Commenting on the main figures of next year’s budget, Népszabadság pokes fun at the government’s assurances that no restrictions are being imposed. A right wing commentator fears that the rigorous fiscal policy outlined by the Minister of the Economy will prove costly in terms of voters’ support. READ MORE
On the fifth anniversary of the leaking of his infamous Őszöd speech, right wing commentators believe there are plenty of reasons to put former Socialist premier Ferenc Gyurcsány behind bars, while a left-liberal pundit suggests the case sets a dangerous precedent. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators accuse the chief prosecutor of acting on government orders, by launching an investigation into former PM Ferenc Gyurcsány. They suspect that the aim of the exercise is to terrorize the opposition, and divert attention from severe economic problems which the government is unable to solve. Pro-government journalists depict Gyurcsány as a guilty man who poses as an innocent victim. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators accuse Orbán of sending an anti-market message with the six point plan outlined in Parliament on Monday. A pro-government pundit acknowledges the risks of such an unorthodox strategy, but finds the proposals fair and reasonable. 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
Commentators, including right-wing business analysts, find few kind words for a planned legislation, which would allow individuals who are heavily indebted in foreign currencies to pay off their mortgages at much improved exchange rates. The government’s idea to introduce a new luxury tax is received more kindly, although it will have to be approved by the European Union before it can be implemented. READ MORE
A debate has erupted in the Hungarian media after it was revealed that PM Viktor Orbán told American diplomats in 2006 (while in opposition) that his campaign promises should be “ignored”. The right wing press believes that the case has been blown out of all proportion by the left wing media, in order to divert public attention from an alleged corruption and misuse of office case involving the former Socialist PM Ferenc Gyurcsány. READ MORE
Left wing commentators are extremely critical of the measures announced by the Prime Minister and the Economy Minister on Tuesday. The right wing daily Magyar Nemzet reminds readers that it was the previous Socialist governments which ran the country so deeply into debt. READ MORE
Right-wing commentators sharply condemn a socialist writer for his bitter words about the Hungarian people as a whole. A left-wing commentator agrees with them, but mainly because the left-wing writer plays into the hands of the worst right-wingers.
The pro-government Magyar Nemzet stresses that the government’s position is stable, despite all the financial difficulties and mistakes which afflict it, while the left-wing Népszabadság believes that PM Viktor Orbán’s meeting last week with (mainly conservative) economists was just a show-case. READ MORE