National Bank President still under fire

As the debate over the management of the funds of the National Bank (MNB) rolls on, passionate articles abound both in condemnation and in defence of its President.

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National Bank foundations make their accounts public

As the National Bank’s foundations publish their expenditure reports, the leading left-wing daily accuses the National Bank leadership and the government of the “naked theft” of public funds. READ MORE

Vona to purge the Jobbik leadership of radicals

As Jobbik leader Gábor Vona announces plans to get rid of Vice-Presidents associated with the exterme right wing of the party, commentators wonder what the implications of his move may be. READ MORE

A new round of teachers’ protests

As teachers organize a full day strike demanding education reforms and higher salaries, a pro-government and a left-wing commentator agree that it is unlikely that teachers will achieve their aims. READ MORE

Teachers’ protest movement may run out of steam

Ahead of next Wednesday’s (20 April) national teacher’s strike, Népszabadság worries that ordinary people are increasingly baffled by the protests which follow one another in rapid succession. Magyar Nemzet agrees, while Magyar Idők claims people are fed up with the movement. READ MORE

MSZP follows through with the referendum initiative

Considering the kind of flexibility Fidesz displayed with regard to Sunday shop closures, the opposition parties’ only effective weapon against the government remains the theme of corruption, Magyar Nemzet believes. Fidesz, however, is much better at waging jungle war, Magyar Idők warns. READ MORE

Government’s U-turn on Sunday shop closures

Magyar Idők suggests Fidesz’s sudden shift on the shopping ban law is a show of the party’s commitment to democracy, while Népszabadság and Magyar Nemzet see more mundane reasons behind the decision. READ MORE

Kúria clears the way for referendum on Sunday-closing

Hungary’s top court has authorised an opposition referendum designed to overturn the government ban on shops opening on Sundays. In response, commentators who have for years complained about ‘the end of the rule of law’, express both surprise and cautious satisfaction. READ MORE

Non-prominent Hungarian politicians traced in the Panama Papers

As the names of two former MPs (one Socialist and one Fidesz) have surfaced in the Panama Papers, Népszabadság suspects that murky off-shore deals are common practice in Hungary’s leading circles, while 444 describes one case in detail. READ MORE

Béla Biszku dies at 94

A conservative and a liberal columnist remember the Communist hardliner, who was found guilty of involvement in war crimes. READ MORE