New conflicts around tuition fees
Tuesday, December 11th, 2012A pro-government daily examines the arguments for and against the cutback on state funded higher education and fears that “shaken trust” may only be restored in the long run. READ MORE
One day of unity against anti-Semitism
Tuesday, December 4th, 2012Columnists commenting on Sunday’s anti-Nazi demonstration wonder if the presence of both left and right-wing politicians is a harbinger of a new consensus to reject anti-Semitism. Both pro-government and left-wing pundits are skeptical about the possibility and the desirability of finding such common ground. READ MORE
Considerations on austerity and South European unrest
Saturday, November 17th, 2012A right-wing columnist accuses the EU of mindlessly serving the interests of Western European banks by forcing economically paralyzing restrictions on highly indebted member states on the periphery of the continent. A left-wing pundit on the other hand sees no alternative to austerity and welfare cuts. READ MORE
Liberal commentator on the weakness of the opposition
Friday, March 16th, 2012A liberal commentator deplores the fact that after almost two years of Fidesz rule, the national holiday of March 15 is being celebrated by a divided opposition, and that opposition groups have still not produced a credible alternative to PM Orbán’s government. READ MORE
Spring demonstration kick-off
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012Turnout was low at the first anti-government demonstration of the spring season. Népszabadság regrets the absence of young participants; Magyar Hírlap believes the left wing opposition finds it easier to gather support abroad than at home. READ MORE
Will the pro-government demonstration make a difference?
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012Commentators ponder what the actual meaning and possible consequences of Saturday’s pro-government rally will be. According to right-wing commentators, the Orbán government will start the negotiations with the European Commission and the IMF about a loan from a better position. Left-wing pundits believe the opposite. READ MORE
Anti-government platform lacks coherent program
Saturday, January 7th, 2012Liberal and conservative pundits wonder if the anti-government NGOs and the opposition parties have a program which could constitute a real alternative to the Orbán government. The commentators suggest the anti-government groups have no clear ideas about what they want to do after ousting Orbán. If successful, such politics would only perpetuate populist rhetoric, they argue. READ MORE
Opposition protests against the new Constitution
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012Commentators from the political centre wonder if the anti-government demonstrations on January 2 mark a turning point in Hungarian politics. They suggest that the presence of tens of thousands of Hungarians on the streets shows that the Orbán government is losing support. Right-wing commentators, on the other hand, claim that the opposition uses the NGOs for its own purposes. READ MORE
Demands for Matolcsy’s resignation
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011Calls for the Minister of the Economy to resign are becoming more frequent, and are discussed by commentators from both sides of the political spectrum. A left wing columnist accuses PM Viktor Orbán of whipping up hatred, and calls upon moderate Fidesz politicians to intervene. His right wing counterpart favours a government compromise between employers and employees, rather than between the government and its opponents. READ MORE
Row over far right theatre appointment amplified
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011The controversy over the appointment of a far right-winger as director of a Budapest theatre shows no signs of abating. Commentators now ponder the possible consequences of a conflict generated by German conductor Christoph von Dohnányi, who cancelled a Budapest concert to express his indignation over the appointment. READ MORE