Analysts usually sharply critical of the government’s economic policies suspect that the Hungarian government has no real intention of cooperating with the IMF, but wants to buy time to calm the markets instead. One liberal commentator does not exclude the eventual collapse of the Forint as a result of an American attempt to topple Orbán’s government.
A centrist political analysts finds the new electoral law meets democratic requirements, even though under the new system the winner seems to take all. He notes that if the popularity of Fidesz declines, the new rules would make it easier for the opposition to undo the reforms of the current government. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator believes that the government wants to stigmatize the Socialists by establishing in law that the Socialist Party (MSZP, the successor of the Communist MSZMP), shares responsibility for the crimes of the pre-1989 regime. A right-wing observer, however, welcomes the proposal and suggests that victims of the Communist era should be compensated. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators consider Hungary’s intention to resume talks with the IMF as sufficient reason for the prime minister to resign, although they don’t believe he will. A pro-government and anti-IMF commentator describes the government’s move as an act of capitulation. READ MORE
Magyar Hírlap believes that following a series of warning signs, the cabinet’s decision to initiate talks with the International Monetary Fund was a pragmatic one. READ MORE
Népszabadság calls on the former Fidesz Education Minister, Zoltán Pokorni (1998-2002) to block the new Education Bill, while Magyar Hírlap believes that there is nothing wrong with the draft, as it promotes national values. READ MORE
Tags: education
Ever more analysts are asking themselves whether Hungary will be able to get away without requesting, at some future moment, a new loan from the IMF. Both Népszabadság and an influential political scientist consider what political problems such a development might cause for PM Viktor Orbán. READ MORE
As Standard & Poor’s lowers Hungary’s already negative outlook rating, Népszabadság urges the government to call off the propaganda, while Magyar Nemzet believes that the decision disregards the efforts made by the government. READ MORE
Left wing commentators agree that Socialist leader Attila Mesterházy has embarked on a rough road, by asking party veterans to step aside. A right wing columnist calls the initiative a belated appeal. READ MORE
Tags: Mesterházy, MSZP
Left-wing commentators believe that the pictures commissioned by the government to illustrate the deluxe edition of the new Constitution promote a partisan political message. Some young conservative pundits also find the paintings kitschy, while an art historian defends their originality and artistic quality. READ MORE