A pro-government pundit thinks the post-war European welfare democracies are in decline and Hungary has stumbled into criticism from her European partners precisely because she is seeking a solution to that problem. READ MORE
A geopolitical analyst, in a comment on the last televised presidential debate in the US, wonders whether Hungary would be better off with a conservative US president who despises state regulation in the economy, but endorses a hard line in foreign policy. READ MORE
A right-wing commentator, echoing the government’s claims, believes that the Orbán government’s widely criticised ’unorthodox’ economic measures are being copied by various European countries. A centrist online news site, however, finds such comparisons unconvincing. READ MORE
Commentators across the political spectrum ponder possible parallels between the practices of the prime ministers of Hungary and Romania. Those on the left think that although Ponta follows a recipe devised by Orbán, the Romanian PM has not initiated a fully-fledged offensive against democratic institutions. Right-wing pundits, on the other hand, note that Orbán became PM in democratic elections and his government complies with democratic norms – neither of which applies to his Romanian counterpart. READ MORE
Commentators all welcome the recommendation of the European Commission that an earlier threat to suspend development aid to Hungary should not be carried out. They also warn, however, that the government still has a lot to do in order to boost economic growth and restore investors’ confidence. READ MORE
Pro-government commentators wonder whether Hungary can expect more flexibility from the EU and the IMF, after Olli Rehn and Christine Lagarde suggested that the principle of deficit cuts is not carved in stone – for some EU member states, at least. READ MORE
Right-wing analysts ponder the possible consequences of the French and Greek elections, and express concern that the EU may fall into an even deeper political and economic crisis as a result of the strengthening of anti-austerity populism. READ MORE
Commenting on last weekend’s elections in France and Greece, a left-wing and a liberal conservative analyst both warn that the Hungarian government may be put under increasing international financial and political pressure as discontent with austerity measures increases throughout Europe. READ MORE
Right-wing commentators in Hungary this Easter alert their readers to the possible consequences of denying Europe’s Christian roots. They fear that without basic Christian values, naked materialism will prevail, and qualities like solidarity, basic human kindness and morality will suffer throughout the secularized continent. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators are appalled by PM Orbán’s new slogan: “We will not be a colony.” Their right-wing counterparts welcome the presence of the Prime Minister’s Polish supporters at the celebrations on the anniversary of the 1848 Hungarian revolution. READ MORE