The draft bill just published by the Ministry for National Economy aims to reduce the rights of employees. Employers would, among other changes, find it easier to lay off pregnant women and parents on maternity leave. A prominent right-wing commentator argues that curbing the rights of employees will not strengthen the nation. READ MORE
A new Church Law has ignited fierce controversy in Parliament and the press – hardly surprising in a country where the relationship between the state and the churches has always figured highly in battles between right and left. READ MORE
It is high time for mainstream parties to pull themselves together and face the gravity of the racial conflicts in rural Hungary – both right and left-wing commentators conclude from the election of a far right candidate as mayor of Gyöngyöspata, in Northern Hungary.
The Hungarian Parliament has passed the so-called “chips tax” on unhealthy food. The government expects Hungarians to lead healthier lives as a result, but the extra tax may also have a negative impact on Hungarian producers. Right-wing commentators also question why, if the government is so interested in improving our health, it withdrew plans to increase the tax on tobacco products. READ MORE
The debate over the electoral reform proposed by Fidesz continues with an editorial in Magyar Nemzet, which blames the left wing for seeking foreign support in order to oust the present government, rather than winning over Hungarian voters. READ MORE
The presidium of Fidesz have unveiled their plan for electoral reform, prompting sharply opposed views in the press. Left wing analysts believe the reform is an attempt by the governing conservative party to ensure it will rule over Hungary forever, while a pro-government commentator believes it could constitute the basis for free and fair elections. READ MORE
Right wing commentators join their colleagues on the left to demand more transparency in the latest spy scandal, in which a former Socialist cabinet minister is allegedly implicated. READ MORE
A spy scandal replete with allegations of wrongdoing against two former heads of Hungary’s counter-espionage service, as well as a former Socialist cabinet minister responsible for supervising the secret services, has provoked conflicting commentaries in the press. All the more so, as the details have been classified as state secrets for the next 78 years. READ MORE
Regardless of their political affiliations, commentators appreciate the diplomatic performance of Hungary during the six months of the EU presidency, but this professional success story does not silence the usual controversies over the government’s democratic legitimacy. READ MORE
The most notable change in Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s foreign policy is that he has realized the necessity of cooperating with China – writes Gyula Krajczár in Népszabadság. The Hungarian PM and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao signed a dozen bilateral agreements on Saturday in Budapest. READ MORE