The most important left and right wing dailies identify the message of the Norwegian decision as a clear warning that the values of a United Europe should be preserved. READ MORE
The leading left-wing daily claims that worsening economic data may prompt Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to seek tighter control, in order to stave off electoral defeat. The pro-government daily presents the explanation of the Ministry of National Economy, according to which Hungary is doing better than some European neighbours. READ MORE
A right-wing commentator, echoing the government’s claims, believes that the Orbán government’s widely criticised ’unorthodox’ economic measures are being copied by various European countries. A centrist online news site, however, finds such comparisons unconvincing. READ MORE
In a comment on Viktor Orbán’s weekend speech, in which the PM blamed Brussels for the mishandling of the economic crisis, pundits on both left and right warn of the perils of the revival of national sovereignty. READ MORE
A conservative economist welcomes efforts by the government to increase the state’s role in overseeing markets. He warns however that the government should only get involved in the markets temporarily to restore normality, instead of becoming a permanent actor. READ MORE
A left-wing analyst suggests that by subsidising the middle classes, the Hungarian government is going against the grain of current trends in Western economic policies. A conservative philosopher, on the other hand, argues that society must acknowledge merit if it wants to encourage performance. READ MORE
Pro-government commentators wonder whether Hungary can expect more flexibility from the EU and the IMF, after Olli Rehn and Christine Lagarde suggested that the principle of deficit cuts is not carved in stone – for some EU member states, at least. READ MORE
Commenting on last weekend’s elections in France and Greece, a left-wing and a liberal conservative analyst both warn that the Hungarian government may be put under increasing international financial and political pressure as discontent with austerity measures increases throughout Europe. READ MORE
Népszabadság warns the government that its planned electoral reform may spark unprecedented international condemnation. Magyar Nemzet’s commentator, by way of contrast, argues that any charges of anti-democratic tendencies levelled against the government are pointless, as long as Fidesz remains by far the most popular political party. READ MORE
Commenting on the EU’s decision to keep Hungary under its ‘excessive deficit procedure’, Népszabadság’s main business analyst fears that Hungary cannot avoid a debt-crisis. Another leading columnist in the number one left-wing daily believes that the government has still not given up its policy illusions.