Commentators argue over the moral and political implications of what critics consider a diplomatic blunder. Right-wing pundits accuse Western critics of hypocrisy, while Népszabadság finds the official protest from the government hardly credible. READ MORE
A pro-government analyst approves the Prime Minister’s idea that at least half of Hungary’s banking sector ought to be in Hungarian hands. READ MORE
A pro-government commentator dismisses a comment by Financial Times Deutschland which brands the government’s endeavour to buy back the German owned main gas supply network as “madness, populism and a return to Goulash-Communism”. READ MORE
Commentators across the political spectrum debate whether public programs or restrictions on spending would help most to overcome the economic crisis. Pro-government analysts recommend a Keynesian stimulus, while a liberal economist considers this option unavailable for the Hungarian government. READ MORE
A right-wing columnist welcomes efforts by the Hungarian government to fulfil its promise to offer significant salary rises to doctors and nurses. She notes, however, that in the current health care system it is not possible to offer salaries which are competitive at a European level. READ MORE
In an interview published in Heti Válasz, former president László Sólyom repeated his earlier criticism, that the government’s “military-style tactics” lead nowhere, and are harmful to democracy. In response, Minister of Public Administration and Justice Tibor Navracsics said Sólyom cannot see the wood for the trees. READ MORE
Only a day after heaping praise on an analysis by Gordon Bajnai’s foundation, Magyar Nemzet believes that Haza és Haladás are deliberately overstating the electoral chances of Fidesz, in order to establish themselves as the leading force uniting the Hungarian Left. READ MORE
A leading columnist at Magyar Nemzet thinks the analysis published by former PM Gordon Bajnai’s thinktank, proves that Hungary is a democracy – it is up to the opposition to present an attractive alternative to Fidesz. READ MORE
The leading left-wing daily claims that worsening economic data may prompt Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to seek tighter control, in order to stave off electoral defeat. The pro-government daily presents the explanation of the Ministry of National Economy, according to which Hungary is doing better than some European neighbours. READ MORE
Hungary should not feel relieved if European criticism is now directed against neighbouring Romania. A pro-government commentator fears that as a result, the whole of Eastern and Central Europe risks losing face. READ MORE