The re-election of János Áder as President of Hungary by the government majority in Parliament prompts conflicting evaluations of his performance as head of state and of the role played by his only opponent, jurist László Majtényi who fought a symbolic battle to make his case as an alternative candidate. READ MORE
A left-wing columnist describes President Áder as unfit for the job and praises opposition candidate László Majtényi. His conservative counterpart on the other hand believes that Mr Áder’s first term has been successful. READ MORE
A liberal pundit believes that Mr Majtényi, despite his credentials as a fierce critic of the government, would not be able to influence the course of events. Other commentators see contradictions on the side of the promoters of Mr Majtényi’s candidacy and in the attitude of the potential candidate himself. READ MORE
As President Áder accepts PM Orbán’s nomination for a second presidential term, analysts sharply disagree in evaluating his New Year address. READ MORE
A left-wing columnist believes that as the President’s term in office expires next year, both he and the Prime Minister may change their minds and opt for extending his stay in Buda’s Sándor Palace. READ MORE
Commentators give credence to rumours that the Prime Minister doesn’t want Mr Áder to be re-elected next year. Opinions diverge, however about the reasons and one source claims that the President took the job four years ago for a single term anyway. READ MORE
A day after János Áder sent bills restricting public scrutiny both of foundations run by the National Bank and the postal services to the Constitutional Court for review, Heti Válasz worries about government policies which it believes could undermine the party’s own power base, while Magyar Nemzet urges the inner opposition within Fidesz to come forward. READ MORE
The date of the election itself has become a campaign topic, with left-wing commentators suspecting that the President’s decision was prompted by political convenience rather than neutral rationality. READ MORE
A popular centrist analyst believes that by deciding to sign the controversial constitutional amendments, the President has given up his effort to stand above the political fray. READ MORE
The President has announced that he will sign the controversial amendments to the Constitution. Earlier, a left-wing pundit argued that he should raise his voice against them. A pro-government legal expert objected that the President had no other lawful option than to promulgate the amendments. READ MORE