A libertarian columnist thinks the opposition is not ready to introduce measures that would save the country. Therefore Bajnai will be their hostage. A centrist analyst says Bajnai has no other choice than to take the opportunity of an opposition rally to present himself. A former Free Democrat party chairman thinks the opposition has little time left to agree on a joint strategy and leading faces. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist argues that with former Prime Minister Bajnai on the stage, anti-government demonstrators may draw the crowds, but pure hatred does not equal a political alternative. A left-of-centre journalist celebrates an occasion on which anti-Fidesz forces start to coalesce around a single candidate. READ MORE
A liberal commentator worries that a two-party system is solidifying, with the MSZP as the counterpart of Fidesz, and both wanting basically the same thing: popular measures, at whatever cost. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist joins left-wing commentators in criticizing a Fidesz MP for downplaying domestic violence. After the governing party promises to explicitly sanction domestic violence, left-wing commentators welcome the decision and note that democracy “may not be lost”, after all. READ MORE
Népszabadság, the leading opposition daily publishes the third front page editorial in a row accusing the government of immoral behaviour and calling for heads to roll, while the extreme right Jobbik leader lectures the government on foreign policy. Independent analysts warn that Hungary has become laughing stock without any tangible results in the balance. READ MORE
A right-wing columnist welcomes efforts by the Hungarian government to fulfil its promise to offer significant salary rises to doctors and nurses. She notes, however, that in the current health care system it is not possible to offer salaries which are competitive at a European level. READ MORE
In his analysis of the left-wing reception of former president László Sólyom’s recent criticism of government policies, a Marxist philosopher calls his fellow left-wingers intolerant, while a conservative columnist admits that the right-wing press is silent because it would find it difficult to challenge Mr Sólyom’s verdict. READ MORE
Commentators on both the left and right agree that recent scandals affecting Jobbik indicate grave conflicts and deep rifts within the far-right party. Analysts contend that this could foreshadow either its split or decline . READ MORE
A centrist commentator emphasizes that the Hungarian Constitutional Court, by invoking Hungary’s ’historical constitution’, found a weapon against the government’s attempts „to govern through constitutional changes.” The pro-government media mostly passed over the July 16th decision, while liberal commentators pointed out that six of the seven dissenting judges were Fidesz-appointees. READ MORE
Commentators agree that in a dictatorship the charges levelled against former PM Ferenc Gyurcsány would not have been dropped. With just one exception: his long-term aide believes the real reason is PM Orbán’s weakening position. READ MORE