After taking the decision of the European Commission for granted the night before it was due to be announced, Thursday’s dailies launch what will certainly be a drawn-out debate on the extension of Hungary’s nuclear power station in general, and its award to Russia’s Rosatom in particular. READ MORE
In a first analysis of the objections raised by the European Commission against the Hungarian-Russian agreement on the extension of the Paks nuclear power station, a fact-finding journalist believes this does not necessarily represent a final veto, but further objections are already on the Brussels assembly line. READ MORE
In its latest cautiously critical editorial, the formerly staunchly pro-government daily suggests the need for more transparency over the Russian-Hungarian deal on the enlargement of the Paks nuclear power station. READ MORE
As the government completes the Paks nuclear deal agreement, the leading left-wing daily demands more transparency. A conservative analyst claims that only nuclear power plants can provide the cheap energy Hungary needs. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator accuses the PM of conducting a ’seesaw’ policy between the West and Russia. He even goes so far as suggesting that Mr Orbán’s policy is prompted by Moscow. READ MORE
Analysts agree that the American pressure on Hungary is largely motivated by geopolitical considerations and is bound to increase unless the government makes resolute concessions. They admit however that it is difficult for Hungary’s leaders to retreat from positions they have vehemently defended so far. READ MORE
A liberal columnist contends that the US is pressurizing Hungary in order to protect its own geopolitical interests. Centrist and liberal conservative commentators warn of the consequences of diplomatic isolation and call for reconciliation with the US and the EU. A liberal weekly speculates that PM Orbán is already on his way out of the EU and NATO. READ MORE
A liberal commentator criticizes the Constitutional Court for blocking a referendum on the extension of the nuclear power plant at Paks, referring to a constitutional ban on referenda over issues stipulated in international agreements. He believes previous rulings prove the court wrong. His conservative colleague approves the ruling but call for clearer legislation on referenda and public debt. READ MORE
A leading pro-government commentator takes up the defence of the agreement on two new nuclear blocks to be built by Russia’s Rosatom at Paks, as an extension to Hungary’s existing atomic power station. He argues that the project will not plunge Hungary into unmanageable debt. Another conservative analyst agrees that there is no other solution to guarantee the country’s long term energy supply. READ MORE
A pro-government analyst says the EU should beware of violent protesters and work with Russia to establish peace. A liberal commentator finds similarities between Putin’s stance towards Ukraine and the Paks nuclear plant loan. A centrist pundit fears a wave of refugees across the Ukranian-Hungarian border. READ MORE