save other lives through discouraging criminals from violent acts. READ MORE