Commentators across the political spectrum wonder why the exchange rate of the Forint declined in December. Pro-government analysts suggest purely external factors are responsible, while left-wing columnists blame the fall primarily on the government. READ MORE
Two pro-government commentators disagree over the desirability of a credit-line agreement with the International Monetary Fund. READ MORE
A leading commentator at Népszabadság claims the government does not want to reach an agreement with the IMF, because it finds the price – a return to “orthodox” economic policy -too high. READ MORE
The leading pro-government daily welcomes the failure of the EU summit as a sign of democracy and good news for Hungary, while its left-wing counterpart accuses PM Orbán of selfishness. An influential economist says that although the EU’s growth forecasts are biased against Hungary, the government has to make efforts to convince Brussels anyway. An independent centrist outlet suspects that once the EU lifts the excessive deficit procedure the government will be free to start spreading money around immediately before the 2014 elections. READ MORE
A leading pro-government columnist says that while Hungary does not need an IMF loan, negotiations should continue next year. READ MORE
A right-wing columnist accuses the EU of mindlessly serving the interests of Western European banks by forcing economically paralyzing restrictions on highly indebted member states on the periphery of the continent. A left-wing pundit on the other hand sees no alternative to austerity and welfare cuts. READ MORE
A long-time right-wing critic of the government’s economic policy warns that prolonged banking taxes might result in a steep decline in economic output. READ MORE
A conservative columnist comments on rumours about the breakdown of IMF talks. The government is right to resist IMF pressure to cut wages and pensions, he suggests. But he is at a loss to explain why the government has launched an insulting media campaign against the IMF to coincide with its yearly summit. READ MORE
Columnists wonder whether or not the government’s announcement that it will restructure the 2013 budget in order to save 397 billion Forints means that it has abandoned its previous economic strategy . Left-wing and liberal analysts believe that the government has thereby admitted the failure of its previous earlier policies. A pro-government pundit suggests that it is too early to reach a verdict on the government’s efforts. READ MORE
A leading pro-government commentator argues that Hungary can afford to be tough at the negotiations with the IMF-EU duo, and is right to stand up for its own interests. READ MORE