While newspaper columnists agree that the latest clash between Hungary and the IMF/EU delegation came at the worst possible moment, a leading conservative analyst suggests that it was only a first round of talks, and expects the delegations to return. READ MORE
An agreement with the IMF would not curtail Hungary’s sovereignty, even if it would somewhat limit the economic options available to the government, a liberal commentator suggests. READ MORE
As Western governments hesitate about how to deal with Viktor Orbán’s government, a Hungarian EU-expert believes that there is still no real alternative to him, as the opposition parties have so far failed to produce a serious contender for his post. READ MORE
Analysts across the political spectrum criticize the Prime Minister’s controversial message after last week’s European summit. A left-wing commentator, however, finds Orbán’s strategy reasonable and believes the PM’s apparent inconsistency is motivated by the expectations of the public. READ MORE
A leading conservative analyst finds the minister’s decision reasonable – evidence of what he believes is the government’s commitment to reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. READ MORE
Left wing papers call for PM Viktor Orbán and National Economy Minister György Matolcsy to resign after Moody’s downgraded Hungary to junk status. There are striking differences of interpretation, meanwhile, between the two pro-government dailies. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist accuses the left-wing of celebrating the government’s retreat from its previous strategy by turning to the IMF. She believes the current economic hardships are the result of the irresponsible policies of the former governments, whose supporters are now cynically feasting on the failure of Orbán’s strategy. READ MORE
Analysts usually sharply critical of the government’s economic policies suspect that the Hungarian government has no real intention of cooperating with the IMF, but wants to buy time to calm the markets instead. One liberal commentator does not exclude the eventual collapse of the Forint as a result of an American attempt to topple Orbán’s government.
Left-wing commentators consider Hungary’s intention to resume talks with the IMF as sufficient reason for the prime minister to resign, although they don’t believe he will. A pro-government and anti-IMF commentator describes the government’s move as an act of capitulation. READ MORE
Magyar Hírlap believes that following a series of warning signs, the cabinet’s decision to initiate talks with the International Monetary Fund was a pragmatic one. READ MORE