The leading left-wing daily contends that despite the record low overall inflation rate, Hungarian families have to spend more on basic goods. A pro-government columnist, on the other hand, believes the low inflation rate proves that the government is on the right path. READ MORE
A pro-government analyst welcomes the announcement that mortgage based foreign currency loans will be converted into forints and the modalities of the project will be negotiated with the Hungarian Banking Association. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator thinks it is unreasonable to replace a cheap loan with more expensive ones, therefore the government’s decision must be based on political calculations. A business news site suggests that getting rid of the IMF may prove politically profitable for the governing right wing. READ MORE
A pro-government commentator thinks the government will eventually opt to repay the country’s outstanding debt to the IMF ahead of schedule, as such a feat would strengthen its position in the electoral race. READ MORE
A liberal economist acknowledges that his fears about the impact of lowering the base rate have been proven unfounded. But he accuses National Bank chief György Matolcsy, nonetheless, of irresponsible management. READ MORE
A conservative critic of government policies thinks the new growth-oriented credit scheme announced by the National Bank may help, but only if Hungarian small businesses are competitive enough and banks are ready to embrace the project. READ MORE
Népszabadság reacts with relief to the first programme announced on Thursday by the new National Bank chief, while Magyar Nemzet comments that Mr Matolcsy has done more in one week than his predecessor did in six years. READ MORE
Commentators across the political spectrum discuss the National Bank’s decision to go ahead with regular interest rate cuts and comment on the move of former National Bank President András Simor to the ERBD as a Vice-President. READ MORE
Newspapers are full of mostly cautious speculation about the fate of the National Bank under György Matolcsy who hasserved so far as Minister for National Economy. While some commentators see his appointment as a coup, others point out that the markets had taken the change for granted. READ MORE
An independent conservative blogger calls for the resignation of the Minister of National Economy, holding him responsible for last year’s negative growth rate. A pro-government commentator welcomes the imminent departure of the present chairman of the National Bank, in early March. READ MORE