Commenting on the official announcement which puts the growth of Hungary’s Gross Domestic Product at 4.8 per cent last year, commentators predict a moderate slowdown, while recognising that the growth figures eventually surpassed even the optimistic forecasts. READ MORE
A conservative columnist criticizes the National Bank for hiring former counterespionage officers. A pro-government economist, on the other hand, alleges that its critics want to take revenge on the National Bank for cutting into the profit of financial speculators. READ MORE
Magyar Nemzet warns that a new bill restricting public scrutiny of state-owned companies could backfire, while Magyar Hírlap rejects such criticism as politically motivated. READ MORE
As the debate over the management of the funds of the National Bank (MNB) rolls on, passionate articles abound both in condemnation and in defence of its President.
As at least five journalists leave the liberal news site in protest against covert funding by the National Bank, a pro government analyst calls them hypocrites. READ MORE
As the National Bank’s foundations publish their expenditure reports, the leading left-wing daily accuses the National Bank leadership and the government of the “naked theft” of public funds. READ MORE
As the Constitutional Court blocks the amended National Bank Act, a left-wing and a conservative analyst accuse the government of large scale corruption. A pro-government columnist, on the other hand, claims that the verdict shows that the rule of law is alive and well in Hungary. READ MORE
A left-wing and a centrist columnist criticize an amendment to the National Bank Act which removes from the realm of public funds the money offered by the National Bank to its own foundations – thereby allowing the Bank to treat that information as private. READ MORE
As the Monetary Council lowers the base rate to a historic low and announces the end of the easing cycle, columnists on both left and right acknowledge that Central Banker Governor Matolcsy’s bold and often criticized steps have proven valid. READ MORE
A conservative columnist interprets the latest IMF report on Hungary as recognition of the success of the efforts made by the Hungarian government to overcome the crisis and restart economic growth. READ MORE