Ever more analysts are asking themselves whether Hungary will be able to get away without requesting, at some future moment, a new loan from the IMF. Both Népszabadság and an influential political scientist consider what political problems such a development might cause for PM Viktor Orbán. READ MORE
As Standard & Poor’s lowers Hungary’s already negative outlook rating, Népszabadság urges the government to call off the propaganda, while Magyar Nemzet believes that the decision disregards the efforts made by the government. READ MORE
Commenting on the EU’s decision to keep Hungary under its ‘excessive deficit procedure’, Népszabadság’s main business analyst fears that Hungary cannot avoid a debt-crisis. Another leading columnist in the number one left-wing daily believes that the government has still not given up its policy illusions.
Commentators in the Hungarian media notice a turn in the government’s economic policy, and urge a compromise with financial institutions. READ MORE
A Catholic legal scholar and a left-leaning philosopher both criticise the harsh anti-market rhetoric prevalent on both the right and the left. They warn about the destructive consequences of state intervention into private property and contracts. READ MORE
If the Greek crisis escalates, the Hungarian economy will suffer badly – warns a liberal conservative blogger. The government, he believes, should retreat from its unorthodox policies in order to prevent an economic meltdown
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The main pro-government daily is worried about how the public will receive the rigorous fiscal policy that the government has to follow in today’s hostile environment. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators accuse Orbán of sending an anti-market message with the six point plan outlined in Parliament on Monday. A pro-government pundit acknowledges the risks of such an unorthodox strategy, but finds the proposals fair and reasonable. READ MORE
Commentators, including right-wing business analysts, find few kind words for a planned legislation, which would allow individuals who are heavily indebted in foreign currencies to pay off their mortgages at much improved exchange rates. The government’s idea to introduce a new luxury tax is received more kindly, although it will have to be approved by the European Union before it can be implemented. READ MORE
First reactions are rather critical to a Fidesz proposal to help struggling borrowers pay off mortgages denominated in foreign currencies at favourable exchange rates. READ MORE