Shortage of Opposition voting observers

A left-wing commentator finds it sad that the combined opposition parties are sending less representatives to oversee the elections than in past years.

Conflicting social diagnoses four days before the EP elections

A left-wing author calls on Hungarians to vote against the government because by centralising decision-making it has done great harm to public services. A pro-government commentator thinks similar opposition charges are unfounded.

Notre Dame burns down

A pro-government commentator interprets the destruction of Notre Dame as an allegory for the decline of European Christianity. A left-wing columnist, on the other hand, thinks that Notre Dame was a symbol of a common European culture and identity.

Hungary threatens to block EU-Arab League deal

As Hungary blocks the proposed agreement between the EU and the Arab League, a pro-government columnist accuses the EU of trying to force the UN Migration Pact on Hungary.

Will Jobbik declare bankruptcy?

As Jobbik is brought to the brink of insolvency by fines meted out for illegal campaign financing, two pro-government outlets accuse Jobbik’s leadership of selling out it principles - and incompetence, to boot.

Speculations about a potential ‘Huxlit’ dismissed

A liberal commentator dismisses what he calls ‘left-wing fake news’ that the government has begun Hungary’s exit from the EU by repealing several bilateral trade treaties.

PM Orbán praises Gruevski

As the Prime Minister explains that his former Macedonian counterpart deserves ‘decent treatment’ from Hungary, opinions continue to sharply differ on the decision to grant him political asylum.

Mayday ruminations on the poor

A left-wing commentator calls on NGOs to enlighten impoverished Fidesz voters about their real interests, and explain to them how the government is acting against them. A conservative columnist, on the other hand, calls the government’s workfare program a huge success.

Dispute among liberals over the fairness of election

Three liberal intellectuals question the fairness and legitimacy of the April 8 election. Another liberal commentator suggests that by blaming their defeat purely on allegedly unfair circumstances, the Left could miss an opportunity to revise its strategy.

Corruption and marital violence as campaign issues

Commentators try to make sense of a welter of accusations which appear to be central to the political campaigns ahead of the 8 April general election. Most tend to believe that the charges, albeit often politically motivated, are basically not untrue.