Pro-government commentators wonder whether Hungary can expect more flexibility from the EU and the IMF, after Olli Rehn and Christine Lagarde suggested that the principle of deficit cuts is not carved in stone – for some EU member states, at least. READ MORE
Right-wing analysts ponder the possible consequences of the French and Greek elections, and express concern that the EU may fall into an even deeper political and economic crisis as a result of the strengthening of anti-austerity populism. READ MORE
A leading LMP politician writes in his blog that Áder, despite his party political background in Fidesz, could represent a new chance for Hungary’s political culture. A left-wing columnist contends however that independence from the party line is not an option for the new President. A right-wing editor deems it necessary for Hungary to have a President who will not hinder the governments’ efforts. READ MORE
Now that the European Commission have given the green light for Hungary to start negotiating a credit-line agreement with the IMF, commentators assess the possible consequences of the restrictions announced by PM Viktor Orbán. Both left and right agree that the talks are a step forward, but the country could pay a very high price for the credit-line. READ MORE
Commenting on the planned reforms presented by PM Orbán in Brussels, analysts agree that the Hungarian government has no choice but to take further steps to reduce the deficit after a decade of irresponsible governance. Some, however, fear that the austerity measures will deepen the economic crisis. READ MORE
Analysts agree that the new taxes announced by the government on the eve of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s meeting with EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso will be a heavy burden on Hungarian households. They are not sure however, whether the new restrictions will be enough to eliminate the hurdles preventing Hungary from starting negotiations on an IMF credit line. READ MORE
A conservative columnist urges the government to reach an agreement with the IMF, and implicitly rejects an official communique condemning his critical stance on the government’s economic policy. READ MORE
Right-wing commentators in Hungary this Easter alert their readers to the possible consequences of denying Europe’s Christian roots. They fear that without basic Christian values, naked materialism will prevail, and qualities like solidarity, basic human kindness and morality will suffer throughout the secularized continent. READ MORE
A right-wing commentator suggests that scores of doctoral and MA theses should be scrutinized after the President of the Republic stood accused of having plagiarised his own, and was forced to resign. READ MORE
Whatever their political affiliations, Hungary’s daily newspapers are united in regretting President Pál Schmitt’s refusal to resign, despite being stripped of his doctoral title by the Semmelweis University in Budapest. READ MORE