Stalemate with Europe still not over?

A Népszabadság columnist writes that the Orbán government’s stability is an asset but the EU still has some cards to play if Orbán does not conform to IMF expectations. The editor-in-chief of Heti Válasz describes a piece of advice allegedly coming from the European Commission as disregard for the basic principles of democracy, yet he adds that important matters should be thoroughly negotiated backstage – even if the government’s two thirds majority would allow for unilateral decisions. READ MORE

Changes in the government

Left-wing commentators think the new minister of the Ministry of National Resources lacks qualifications for the job,  aside from the fact that he is an old friend of Viktor Orbán’s, while a centrist political analyst suggests that  Zoltán Balog has gained enough experience in his current post to make a good Minister. READ MORE

Ambivalent reactions to Áder’s first speech

Commentators on the left, the centre and the right are all somewhat puzzled by János Áder’s inaugural speech. One accuses him of  ‘deception’, while others find his words overly polite to the opposition. READ MORE

János Áder elected President of Hungary

A leading LMP politician writes in his blog that Áder, despite his party political background in Fidesz, could represent a new chance for Hungary’s political culture. A left-wing columnist contends however that independence from the party line is not an option for the new President. A right-wing editor deems it necessary for Hungary to have a President who will not hinder the governments’ efforts. READ MORE

Coming out on Gyurcsány’s thesis

Following on the heels of left-wing criticism of former Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány,  for his very own plagiarism scandal, a centrist analyst tentatively suggests that Hungary might finally profit from the elimination of double standards. A columnist close to Gyurcsány suggests, however that the plagiarism case may be a fabrication, while a Népszabadság blogger argues that the burden of proof is on Gyurcsány now.

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Former Socialist prime minister, Ferenc Gyurcsány suspected of plagiarism

A leading right-wing columnist accuses the Hungarian left-wing media and blogosphere of double standards after HírTV, a right wing television channel, revealed that Ferenc Gyurcsány’s Teachers College thesis could be a copy of his former brother-in-law’s. Népszabadság, meanwhile, claims that HírTV is “going after Gyurcsány”. READ MORE

Jobbik politician envisions Roma-Hungarian civil war

A left-wing commentator thinks the government majority is the only beneficiary of the latest far-right scandal. A pro-government columnist, on the other hand, suggests that alarmism is promoted by the radical right and opposition parties alike. READ MORE

The price of the IMF loan

Now that the European Commission have given the green light for Hungary to start negotiating a credit-line agreement with the IMF, commentators assess the possible consequences of the restrictions announced by PM Viktor Orbán. Both left and right agree that the talks are a step forward, but the country could pay a very high price for the credit-line. READ MORE

Anti-EU sentiment on the rise in Europe

Bipolar party system is likely to stay

A centrist analyst suggests that two years after the last election, no major realignment of the party system appears to be in sight, and the next election will be dominated once again, he believes, by the governing centre-right Fidesz and the Socialists – the same parties which have been competing for power since 1998. READ MORE