As the National Front advances in the first round of the French municipal elections, pundits across the political spectrum try to assess whether the appeal of radical parties in Europe is a transient phenomenon, or if it is likely to stay. READ MORE
In a comment on Sunday’s Vienna municipal elections, a left-wing columnist finds it reassuring that the far-right FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria) could not capitalize on anti-immigrant rhetoric as much as many feared. READ MORE
The right of sexual minorities are recognised on all sides, except right-wing extremists, but commentators disagree on whether the annual LGBT march through Budapest serves tolerance and understanding. READ MORE
As Jobbik leader Gábor Vona promises to prune out racist elements from his party, columnists wonder if Jobbik can be transformed into a moderate party without losing the support of its radical core. READ MORE
As Fidesz’ support declines and Jobbik’s base strengthens, pundits from across the political spectrum wonder if and how Fidesz should react to the emerging radical right-wing challenge. READ MORE
As a Court rules against the anti-Semitic and anti-Roma website kuruc.info, a liberal blogger calls the legal ban of Holocaust denial counterproductive. A left-wing lawyer criticizes the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ) for offering legal help to the radical website. READ MORE
The leading left-wing daily slams the main left-wing parties for what it calls opportunistic complacency, as they criticize a far-right politician for his anti-Roma slant. READ MORE
As the Szeged Tribunal disbands the Szebb Jövőért (For a Better Future) organization created by the former leaders of the Hungarian Guard which was dissolved in 2009, the leading left-wing daily predicts that another similarly racist organization will be set up soon. READ MORE
A centrist blog finds it controversial that the US and American intellectuals like to accuse the Hungarian government of curbing democracy, but at the same time do not mind if a racist organization holds a conference in a Washington government building. READ MORE
Columnists commenting on the weekend Swedish and Brandenburg elections agree that the rise of the far-right is inevitable even in western European countries which were not hit hard by the economic crisis. The growing popularity of far-right radicalism is a good reminder for moderate parties that they should pay more attention to growing inequality and lack of opportunity. READ MORE