Ruminations on the state of democracy
Thursday, August 25th, 2016Two analysts ponder the dangers of elitism and anti-establishment populism. Despite their ideological differences, both agree that elitism threatens democracy. READ MORE
George Soros seen behind criticism of Hungary
Saturday, May 21st, 2016As a leading Cabinet Minister claims that Mr Soros is an influential force behind critical remarks by US personalities about Hungary’s policies, columnists are undecided about how serious the implications may be. READ MORE
Bill Clinton accuses Hungarians of opting for autocracy
Thursday, May 19th, 2016Commentators find Bill Clinton’s remarks on Hungary unfair, but for differing reasons. READ MORE
Liberal commentators attack ‘Emergency State of Terror’ bill
Monday, January 25th, 2016A former Socialist representative puts forward a ’personal conspiracy theory’ about Fidesz’s proposal on the planned ‘Emergency State of Terror’ constitutional amendment, while a liberal commentator calls such laws hotbeds of dictatorship. READ MORE
The Left cautious about migration
Thursday, October 15th, 2015A Marxist philosopher accuses mainstream left-wing parties in Hungary and in Europe as a whole of espousing populist nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric. READ MORE
Greek lessons after Tsipras resigns
Monday, August 24th, 2015Commentators across the political spectrum wonder whether Greek PM Tsipras’ decision to step down is a tactical stunt or an admission of failure. They also ponder its implications for sovereignty and austerity. READ MORE
Dispute over “neo-Machiavellian” governance
Monday, July 27th, 2015In the leading conservative daily, a commentator accuses the government of surrendering its principles in pursuit of power. A columnist in a rival conservative paper dismisses this accusation and claims that Fidesz is acting in accordance with a conservative and democratic vision. READ MORE
Freedom House downgrades Hungary
Monday, June 29th, 2015Commenting on a recent report by Freedom House, a left-wing columnist speculates that Hungary will soon become ‘an island of unfreedom’ in Europe. A conservative pundit thinks that the Freedom House assessment is marked by political bias.
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A Magna Carta for Europe?
Tuesday, June 16th, 2015A conservative philosopher calls on European governments to make a pledge on the 800th anniversary of the famous Magna Carta, the first of a long series of documents limiting the power of rulers – a process which ultimately led to what is known today as the rule of law. READ MORE
Hungary divided at 1848 national unity commemoration
Tuesday, March 17th, 2015As Hungary celebrates the anniversary of the 1848 revolution, commentators both on Right and Left call for national unity and accuse each other of further polarizing the nation. READ MORE