The leading left-wing daily contends that the government wants to punish the left- and liberal leaning capital city by redirecting structural development funds to its core constituencies in the countryside. The main pro-government daily is convinced that infrastructural projects will not grind to a halt in Budapest. READ MORE
A conservative columnist blames the exclusion of the Roma on what he calls “the culture of poverty” rather than on discrimination by the majority. His left-wing counterpart finds it peculiar that the Right would expect those living in deprivation and exclusion to fight prejudice. READ MORE
A left-wing columnist accuses the government of introducing censorship through a selective media advertisement tax. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, welcomes the taxation of commercial media outlets with little added social value. READ MORE
A left-wing columnist criticizes the government for claiming historical continuity with István Tisza, an early 20th century conservative statesman. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, believes that left-wing and liberal politicians are still failing to come to terms both with Hungary’s past, and her national heroes. READ MORE
Most commentators believe that the latest high court ruling is good news for forex debtors and harbigner of a broad guideline that will ease their burden. READ MORE
Commentators try to make sense of the two surprising elements of the news about the third government headed by Viktor Orbán – the planned transfer of several ministries in separate towns and the alleged feud between key Fidesz officials. READ MORE
Several Hungarian news portals protest against the dismissal of the editor-in-chief of Origo, and Népszabadság‘s editor believes that journalists are under serious and growing pressure. READ MORE
Opinions diverge on whether the MSZP made the right choice in convening its congress for mid-July or if it was the result of a last ditch trick by the failed leadership. Analysts also think Fidesz is putting the Left in an awkward position with the planned new rules for the municipal elections in Budapest. What they do not know is what will enable left-wing parties to attract more voters rather than cannibalising each other. READ MORE
A left-wing analyst appreciates Attila Mesterházy’s decision to step down both as Socialist party leader and as faction leader in Parliament. He writes with disdain about one of Mesterházy’s former supporters who “stabbed him in the back”. READ MORE
The first analyses following the elections for the European Parliament agree that the Socialist Party was the main loser of the day. The absolute majority of Fidesz was no surprise, given the low turnout, and Jobbik was expected by most observers to come in second. But the poor showing of the MSZP was a shock for left-wingers and a cause for much schadenfreude for the Right. READ MORE