Népszava in trouble

Népszava claims to be the only national daily that has increased its readership over the past year. It is in dire financial straits, nonetheless, but promises its readers it will survive. READ MORE

Libya through Hungarian eyes

Left and right wing analysts are united in their delight over the fall of Colonel Gaddafi, as well as in their concern over what will happen next in Libya. READ MORE

The False, the Rude and the Ugly: an episode in US – Hungarian relations

A moderately conservative opinion page carries an unusually angry commentary on US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas O. Melia’s criticism of the direction public affairs are taking in Hungary.

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Debate over electoral reform

The presidium of Fidesz have unveiled their plan for electoral reform, prompting sharply opposed views in the press. Left wing analysts believe the reform is an attempt by the governing conservative party to ensure it will rule over Hungary forever,  while a pro-government commentator believes it could constitute the basis for free and fair elections. READ MORE

Tilting at windmills

Though the initial hysteria about the new Hungarian media law has long subsided, fearmongers still maintain that free speech in Hungary is threatened by what they see as a far-right government, András Stumpf reports from a Bonn conference. READ MORE

Another blow to Gyurcsány

The Socialist Party referendum will take place, despite expectations to the contrary,  but according to a left wing commentator, it will deal the former party chairman another blow rather than strengthening his challenge to the present leadership. READ MORE

Intra-party feud continues

Last week’s party congress didn’t put an end to the infighting among leading Socialist politicians. This is how an aide to former party chairman and ex-premier Ferenc Gyurcsány sees the future in his new blog.

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Hungary, land of promises

Hungary has grown accustomed to overspending and over-borrowing, and its political parties have fed the population a diet of unrealistic welfare promises. But the leading conservative commentator believes the present government has chosen a new path. READ MORE

Who is to blame for the public debt?

Prime Ministers of the past thirteen years each blame the increase in the debt on one another. But why is it important in the first place to investigate who is responsible, if all of them acknowledge that the high debt level is a serious problem? A conservative blogger wonders. READ MORE

FIDESZ: one year in government

On the first anniversary of the establishment of the Orbán government, pundits and politicians weigh in to assess the centre-right government’s performance so far, and to outline the possible government strategies of the coming years. READ MORE