A green leader’s proposal that a “technical election alliance” be established between right and left wing opposition parties in order to revoke recent constitutional changes, finds little sympathy among media commentators, but some do not dismiss the idea out of hand. READ MORE
The presidium of Fidesz have unveiled their plan for electoral reform, prompting sharply opposed views in the press. Left wing analysts believe the reform is an attempt by the governing conservative party to ensure it will rule over Hungary forever, while a pro-government commentator believes it could constitute the basis for free and fair elections. READ MORE
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has identified debt and unemployment as the twin enemies to defeat, lest we be defeated by them. Left-wing commentators accuse him of waging war with virtually all actors at home and abroad. Right-wing analysts also report signs of social tensions, but blame the hardships on the previous left-wing governments. READ MORE
Hungary after the elections
The April parliamentary elections resulted in a sweeping victory for the right-wing parties. Center right Fidesz secured an absolute majority, and, while left-wing parties suffered an unprecedented blow, the extreme right-wing Jobbik got into Parliament with 16,7 percent of the popular vote. How will Fidesz govern after the landslide victory? Will it weaken democratic institutions by introducing authoritarian measures, or will it start painful and supposedly unpopular structural reforms? Does Fidesz see the extreme right an ally as some left wing liberal intellectuals fear, or will it face the radical challenge by moving to the center? READ MORE