The re-election of János Áder as President of Hungary by the government majority in Parliament prompts conflicting evaluations of his performance as head of state and of the role played by his only opponent, jurist László Majtényi who fought a symbolic battle to make his case as an alternative candidate. 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
Commentators unanimously predict that Donald Trump will bring something entirely new into American and world politics, but disagree on whether to welcome or fear that novelty. READ MORE
Although all the involved parties have dismissed such speculations, pundits both on Left and Right continue to discuss the potential of a broad anti-Fidesz opposition including both the left-wing parties and Jobbik. READ MORE
Pundits across the political spectrum debate if and to what extent NGOs should be considered as political actors rather than independent organizations. 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
As Olga Kálmán decides to leave ATV for the formerly pro-Fidesz channel, commentators suggest that in his anti-Orbán drive, HírTV owner Lajos Simicska wants to overtake ATV from the left. READ MORE
Opinions sharply diverge on the government’s decision to withdraw from an international organisation set up five years ago to keep a tighter rein on corruption. Hungary has been often ‘criticised without being heard’, say friends of the government. READ MORE
A liberal analyst writes that the Left is failing to react to a new series of welfare measures introduced by the government. The main problem, he suggests, is the lack of an overall message. READ MORE