A former liberal MP warns left-wingers that by systematically rejecting romantic nationalist symbols they frame themselves as enemies of national traditions and values. READ MORE
Commentators disagree on what lessons to draw from the post-World War I peace treaty. The interpretation of national history has always been one of the main dividing issues between left and right in Hungary. READ MORE
A left wing daily pokes fun at the government’s efforts to sort foodstuffs according to their national character, and thinks it would be more useful to label the regional or local origins. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist criticizes the Socialists for establishing institutional ties with the main Hungarian party in Romania. She suggests that the MSZP is motivated purely by the importance of transborder voters at the next Parliamentary elections. READ MORE
Népszabadság criticizes Prime Minister Orbán for unveiling and praising a Turul-sculpture, which the daily considers a nationalistic symbol. According to a pro-government commentator, that criticism shows that the left cannot tolerate feelings of national belonging. READ MORE
In a series of op-ed articles in Magyar Nemzet, conservative intellectuals and political analysts argue in favour of the nation state. They all contend that democracy presupposes sovereign nations, but they disagree on whether social rights are also important for a free and democratic country. 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
Opinions diverge sharply on the post-First World War peace treaty and what it means for contemporary Hungary. A left-wing commentator believes the government side is exploiting the anniversary in its rivalry with the far right, while a pro-government commentator complains that the European Union does not stand up for the rights of the Hungarian minority in neighbouring countries. A moderate conservative historian suggests that Trianon should be considered for what it is – history. READ MORE
A pro-government commentator criticizes Slovakia for stripping ethnic Hungarians who apply for Hungarian passports of their Slovak citizenship. A liberal columnist, who also finds the Slovak policies unacceptable, adds that both sides follow the same nationalist logic. READ MORE
Liberal and left-wing analysts fear that the strengthening anti-EU rhetoric prevalent among the supporters of the government will in the long run play into the hands of the radical right. READ MORE