Ruminations on the state of democracy
Thursday, August 25th, 2016Two analysts ponder the dangers of elitism and anti-establishment populism. Despite their ideological differences, both agree that elitism threatens democracy. READ MORE
The Left’s failure to promise welfare
Monday, August 15th, 2016A left-wing columnist lambasts the Left for ignoring or even ridiculing everyday voters’ need for economic security and stability. He warns that in the absence of meaningful left-wing proposals on welfare, people will turn to right-wing populist parties. READ MORE
Conflicting takes on Greece
Wednesday, January 28th, 2015A liberal author warns that if Greece’s new anti-austerity leaders choose to keep their electoral promises, they will end up plunging their country into misery. A right-wing commentator agrees with a Marxist philosopher in believing that the victory of Syriza may bring renewal throughout Europe. READ MORE
The Greek crisis and Hungary
Wednesday, December 31st, 2014Népszabadság warns that the possibility of electoral victories by new, anti-establishment movements in southern Europe makes the future of the Euro-zone increasingly uncertain. Hungary’s adoption of the common currency may thus be postponed to the distant future. READ MORE
Democracy devours its middle class
Monday, January 20th, 2014A sociologist believes that populism is on the rise in East Central Europe. In Hungary, he argues, the middle class was weakened during the years of transition to the market economy, and is therefore defenceless against the rising tide of anti-market populism. READ MORE
Does Hungary need an Apocalypse?
Monday, October 28th, 2013A centrist analyst believes that Hungarian politicians mirror public sentiments. Polarizing and combative rhetoric are not the inventions of parties but rather the expectations of voters. Regardless of the composition of the government, politics will remain divisive unless Hungarians become more compromising in tone and ideas. READ MORE
Utility tariff cuts debated
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013A left-wing commentator suggests that the energy price cuts will further slow down the Hungarian economy. Pro-government columnists, on the other hand, find it bizarre that the left opposes the price cuts after criticizing the government for restrictions and austerity. READ MORE
Government concessions on tuition seen as playing for the gallery
Thursday, December 20th, 2012An independent columnist believes the higher education reform has been improvised and ill-prepared, but by withdrawing it the government would just sweep the dust under the carpet. He believes politicians on both sides tend to chase cheap popularity and thereby progressively weaken Hungary’s competitiveness. READ MORE
A liberal explanation of the weakness of the opposition
Wednesday, October 10th, 2012A liberal commentator worries that a two-party system is solidifying, with the MSZP as the counterpart of Fidesz, and both wanting basically the same thing: popular measures, at whatever cost. READ MORE
Olympic bonuses criticized
Monday, August 27th, 2012A liberal weekly considers the lavish financial rewards offered to Olympic finalists by the government disproportionately large. READ MORE