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Ruminations on the state of democracy

Thursday, August 25th, 2016

Two 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, 2016

A 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, 2015

A 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, 2014

Népszabadság 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, 2014

A 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, 2013

A 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, 2013

A 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, 2012

An 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, 2012

A 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, 2012

A liberal weekly considers the lavish financial rewards offered to Olympic finalists by the government disproportionately large. READ MORE