A Marxist pundit expresses his complete lack of surprise if at the October local elections, the Left receives its third consecutive blow from voters this year. The Left’s unpopularity is due to its inconsistent politics, he suggests, and without a complete overhaul, it has no chance to regain its strength.
READ MORE
In their comments on the Prime Minister’s speech in Baile Tusnad (Tusnádfürdő) on July 26th, left-liberal weeklies accuse Viktor Orbán of openly opting for dictatorship instead of western democracy. Pro-government analysts retort that the speech has been distorted by the left. READ MORE
The press and the internet are literally aflame with passionate comments on the Prime Minister’s announcement that he is about to build an “illiberal state”, since liberal democracy is in decline, as a result of the financial crisis of 2008. READ MORE
Analysing the Prime Minister’s speech on Saturday at the Fidesz sponsored traditional summer “free university” in Transylvania, commentators disagree on whether Mr Orbán has opted for an authoritarian model of government or just intends to increase the role of the government in promoting growth and competitiveness. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist suggests that a healthy democracy would require a stronger and more credible left-wing opposition to counterbalance the excesses of the government. A left-wing columnist contends in a bitter article that the Socialists have done nothing to renew themselves after their huge defeat at the April election. READ MORE
A leading right-wing pundit finds it impolite of President Obama not to congratulate PM Orbán on his electoral victory. He argues that accusations of anti-democratic tendencies against the Hungarian government are misplaced and America’s record in that field offers no ground for haughty gestures. READ MORE
A conservative historian argues that the democratic transition in Hungary has been a success story. She recommends that instead of constantly complaining, Hungarians should acknowledge their achievements and learn to show more determination in the pursuit of their interests. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist pondering the latest opinion poll on public trust contends that the Orbán government has restored some of the authority democratic institutions lost under past left-wing governments. Another conservative pundit accuses the left of alarmism which strengthens negative attitudes in the country. READ MORE
In an article to mark the twentieth anniversary of PM József Antall’s death, a left-wing pundit contends that the current right-wing parties have betrayed Antall’s conservative liberal vision. Another former ally of PM Antall, on the other hand, believes that the main goal set by the first democratically elected Prime Minister is being fulfilled by the Orbán government. READ MORE
A veteran left-wing pundit suggests that defeating the current government must be a priority for competing opposition leaders and should induce them to set their rivalry aside. READ MORE