Two left-wing analysts disagree on whether the scandal of the residence permit granted to Ghaith Pharaon, a Saudi citizen on Interpol’s wanted list, is part of an immoral business game or an episode in a wider plot against the Hungarian government. READ MORE
Index runs a lengthy fact-finding story to underpin the suspicion that Jobbik’s leading foreign affairs expert is a Russian secret service operative. He denies the charges and has threatened to sue the author and the news site. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator believes that the Hungarian government criticizes the US in order to strengthen its anti-Western image before the April elections. Right-wing columnists are displeased with Senator McCain’s comments on Hungarian affairs. READ MORE
Both a left-wing and a pro-government columnist fear that a harsh prison sentence for Private Manning, found guilty of espionage and other charges could undermine democracy and press freedom. READ MORE
Commentators agree that it is difficult to interpret a conviction where no information is available to the public, not even the precise nature of the charge. They tend to believe the sentence is either ill-founded or justified, according to their political affiliations. READ MORE
A pro-government commentator believes that Socialist officials guilty of illegal practices while in government should be jailed, or at least voluntarily withdraw from politics. Left wing analysts don’t believe the latest spy story. READ MORE
Right wing commentators join their colleagues on the left to demand more transparency in the latest spy scandal, in which a former Socialist cabinet minister is allegedly implicated. READ MORE
“I am not sure whether everyone has fully grasped yet how serious this is”, comments political scientist Gábor Török on the latest spy scandal. By the time that file is closed, Hungarian democracy will have lost a player. The closet is already full of skeletons – accusations, defamations, and presumptions – but this one starts to look much more serious.” READ MORE