Left-wing commentators consider Hungary’s intention to resume talks with the IMF as sufficient reason for the prime minister to resign, although they don’t believe he will. A pro-government and anti-IMF commentator describes the government’s move as an act of capitulation. READ MORE
Népszabadság calls on the former Fidesz Education Minister, Zoltán Pokorni (1998-2002) to block the new Education Bill, while Magyar Hírlap believes that there is nothing wrong with the draft, as it promotes national values. READ MORE
Ever more analysts are asking themselves whether Hungary will be able to get away without requesting, at some future moment, a new loan from the IMF. Both Népszabadság and an influential political scientist consider what political problems such a development might cause for PM Viktor Orbán. READ MORE
As Standard & Poor’s lowers Hungary’s already negative outlook rating, Népszabadság urges the government to call off the propaganda, while Magyar Nemzet believes that the decision disregards the efforts made by the government. READ MORE
Left wing commentators agree that Socialist leader Attila Mesterházy has embarked on a rough road, by asking party veterans to step aside. A right wing columnist calls the initiative a belated appeal. 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
Commenting on the EU’s decision to keep Hungary under its ‘excessive deficit procedure’, Népszabadság’s main business analyst fears that Hungary cannot avoid a debt-crisis. Another leading columnist in the number one left-wing daily believes that the government has still not given up its policy illusions.
Commentators in the Hungarian media notice a turn in the government’s economic policy, and urge a compromise with financial institutions. READ MORE
Péter Dániel, a left-wing activist has apologized for labelling Mária Wittner, a victim of the post-1956 purges, “a cheap prostitute”. A left-wing commentator suggests that the memories of actual hookers who became martyrs of the revolution should also be respected. READ MORE
The controversy over the appointment of a far right-winger as director of a Budapest theatre shows no signs of abating. Commentators now ponder the possible consequences of a conflict generated by German conductor Christoph von Dohnányi, who cancelled a Budapest concert to express his indignation over the appointment. READ MORE