A centrist political scientist believes that whoever wins next year’s elections, the outcome will be catastrophic, and a catastrophe is perhaps what Hungary needs to find the right path. A moderate conservative columnist suggests it will be extremely difficult to forge a united left-wing opposition before the elections. READ MORE
While a pro-government daily speculates that Sanoma plans to launch an anti-government TV show, a left-liberal weekly accuses the authors of Stalinist style paranoia. READ MORE
Commenting on the first round of talks between MSZP leader Attila Mesterházy and his rival and ally, Gordon Bajnai, analysts agree that their alliance is likely to prove an uphill battle until next year’s elections.
Left-wing and liberal columnists believe that the mostly peaceful Budapest Pride 2013 walk proved a major success or even a breakthrough for gay rights activists. They find it disappointing, however, that the police showed little zeal to pursue radical protesters who beat up three marchers. READ MORE
One left-liberal commentator finds Orbán’s sudden embrace of Alföldi just another publicity stunt, while another pokes fun at Jobbik who suspect “a homosexual or Jewish” lobby in the background. READ MORE
Commentators don’t refrain from political remarks while tens of thousands of volunteers, leading politicians among them, help professionals build temporary defences against the highest water levels the Danube has seen. READ MORE
Commentators disagree on what lessons to draw from the post-World War I peace treaty. The interpretation of national history has always been one of the main dividing issues between left and right in Hungary. READ MORE
A liberal economist acknowledges that his fears about the impact of lowering the base rate have been proven unfounded. But he accuses National Bank chief György Matolcsy, nonetheless, of irresponsible management. READ MORE
Commenting on the latest opinion polls, a centrist and a pro-government commentator wonder why the left-wing parties have not managed to increase their support, although a majority of voters are dissatisfied with the current government. READ MORE
A liberal columnist believes that PM Orbán’s disrespect for the rule of law is a greater threat to Hungary than racist protesters. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, contends that whatever it does, the Orbán government will either be labeled as anti-democratic, or as racist. READ MORE