Friction over Budapest advertising columns
January 7th, 2016
A left-liberal weekly accuses the government of abusing its power, as the Budapest Municipal Council removes advertisement columns owned by Lajos Simicska. READ MORE
Housing subsidy scheme kicks off
January 6th, 2016
Two conservative economists welcome the government’s plan to reverse unfavourable demographic trends through a lavish home subsidy scheme. A left-wing analyst thinks that the government’s proposal will be available only for middle class families and will thus entrench inequality. READ MORE
Tags: demography, family, poverty, welfare
Looking ahead to 2016
January 5th, 2016
A conservative commentator predicts that 2016 will be a good year for Hungary – the economy will continue to grow, and there will be fewer undocumented migrants arriving than in 2015. His left-wing counterpart suspects that the government will needlessly continue its anti-immigrant rhetoric. READ MORE
2015 – Viktor Orbán’s year
January 4th, 2016
In their assessment of last year’s developments, commentators focus on Prime Minister Orbán’s performance – for better or for worse. They recall that the Prime Minister was identified by more than one international outlet as the ‘man of the year’. READ MORE
Tags: Orbán
PM Orbán — a factor in international politics
January 1st, 2016
A conservative foreign affairs analyst concedes that Hungary’s Prime Minister has successfully promoted himself as an important factor in European politics, but laments the lack of a consistent foreign policy. READ MORE
Tags: foreign affairs, migration, Orbán
House Speaker asks for a ’real’ opposition
December 30th, 2015
A left-wing commentator questions the sincerity of László Kövér’s complaint about the lack of a real left-wing opposition. READ MORE
Europe tries to curb immigration
December 29th, 2015
As European leaders face growing problems at home as a result of mass immigration, a pro-government commentator blames the crisis on what he calls ‘liberal delusions’. His left-wing counterpart urges Europe to curb immigration in order to avoid a takeover by far right populist parties. READ MORE
Reflections on Europe’s identity and future
December 28th, 2015
Left-wing commentators believe that further integration is the only way to save the vision of a free and unified Europe. Conservative pundits, on the other hand, caution against using Europe to tame those who do not agree with what they regard as liberal dogma. READ MORE
Tags: Europe, European Union
Christmas ruminations on the culture wars
December 25th, 2015
A conservative commentator calls for more moderation and sensitivity in ideological debates. Although the country can be run without a meaningful exchange of ideas, excessive polarization is harmful for society and the individual. READ MORE
Tags: culture wars