The traditional policy of the left – based on solidarity among various groups of the population – is dead, Attila Antal, researcher at the policy think tank, “Méltányosság” (Fairness), concludes in HVG. The ruling conservatives, he adds, are pursuing their own social policy, based on efficient governance and support for the upper middle class. READ MORE
Drawing his conclusions from the Greek crisis, a leading right wing commentator says no nation has the right to live in opulence unless its economy is sound. Hungary, of course, should also learn this lesson.
In his attempt to reconquer the Socialist Party, former premier Ferenc Gyurcsány is borrowing the methods used by his main rival, present Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a right wing commentator observes. READ MORE
Commentators in Hungary suspect Russian plots and Croatian political interests behind the accusations levelled against the Chief Executive Officer of Hungary’s oil multinational. READ MORE
The Socialist Party referendum will take place, despite expectations to the contrary, but according to a left wing commentator, it will deal the former party chairman another blow rather than strengthening his challenge to the present leadership. READ MORE
Last week’s party congress didn’t put an end to the infighting among leading Socialist politicians. This is how an aide to former party chairman and ex-premier Ferenc Gyurcsány sees the future in his new blog.
Thousands protested on Thursday (June 16) against the government’s planned changes to the early retirement system. Right-wing commentators detect political motives behind the protests, while left-wing media interpret the demonstrations as a plea for democracy and the rule of law. Both sides appear to assume that a reasonable compromise is not an option. READ MORE
The owner of Klub Radio is confident that his left-wing news and current affairs station will survive. As well as raising money from supporters, the station is gathering grass-roots support for its efforts to keep its frequency.
“Is Ferenc Gyurcsány a left winger?”, asks Figyelő’s commentator two days before a Socialist congress, at which the party is expected to choose between two rival strategies.
Hungary simply cannot afford to spend twice as much on its debt-servicing, as it earns from the growth of its GDP– a pro-government analyst remarks, in defence of the legislative policies of the ruling coalition. READ MORE