None of the print weeklies support the practice of kneeling down on the pitch in sign of protest against racism nor do any of them approve of Hungarian fans who booed the Irish side when they were taking the knee before a preparatory match for the European championship. On the other hand, they strongly disagree on whether such gestures should be banned from sports events. READ MORE
Pro-government commentators claim in unison that the opposition is the ideological heir of the 2006 ‘Őszöd speech’ and ensuing police violence. They also insist that the opposition is still led by former PM Gyucsány from behind the scenes. A left-wing author dismisses that as pure propaganda. READ MORE
A liberal columnist suggests that if they win in 2022, the opposition parties should not bother too much about rule of law constraints, and could imprison government oligarchs and distribute their wealth among Hungarians, just as the Communists did in 1945. A conservative commentator fears that such threats cannot be taken lightly, and likens the opposition to Nazi and Communist murderers. READ MORE
he German Foreign Ministry has rejected Hungarian protests against the sacking of a Hungarian football coach in Berlin. Commentators’ opinions diverge on the rights and wrongs, but even opposition leaning columnists tend to believe that firing the coach was a disproportionate punishment. READ MORE
As Prime Minister Orbán announces plans to gradually reopen the country, including schools, as soon as 2.5 million Hungarians have received their first coronavirus vaccination, a fierce and partisan dispute over the government’s strategy to contain the pandemic rolls on. READ MORE
Last week, the weeklies went to print one or two days before Fidesz announced its final departure from the European People’s Party. Now they offer their analyses. READ MORE
As the third wave of the pandemic sweeps through Hungary, commentators from across the political divide discuss the government’s strategy and speculate on the possible date of the end of the emergency. READ MORE
Although Fidesz has only left the People’s Party group within the European Parliament, weeklies take it for granted that it will also leave the European Christian democratic alliance itself. They wonder what comes next. READ MORE
The left-wing radio station that went off air in mid-February (but is still available online) appears likely to win the new license tender for its former frequency, as the applications of both media companies which tried to compete for the frequency were rejected last December. Both have allegedly given up their attempts to appeal against the decision taken by the Media Authority. READ MORE