Gyurcsány accuses the government-side of protecting paedophile priests

A pro-government commentator defends the seal of confession against opposition criticism. READ MORE

Churches criticised amidst migration wave

A liberal weekly accuses the Christian churches of ignoring migrants who need help. A left-wing columnist, on the other hand, thinks that churches do help to temper anti-immigrant sentiments. A conservative columnist believes that the Left was wrong to suggest that the government wants to stir up xenophobia. READ MORE

Constitutional Court strikes down Church Law

A pro-government columnist welcomes the Constitutional Court’s decision to strike down the controversial Church Law on formal grounds. He notes, however, that the Court has acknowledged that the government has the right to determine which religious denominations can earn official status as churches, and by implication become eligible for public subsidies in their non-spiritual activities. READ MORE

Under friendly fire

Left wing commentators welcome the unequivocal warnings addressed to the Hungarian government by various Western sources, while right wing analysts deem accusations of anti-democratic tendencies directed at Hungarian leaders unfair. READ MORE

The False, the Rude and the Ugly: an episode in US – Hungarian relations

A moderately conservative opinion page carries an unusually angry commentary on US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas O. Melia’s criticism of the direction public affairs are taking in Hungary.

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Is the state playing God?

A new Church Law has ignited fierce controversy in Parliament and the press – hardly surprising in a country where the relationship between the state and the churches has always figured highly in battles between right and left. READ MORE

Local governments give up schools – churches take over

Due to the financial squeeze and the falling birth-rate, local councils are being forced to get rid of the schools under their jurisdiction. Many are being taken over by various Churches. The weekly Heti Válasz, which  usually supports the Government, paints a rather dramatic picture of the school situation in Hungary. READ MORE