As George Soros depicts the Orbán government as a ‘mafia state’, government politicians including the premier himself describe the NGOs supported by Mr Soros as ‘a mafia network.’ A pro-government columnist fears that anti-government protesters will soon turn violent. A left-wing commentator, on the other hand, finds the government’s rhetoric frightening. READ MORE
In a comment on recent opinion polls, a centrist political scientist thinks that opposition parties still have some chance to prevent the victory of Fidesz in the 2018 election. A conservative columnist is more sceptical – he thinks that the opposition lacks a credible vision. READ MORE
Tags: 2018, Fidesz, opposition
As Germany looks into freezing the EU funding of countries that violate the rule of law, a left-wing columnist supposes that the government might quit the EU if no EU funds were forthcoming. A liberal commentator suggests that it is unlikely that such punitive mechanisms will be implemented. READ MORE
Tags: democracy, EU funds, European Commission, Fidesz, Orbán
An independent conservative analyst hopes that the weakening of transatlantic cooperation will make Europe stronger and more resilient. READ MORE
Tags: EU, foreign affairs, Merkel, Trump, US
Commentators ponder what a more independent and assertive Europe, as envisioned by Chancellor Merkel, might entail for Hungary. READ MORE
As László Botka is formally confirmed as Socialist frontrunner in the 2018 Parliamentary election, commentators both on Left and Right agree that Mr Botka will face an uphill struggle to challenge Viktor Orbán. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator believes that the unusual ‘visit’ by the leader of Momentum to Origo’s editorial offices expressed the fresh style his movement represents, while a conservative analyst sees it as proof that the press is taking over the role of the opposition parties. READ MORE
Two critics of the government agree that the resolution adopted by the European Parliament to launch a procedure to investigate whether basic European values are systematically transgressed in Hungary is unlikely to cause serious problems to the government. READ MORE
Commentators disagree on PM Orbán’s planned measures aimed at reversing Hungary’s demographic decline within the next decade. READ MORE
Tags: demography, Orbán
A pro-government analyst blames irresponsible western leaders for the spread of the terror threat in Europe and mentions Hungary’s strict immigration rules as an example of responsible policy. READ MORE