The leading left-wing daily claims that worsening economic data may prompt Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to seek tighter control, in order to stave off electoral defeat. The pro-government daily presents the explanation of the Ministry of National Economy, according to which Hungary is doing better than some European neighbours. READ MORE
A leading columnist of the main pro-government daily argues that although many still look to the EU for political balance, checks and balances are actually functioning in Hungary. READ MORE
A right-wing columnist claims that Hungarians should be proud of their Asian origins, without however embracing the racist and homophobic rhetoric of the extreme right. Meanwhile, the leading left-wing daily accuses Fidesz of having integrated far-right Jobbik, and its rhetoric. READ MORE
Historians’ polemic
In Élet és Irodalom, Eszter Babarczy argues that anti-Semitism became a political factor two decades ago, when liberals and socialists first raised the charge against their conservative opponents. READ MORE
Hungarian athletes are getting surprisingly strong backing from supporters at the Olympic Games in London. Népszabadság’s analyst believes most of them are Hungarians working in Great Britain. READ MORE
In his analysis of the left-wing reception of former president László Sólyom’s recent criticism of government policies, a Marxist philosopher calls his fellow left-wingers intolerant, while a conservative columnist admits that the right-wing press is silent because it would find it difficult to challenge Mr Sólyom’s verdict. READ MORE
Hungary should not feel relieved if European criticism is now directed against neighbouring Romania. A pro-government commentator fears that as a result, the whole of Eastern and Central Europe risks losing face. READ MORE
A conservative columnist suspects that the government will only revise its controversial fiscal policy and budget forecasts for next year if forced to do so by financial markets. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators welcome former president László Sólyom’s criticism of government policies. Two liberal authors think he did not go far enough. READ MORE
Commentators on both the left and right agree that recent scandals affecting Jobbik indicate grave conflicts and deep rifts within the far-right party. Analysts contend that this could foreshadow either its split or decline . READ MORE