Memorial Day for the Victims of Communism

As Hungary remembers the victims of Communism on 25 February, a conservative columnist complains that former communist officials have been the main beneficiaries of the transition to democracy.

Polarized nation to commemorate 1956 revolution

Pro-government columnists accuse the opposition of using the anniversary to entrench political cleavages. Left-wing pundits, on the other hand, suspect that the government is using the public media and other state run services to silence the opposition.

Football’s role in politics

A liberal writer describes Viktor Orbán’s interest in and support for Hungarian football as symbolic elements of a mafia-style leadership, while a libertarian commentator thinks the Premier sincerely believes that his favourite game is an essential part of nation-building which was destroyed by the Communists. A conservative columnist writes that ...

Baja by-election: Fidesz wins, amidst mutual recriminations

A left-wing daily says the close call can be interpreted as a success for, as well as a threat to Fidesz in 2014, while a liberal commentator thinks the difference in votes is less important than the unprecedented “show of force” on the ground by Fidesz activists. A pro-government daily, ...

Inflation at 39 year low

The leading left-wing daily contends that despite the record low overall inflation rate, Hungarian families have to spend more on basic goods. A pro-government columnist, on the other hand, believes the low inflation rate proves that the government is on the right path.

Utility tariff cuts as campaign tools

Commenting on the government's plan to transform the energy and utility providers into non-profit services, a left-wing and a centrist columnist accuse the government of welfare populism. A right-wing pundit, on the other hand, believes that the Socialists want to increase their popularity by creating a fully welfare dependent constituency.

Pro-government columnists call for more patience towards school reforms

A pro-government weekly finds the criticism directed at the new school reforms hasty and harsh, while another commentator acknowledges teachers' need for higher salaries but says liberal critics misrepresent the reforms and foster hysteria.

First day at school: education policy under fire

Liberal critics of different hues accuse the government of authoritarianism and incompetence, for its overhaul of public education

Budapest Pride – without major incidents

Left-wing and liberal columnists believe that the mostly peaceful Budapest Pride 2013 walk proved a major success or even a breakthrough for gay rights activists. They find it disappointing, however, that the police showed little zeal to pursue radical protesters who beat up three marchers.

EDP exit seen as a step towards Orbán’s reelection

Commentators and political analysts ponder the prospects of the Hungarian economy and the chances of government projects as the country is likely to soon exit the EU excessive deficit procedure.