Commenting on the bribery case involving former Croatian PM Ivo Sanader and Hungary’s oil multinational MOL, the leading left wing daily warns that wisdom is needed on both sides to prevent the two countries’ relations from deteriorating. READ MORE
While centre-left columnists find the decision self-destructive, and suggest that it plays into the hands of Fidesz, centre-right bloggers celebrate it as a triumph of principles over political pressure. Some analysts forecast a split in the party, while others claim it was high time for LMP to decide where it stands. Major right-wing papers have not commented on the decision as yet. READ MORE
Liberal and left-wing commentators contend that Fidesz wants to entrench itself in power by adding new elements to the Electoral Law. Even some conservative columnists find the bill controversial. READ MORE
A right-wing columnist accuses the EU of mindlessly serving the interests of Western European banks by forcing economically paralyzing restrictions on highly indebted member states on the periphery of the continent. A left-wing pundit on the other hand sees no alternative to austerity and welfare cuts. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators accuse the Christian Democrats of discriminating against domestic partnerships by denying them the same legal status marriages have. A conservative columnist on the other hand contends that traditional families are the cornerstones of healthy nations. READ MORE
Left-wing and centrist commentators who ponder a Fidesz MP”s legal action against offensive online comments believe that Fidesz is trying to silence its critics at any price. A pro-government columnist, on the other hand, accuses the left of whipping up ideological hatred. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist vehemently criticizes MSZP leader Mesterházy for labeling the Hungarian government fascist, in a left-wing Italian daily. A left-wing commentator notes that conservative dailies have also warned of undemocratic tendencies in Hungary. READ MORE
Népszabadság disagrees with the ruling of the European Court of Justice, but suggests Hungary should try to agree with Slovakia on Tokaj wine standards. READ MORE
Online headlines posted in the early morning hours tend to reflect the papers’ ideological leanings. Népszava enthusiastically welcomes the result of the US presidential elections, while the two right-wing national dailies express cautious reservations. READ MORE
A columnist writing in Hungary’s main left-leaning daily believes that Ferenc Gyurcsány will soon have to make a hard decision and step back, since his presence may weaken the chances of a wide left-wing coalition which will attempt to replace the Orbán government at the 2014 election. READ MORE