The press and the internet are awash with highly diverging opinions about the government’s plan to build a fence along the border with Serbia, in order to curb the continuing wave of migration directed from the Balkans towards Hungary and ultimately to the West. Opinions vary from approving the project to branding it as a cynical propaganda move. READ MORE
Commentators ponder whether the dispute over migration will strengthen or weaken the governing party, and if the opposition can capitalize on the indignation stirred up by the government’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. READ MORE
A conservative analyst deduces from major economic indicators that Hungary is on the right path. He finds the increasing number of new jobs particularly promising. READ MORE
Conservative pundits disagree over a decision by the Péter Pázmány Catholic University to launch a mandatory course on the Holocaust.
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PM Orbán’s speech at the European Parliament continues to be a major subject of debate. Conservative commentators tend to agree that Hungary should not become more open to migrants, while left-wing and liberal commentators accuse the government of xenophobia. READ MORE
Commenting on the latest GDP data, a conservative analyst is optimistic about Hungary’s economic prospects. His left-wing counterpart admits fast growth but at the same time fears that the increase in economic output has no impact on the lives of poorer Hungarians. READ MORE
Commenting on the first round of the Polish Presidential election, a conservative commentator draws a parallel between the situation of the centre-right governments of Poland and Hungary. Another columnist fears that the rise of the populist Law and Justice party may hamper V4 regional cooperation. READ MORE
Commentators on both Left and Right make fun of promises of increases in welfare payments by left-wing and far-right parties. READ MORE
The leading left-wing daily accuses the government of trying to restore its popularity by fomenting xenophobic hatred. A pro-government columnist calls for a two track approach: to help poor conflict torn countries while simultaneously closing Europe’s borders to halt immigration. READ MORE
A liberal economist criticizes the government for raising the ceiling of public compensation for the victims of recent brokerage house defaults. A pro-government columnist points out that while the Left is demanding full compensation, at the same time it criticizes the government for spending public money on investors. READ MORE