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
All commentators agree that 2012 will be even tougher than 2010. But they disagree on the reasons, and on the best policy to follow. READ MORE
A popular political analyst suspects that Mr Barroso’s “ultimatum” to Viktor Orbán may be part of a plan to topple the Hungarian Prime Minister. READ MORE
A moderate right-wing columnist finds the recent guesswork about a possible early election groundless. He believes that Fidesz has no reason to call an early vote, as it can win easily in 2014. 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
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
A conservative liberal political analyst finds it highly unlikely that former Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány’s new party will attract moderate conservatives disappointed by the current centre-right coalition. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators believe that last weekend’s demonstrations were just the beginning of a protest season against government policies, while others suggest that the street actions did not even help the opposition parties. 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