Commentators from the political centre wonder if the anti-government demonstrations on January 2 mark a turning point in Hungarian politics. They suggest that the presence of tens of thousands of Hungarians on the streets shows that the Orbán government is losing support. Right-wing commentators, on the other hand, claim that the opposition uses the NGOs for its own purposes. READ MORE
A centrist political analysts finds the new electoral law meets democratic requirements, even though under the new system the winner seems to take all. He notes that if the popularity of Fidesz declines, the new rules would make it easier for the opposition to undo the reforms of the current government. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators believe that the pictures commissioned by the government to illustrate the deluxe edition of the new Constitution promote a partisan political message. Some young conservative pundits also find the paintings kitschy, while an art historian defends their originality and artistic quality. READ MORE
Népszabadság caught LMP leader András Schiffer chatting with Jobbik chairman Gábor Vona in the MPs’ office building and finds the scene unacceptable. Mandiner’s blogger, on the other hand, expects civilised behaviour from MPs towards one another, regardless of their political affiliations. READ MORE
According to a recent poll, the radical right-wing Jobbik has now overtaken the Socialists to become Hungary’s strongest opposition party. A right-wing blogger ponders whether Jobbik might become a coalition partner for Fidesz some time in the future. READ MORE
According to recent surveys, most young Hungarians support Fidesz. Left-wing analysts, and a right wing blogger share the view that the Socialists and the Liberals are unable to offer their supporters a civic culture with which they could identify. READ MORE
While the Swiss Franc hits new highs against the Hungarian Forint, the left wing daily Népszabadság urges the Hungarian government to act to soothe all those Hungarian citizens who have taken out large loans in Swiss Francs. A moderate right wing blogger believes that the government has very little manoeuvring space. READ MORE
A moderately conservative opinion page carries an unusually angry commentary on US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas O. Melia’s criticism of the direction public affairs are taking in Hungary.
Ex gendarmerie captain Sándor Képíró, 97, was acquitted of the charge of responsibility for the execution of more than 30 Jews and Serbs in Serbia in 1942. Left and right-wing commentators compare this case to earlier trials involving those accused of crimes during the Communist period, and appear to agree that it is almost impossible to administer genuine justice. READ MORE
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