Guessing Orbán’s strategy in negotiations with the EU

The leading pro-government daily welcomes the failure of the EU summit as a sign of democracy and good news for Hungary, while its left-wing counterpart accuses PM Orbán of selfishness. An influential economist says that although the EU’s growth forecasts are biased against Hungary, the government has to make efforts to convince Brussels anyway. An independent centrist outlet suspects that once the EU lifts the excessive deficit procedure the government will be free to start spreading money around immediately before the 2014 elections. READ MORE

October 23, one day when tabloid journalism does not dominate

The “distance duel” between the two heroes of the two opposing camps on the anniversary of the 1956 revolution shoots mainstream politics into the top TV news, if only for a few days. READ MORE

Government U-turn on domestic violence

A pro-government columnist joins left-wing commentators in criticizing a Fidesz MP for downplaying domestic violence. After the governing party promises to explicitly sanction domestic violence, left-wing commentators welcome the decision and note that democracy “may not be lost”, after all. READ MORE

Opposition strategies for 2014

A think-tank founded by former Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai outlines different electoral scenarios for 2014, and suggests that only a large party or alliance with a strong presence in all 106 constituencies will have a chance of winning the next elections. READ MORE

PM vs ombudsman: checks and balances in operation?

A leading columnist of the main pro-government daily argues that although many still look to the EU for political balance, checks and balances are actually functioning in Hungary. READ MORE

Will Jobbik split?

Commentators on both the left and right agree that recent scandals affecting Jobbik indicate grave conflicts and deep rifts within the far-right party. Analysts contend that this could foreshadow either its split or decline . READ MORE

Pleas for a more balanced approach to the Horthy renaissance

After an angry and passionate exchange of opinions about a supposed revival of the cult of Miklós Horthy, leading columnists from both left and right call for a less opinionated approach, and caution against the over-politicized simplification and distortion of controversial and sensitive historical issues. READ MORE

For want of a credible opposition

A left-wing commentator argues that although the Orbán government has not done much, it may still win the next election for want of a credible alternative. READ MORE

Uncertainty reigns on Central Bank law

Népszabadság urges the government to revise its reticent attitude towards demands put forward by the EU to ensure the independence of the Hungarian National Bank. Magyar Nemzet cautions against either rejecting or accepting those demands in their entirety. READ MORE

Is the IMF stonewalling loan talks?

A pro-government columnist wonders whether the IMF is delaying the start of credit line negotiations with Hungary, in the hope that the financial markets will put the country under increased pressure, so that the government will give in and accept all the conditions dictated by the IMF.

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