The leading left-wing daily speculates that the Paks nuclear plant construction deal with Russia serves only the interests of Moscow and entrepreneurs allied to Fidesz. Pro-government pundits, on the other hand, consider the agreement beneficial for the country, and accuse left-wing politicians of having used the Paks nuclear plant in the past to finance their own party and private business. READ MORE
A pro-government columnist claims that the pro-opposition media is distorting the message of Peace March organizers, because their planned rally is not about the expansion of the Paks Nuclear plant but about support for the government and a foreign policy that looks for balance between the great regional powers. READ MORE
The headlines in Hungarian weeklies illustrate a growing controversy over the planned addition of two Russian-made blocks to the existing Paks nuclear power station: “The scandal of the year” (168 óra); “Eastern Block” (Heti Világgazdaság); “The business of the year?” (Figyelő); “Hungary hooked by Putin” (Magyar Narancs); “Change of Roles in Kissidonia” (Demokrata); “Paks Vobiscum” (“Paks be with you”; Heti Válasz). READ MORE
A conservative columnist known for his frequently critical remarks on US foreign policy accuses the prospective US ambassador to Budapest of infringing upon Hungarian sovereignty with her critical sentences about the state of democratic checks and balances in Hungary. READ MORE
Pro-government commentators welcome the nuclear deal between Hungary and Russia, and argue that it will serve the Hungarian national interest. Left-wing columnists, on the other hand, criticize the lack of transparency and the increased dependence on the Russian energy infrastructure which the agreement will cause. READ MORE
A centrist analyst asks whether Viktor Orbán has realized that closer economic ties with Putin might in fact further Russia’s political interests in the region. READ MORE