A conservative economist agrees with the Prime Minister that the economy is on a firm footing and that Hungary has a chance of catching up with western Europe. Another analyst accuses the Prime Minister of trying to divert attention from corruption. READ MORE
Most commentators believe that the governing forces will withdraw Budapest’s Olympic bid, after a new political movement collected almost twice as many signatures as necessary to back a referendum on the subject. They also ponder whether Momentum, after this spectacular success, will become a significant opposition force. READ MORE
A pro-government commentator praises efforts by parliament and the executive to help families with children and welcomes initiatives such as the “Marriage Week” which are aimed at halting Hungary’s demographic decline. READ MORE
Commentators disagree sharply on Hungary’s economic growth potential. READ MORE
Commentators conclude that the Hungary-Russia summit produced no surprises, but served to re-emphasize earlier standpoints. They disagree however on what role Hungary should play in relations between the West and Russia. READ MORE
A conservative pundit welcomes the government’s plan to take asylum seekers into custody while their applications are processed. Her left-wing counterpart thinks that there is no real terrorist danger that would necessitate such strict regulations. READ MORE
As Parliament prepares to discuss a bill that would require executives of NGOs to declare their assets annually, a left-wing columnist accuses the government of trying to silence its critics. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, thinks the proposed legislation will promote transparency. READ MORE
Two pro-government columnists lambast the EU and western European governments for ‘still not taking illegal migration seriously.’ READ MORE
A liberal weekly criticises Shlomo Köves for spurning a Hanukkah greeting message from the radical right-wing leader. Other commentators put the matter in the more general context of Jobbik’s changing political profile and of preparations for the 2018 parliamentary elections. READ MORE
Conservative pundits reflecting on 2016 contend that the old global order has been shaken by the revolt of masses of people allegedly demanding ‘common sense policies’ rather than ‘politically correct ideologies’. READ MORE