Although the next election is scheduled for the spring of 2014, most observers believe the campaign is already underway. PM Orbán’s Fidesz-KDNP alliance leads the polls, but analysts do not rule out an opposition victory. READ MORE
Népszava’s commentator dismisses PM Orbán’s foreign policy as inconsistent and opportunistic, while Magyar Nemzet welcomes a new, pragmatic approach to Hungarian-Russian relations. READ MORE
The two leading dailies carry diametrically opposing assessments of the results of PM Viktor Orbán’s visit to Brussels. READ MORE
Two days after four prominent members left the LMP to join an opposition alliance, their decision still catches the headlines. Columnists disagree, however, on whether the LMP story will have an impact on future political developments. READ MORE
A leading LMP member suggests in a right wing paper that other political forces are at work behind the internal tensions in his party, while a centre-left commentator writes that the LMP’s plans to steer towards the political centre are understandable but unrealistic. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist welcomes the government’s plans to tax Hungarian deposits abroad. Left-wing and liberal commentators believe that the proposed tax is just a populist rhetorical stunt, rather than an effective measure to close tax evasion loopholes. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist criticizes the Socialists for establishing institutional ties with the main Hungarian party in Romania. She suggests that the MSZP is motivated purely by the importance of transborder voters at the next Parliamentary elections. READ MORE
As the Forint weakens against the Euro, pundits wonder why international speculators are selling the Hungarian currency, and whether its slump is the result of the uncertainty related to the imminent choice of a new National Bank president, and of a possible quantitative easing program. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator suggests that the energy price cuts will further slow down the Hungarian economy. Pro-government columnists, on the other hand, find it bizarre that the left opposes the price cuts after criticizing the government for restrictions and austerity. READ MORE
A left-wing columnist believes Hungary should not appeal against FIFA’s decision to play its next World Cup qualifier behind closed doors as a consequence of an anti-Semitic incident during the Hungary-Israel match in August last year. His right–wing colleague suggests the ruling was unjust and may stir up anti-Semitism. READ MORE