An editorial in Népszabadság protests against what it calls an emerging cult around Miklós Horthy, Regent of Hungary in the interwar years and during the Second World War. A right-wing commentator argues that left wing historians and columnists attack Horthy in an attempt to hurt Viktor Orbán. READ MORE
A centrist analyst fiercely opposes the Prime Minister’s idea of suspending public funding for political parties. A left wing commentator believes Fidesz has even broader control over public assets than the ruling party had under Communism. A sociologist shows that Hungary’s Communist ruler is more popular today than he even was during his last years in office. And a grass-roots Horthy-revival sparks furious emotions. READ MORE
A leading right-wing commentator warns the Prime Minister that his followers are losing their patience and expect the government to deliver on their policies, and explain the lack of success. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators claim that the government leases large state-owned fields to its “oligarchs” at a reduced rate, instead of helping local family farms. Centrist analysts believe that the debate will create an opportunity for opposition parties to attract rural voters. A pro-government columnist, on the other hand, finds such left-wing criticism deeply unconvincing. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist believes that the main challenge to Fidesz will come from the radical right, and thus Fidesz will have to occasionally send anti-EU messages in order to secure the support of the radical leaning electorate. READ MORE
In a series of comments on the evolution of the Hungarian political right over the past ten years, one author muses over the end of Western civilization and regards Fidesz as the only bulwark against a looming apocalypse, while another asks if there is a Hungarian right beyond Orbán, or if Orbán will be able to meet the expectations of a new, young conservative elite. A third warns that doomsday speculation is a typical game on the right. READ MORE
A Népszabadság columnist writes that the Orbán government’s stability is an asset but the EU still has some cards to play if Orbán does not conform to IMF expectations. The editor-in-chief of Heti Válasz describes a piece of advice allegedly coming from the European Commission as disregard for the basic principles of democracy, yet he adds that important matters should be thoroughly negotiated backstage – even if the government’s two thirds majority would allow for unilateral decisions. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators think the new minister of the Ministry of National Resources lacks qualifications for the job, aside from the fact that he is an old friend of Viktor Orbán’s, while a centrist political analyst suggests that Zoltán Balog has gained enough experience in his current post to make a good Minister. READ MORE
Commentators on the left, the centre and the right are all somewhat puzzled by János Áder’s inaugural speech. One accuses him of ‘deception’, while others find his words overly polite to the opposition. READ MORE
A leading LMP politician writes in his blog that Áder, despite his party political background in Fidesz, could represent a new chance for Hungary’s political culture. A left-wing columnist contends however that independence from the party line is not an option for the new President. A right-wing editor deems it necessary for Hungary to have a President who will not hinder the governments’ efforts. READ MORE