Diplomatic row between Hungary and Germany over the sacking of a coach

he German Foreign Ministry has rejected Hungarian protests against the sacking of a Hungarian football coach in Berlin. Commentators’ opinions diverge on the rights and wrongs, but even opposition leaning columnists tend to believe that firing the coach was a disproportionate punishment.

Weeklies on Fidesz’s future outside the People’s Party

Although Fidesz has only left the People’s Party group within the European Parliament, weeklies take it for granted that it will also leave the European Christian democratic alliance itself. They wonder what comes next.

Row over law of conditionality EU deal rumbles on

Commentators on Left and Right ponder the broader implications of the EU’s rule of law conditionality. Most importantly, they try to gauge how and when it could be used against Hungary.

Hungary and Poland refuse to back down

A liberal analyst thinks that Prime Minister Orbán miscalculated his chances of success when he opted for a head-on collision with the most influential European governments over plans to make EU financial transfers conditional on respect for the rule of law. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, believes that ...

Conflicting takes on Hungary’s coronavirus balance sheet

Left-wing and liberal commentators accuse the government of risking the lives of Hungarians by mishandling the coronavirus epidemic. Pro-government columnists, on the other hand, dismiss such criticism as fear-mongering demagoguery.

Weeklies on EU recovery fund deal

The weeklies, and the weekend editions of the dailies ponder the broader implications of the EU recovery fund and the next 7 year budget. Liberal analysts see it as a step towards a more unified Europe, while a Marxist philosopher interprets it as the end of the European dream. Conservative ...

Showdown within Jobbik

Right-wing commentators explain the infighting within the formerly radical right-wing party as a direct consequence of the shift toward moderation it embarked upon 5 years ago, under founding leader Gábor Vona.

Jobbik elects new leader

On the pages of a liberal weekly, the new chairman of the formerly far right party suggests that opposition parties should face the next elections with joint candidates for individual constituencies, but two separate party lists nationwide (the Hungarian electoral system combines both to elect a Parliament of 199 deputies). ...

George Soros is still a trump card in politics

A left-wing commentator accuses the government of trying to woo anti-Semitic voters with its anti-Soros campaign. A pro-government pundit dismisses the accusation as absurd.

Government to overhaul how culture is financed

Left-wing and liberal commentators accuse the government of changing the way culture is financed, in order to bring it under its control. Pro-government pundits dismiss the accusations.