Népszabadság thinks Hungarian diplomats in the world will have a hard time explaining the policies of their government because they depart from the international consensus. Magyar Nemzet, on the other hand, suggests that Hungary has to get rid of ideological constraints and be pragmatic in her choices, but the fact that the country belongs to the Western world remains unquestionable. READ MORE
A conservative columnist writes that the embargo imposed on food produce by Russia as a retaliation for Western sanctions will harm Hungary. She suspects that the US is insisting on such harsh sanctions against Moscow in order to strengthen its economic position in Europe. READ MORE
As the European Parliament returns for its first plenary session, a conservative columnist argues that further centralization would entrench the problems of the EU and increase its democratic deficit. A liberal commentator, on the other hand, believes that the success of European countries depends on further integration. READ MORE
The leading left-wing daily contends that the government wants to punish the left- and liberal leaning capital city by redirecting structural development funds to its core constituencies in the countryside. The main pro-government daily is convinced that infrastructural projects will not grind to a halt in Budapest. READ MORE
One liberal commentator claims that voting in this weekend’s European Parliament elections would be absolutely pointless. Other liberal and left-wing pundits, however, believe that European Socialists and Liberals could help to contain PM Orbán’s power. Conservative columnists, on the other hand, contend that neither further transnational integration, nor radical EU-scepticism are in-line with Hungary national interests. READ MORE
As a Jobbik MEP stands accused of being a Russian spy, a left-wing philosopher accuses the government of using the state apparatus – including the secret service – to criminalize the opposition. A pro-government columnist dismisses the left-wing accusations. READ MORE
A left-wing columnist thinks the EP election turnout next weekend will be low, as the stakes are less than clear for most Hungarians. A liberal commentator agrees, adding that the only question is whether small left-wing forces can overcome the 5 per cent hurdle. An independent analyst thinks the Hungarian campaign has little to say about Europe, but if Eurosceptic parties pick up too many votes, the two largest European parliamentary groups will have to stick together. READ MORE