Commentators on the left and in the centre of the political spectrum wonder whether President Pál Schmitt can stay in office, after Heti Világgazdaság accused him of plagiarising a significant part of his doctoral dissertation, submitted in 1992. READ MORE
Pro-government journalists look back on the year since the introduction of the new media law in 2010. They contend that the dark predictions of the left – inside and outside Hungary – about possible censorship have proven unfounded. READ MORE
Conservative and liberal commentators ponder whether the European Court of Human Rights was correct to rule that Hungary violated the principle of free speech when it banned the red star symbol. READ MORE
A popular liberal blogger reacts ironically to the appointment of a radical right wing actor as director of a small Budapest theatre, describing it as a selfless decision in favour of the mentally deranged. A leading moderate conservative commentator cautions against possible negative consequences. READ MORE
According to recent surveys, most young Hungarians support Fidesz. Left-wing analysts, and a right wing blogger share the view that the Socialists and the Liberals are unable to offer their supporters a civic culture with which they could identify. READ MORE
Commentaries marking Saint Stephen’s day turn invariably around some of the usual controversies which divide left and right: Hungary’s international image, internal ideological divisions and the economic policies advisable in today’s unfavourable world business climate.
The nation state cannot provide a refuge from the global debt crisis, warns George Soros. The Hungarian-born American investor says European economies can only be saved through further integration and centralization. Soros advocates progressive taxation for economic and social reasons. READ MORE
PM Orbán Viktor’s speech last Saturday in Transylvania has been harshly criticized by left-wing commentators, most of whom are worried that Orbán is planning to turn Hungary away from the West, in order to strengthen Eastern partnerships. A liberal conservative analyst finds the real problem among left-wing pundits is taking a mistaken quotation for granted without checking the source, and by doing so, distorting Orbán’s message completely. READ MORE
During its first year in government Fidesz has passed an unprecedented number of bills, at record speed. One analyst, coming from the political centre, believes that driving like this may prove self-destructive. READ MORE
A libertarian-minded economist disputes the Government’s claim that it is pursuing a completely new and unorthodox economic policy. READ MORE