A left-wing and a centrist columnist criticize an amendment to the National Bank Act which removes from the realm of public funds the money offered by the National Bank to its own foundations – thereby allowing the Bank to treat that information as private. READ MORE
As the National Bank concludes its easing cycle by cutting the base interest rate to 1.35 per cent, a conservative columnist contends that the MNB has helped economic growth significantly, and, despite leftist fears, the Forint has not been weakened by the rapid sequence of rate cuts.
As the Monetary Council lowers the base rate to a historic low and announces the end of the easing cycle, columnists on both left and right acknowledge that Central Banker Governor Matolcsy’s bold and often criticized steps have proven valid. READ MORE
A conservative columnist interprets the latest IMF report on Hungary as recognition of the success of the efforts made by the Hungarian government to overcome the crisis and restart economic growth. READ MORE
Liberal and left-wing commentators support opposition claims that MNB chief György Matolcsy leaked key information to Goldman Sachs bankers in 2011. READ MORE
As two-thirds of banks in Hungary report a profit in 2013 after two years of losses, a conservative columnist points out that contrary to the predictions of left-wing critics of the government, taxes levied on banks have not undermined their profitability. The leading left-wing daily, on the other hand, warns of the low volume of lending. READ MORE
A business analyst says critics have been too hasty to condemn the National Bank for not resorting to swift “verbal intervention” in response to the heavy losses the Forint has suffered over the past week. A pro-government columnist urges decision makers to consider joining the Eurozone, in order to shield Hungary from currency fluctuations. READ MORE
A pro-government commentator says cutting interest rates was good policy until now, but National Bank leaders should heed the clear signs that the markets want a rise. READ MORE
The leading left-wing daily accuses National Bank chief Matolcsy of compromising judicial independence and the rule of law by calling for retroactive legislation in order to abolish FX loans. A pro-government commentator welcomes the government’s efforts to strengthen Hungarian owned banks. READ MORE
Analysts across the political spectrum ponder the possible implications of the National Bank’s extended lending program, which aims to stimulate economic growth. READ MORE