Left and right wing columnists are sharply divided on the resolution the European Parliament adopted on Hungary earlier this week. While conservative commentators condemn Hungarian Socialist MEPs for actively taking part, their left wing counterparts call on the government to act. READ MORE
A pro-government commentator believes that in contrast to the previous Socialist governments, which followed neo-liberal principles and bowed to international investors, PM Orbán’s main aim is to strengthen the Hungarian middle class. According to a centrist analyst, the Socialists will have no option but to try and solicit the support of the working class. READ MORE
While left wing commentators see the PM’s speech as an act of political PR and miss a sense of dynamism in his words, their right wing counterparts view the PM’s address on Tuesday as an expression of optimism. Bloggers agree that this was Viktor Orbán’s most pragmatic speech in years. READ MORE
Left wing newspapers remain highly critical of the government’s economic policy and of Minister György Matolcsy personally, after a week which witnessed PM Viktor Orbán meeting EC President José Manuel Barroso, the IMF issuing its annual Staff Report and Mr Matolcsy facing the Economic Committee of Parliament. Pro-government columnists talk about relative successes and the cabinet’s intention to accomplish a shift in its policies. READ MORE
Commentators ponder what the actual meaning and possible consequences of Saturday’s pro-government rally will be. According to right-wing commentators, the Orbán government will start the negotiations with the European Commission and the IMF about a loan from a better position. Left-wing pundits believe the opposite. READ MORE
As the European Commission announced infringement proceedings against Hungary, left wing newspapers blame the government, while one right wing commentator lays most of the blame on the EU for its refusal to accept unorthodox methods to tackle the crisis. Another pro-government analyst urges talks to overcome the crisis. READ MORE
Political commentators agree that the resignation of LMP floor-leader András Schiffer signals the beginning of a new era, not only for his party but for the whole Hungarian political scene. READ MORE
Now that the European Commission has demanded a U-turn from Hungary in her legislative and political course, commentators ponder what the possible consequences are, who is at fault and what should be done. READ MORE
Left and right wing commentators agree that the Hungarian government has no choice but to reach an agreement with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. While Népszabadság and Népszava urge the cabinet to return to European norms, both Magyar Nemzet and Magyar Hírlap believe that there is no need to crawl on all fours to the lenders. READ MORE
The Forint stopped sinking on Thursday after a soothing statement by the Hungarian IMF negotiator. Prior to that statement, commentators from both right and left warned that the government should be more cooperative with the EU and the IMF in order to restore the confidence of international investors. READ MORE