As two-thirds of banks in Hungary report a profit in 2013 after two years of losses, a conservative columnist points out that contrary to the predictions of left-wing critics of the government, taxes levied on banks have not undermined their profitability. The leading left-wing daily, on the other hand, warns of the low volume of lending. READ MORE
Commenting on recent statistics, a pro-government economist contends that PM Orbán has been successful in consolidating the Hungarian economy. The leading left-wing daily cites data from the building industry to underpin its view that the government’s policies have mostly failed. READ MORE
Pundits across the political spectrum ponder the fate and future of crisis ridden Ukraine. Left-wing and moderate conservative analysts hope that the EU will help the country down the democratic path, but warn that Russia may try to prevent Ukraine’s European integration. A right-wing daily, on the other hand, cautions against optimism and fears the plundering of Ukraine by Western investors. A centrist blogger proposes federalization as an alternative to break-up. READ MORE
As Hungary remembers the victims of Communism on 25 February, a conservative columnist complains that former communist officials have been the main beneficiaries of the transition to democracy. READ MORE
As former PM Gyurcsány denies having leaked his famous “lie-speech”, left-wing columnists suggest that the publication of the tapes and even the riots which followed could have been orchestrated by Fidesz politicians. Pro-government commentators, on the other hand, contend that Gyurcsány’s involvement in the leak is beyond doubt. READ MORE
A pro-government analyst says the EU should beware of violent protesters and work with Russia to establish peace. A liberal commentator finds similarities between Putin’s stance towards Ukraine and the Paks nuclear plant loan. A centrist pundit fears a wave of refugees across the Ukranian-Hungarian border. READ MORE
On the left, Viktor Orbán’s annual Sunday speech is described as “success propaganda” and scaremongering, while pro-government commentators condemn Ferenc Gyurcsány’s Saturday speech as “scandalous” from the man they hold responsible for his country’s demise. READ MORE
Commentators agree on the importance of broadening business ties with China, but left-wing analysts criticise the political overtones of the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing. READ MORE
While Jewish community leaders have outlined their demands in a letter to the Prime Minister, a pro-government commentator expresses disappointment and dismay that the likelihood of a joint remembrance of the 70th anniversary of the Holocaust seems to be waning. READ MORE
Népszava thinks Switzerland and the European Union will both have to pay a heavy price for the immigration restrictions to be imposed by the Swiss government. Magyar Nemzet interprets the outcome of the referendum as a first sign that European governments must face immigration problems seriously. READ MORE