Both a left-wing and a pro-government columnist fear that a harsh prison sentence for Private Manning, found guilty of espionage and other charges could undermine democracy and press freedom. READ MORE
Tags: democracy, espionage, free speech, US
A conservative pundit warns against a selective conversion of loans denominated in foreign currencies. He proposes that the National Bank should step in and offer part of its foreign currency reserves to convert all FX household loans into Forint credits. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist welcomes PM Orbán’s decision to repay the IMF loan as soon as possible. The main left-wing daily, however, warns of the undesirable consequences of getting rid of the IMF. READ MORE
Both left and right-wing commentators missed Romanian politicians at this year’s Fidesz summer university at Tusnádfürdő. A left-wing columnist, however, accuses PM Orbán of trans-border vote hunting while his pro-government counterparts believe that the electoral impact of the Hungarian diaspora will be miniscule. READ MORE
Tags: 2014, diaspora, elections, Orbán, Transylvania
A centrist political scientist believes that whoever wins next year’s elections, the outcome will be catastrophic, and a catastrophe is perhaps what Hungary needs to find the right path. A moderate conservative columnist suggests it will be extremely difficult to forge a united left-wing opposition before the elections. READ MORE
While a pro-government daily speculates that Sanoma plans to launch an anti-government TV show, a left-liberal weekly accuses the authors of Stalinist style paranoia. READ MORE
A former liberal MP warns left-wingers that by systematically rejecting romantic nationalist symbols they frame themselves as enemies of national traditions and values. READ MORE
Tags: liberals, nationalism
A pro-government analyst welcomes the announcement that mortgage based foreign currency loans will be converted into forints and the modalities of the project will be negotiated with the Hungarian Banking Association. READ MORE
A liberal observer complains that the trial of the far-right gunmen who killed six innocent Roma has not had an edifying impact on the public perception of the Roma issue. READ MORE
A liberal commentator speculates that Csányi is under pressure because he has accumulated too much power for the Prime Minister’s liking. He believes Csányi’ share sales are a warning, and the fight is not over yet. READ MORE