SPAR food store chain at war with the government
Wednesday, March 27th, 2024Opinions diverge on the conflict between the Dutch-based food retail chain and the Hungarian government. READ MORE
Sunday closing decision exposes inner tensions in government
Friday, April 15th, 2016After several high-profile ministers and government MPs abstained from Tuesday’s vote on the bill to abolish Sunday shop closures, Index and Magyar Nemzet delve in intricate Kremlinology. READ MORE
Government’s U-turn on Sunday shop closures
Wednesday, April 13th, 2016Magyar Idők suggests Fidesz’s
Kúria clears the way for referendum on Sunday-closing
Friday, April 8th, 2016Hungary’s top court has authorised an opposition referendum designed to overturn the government ban on shops opening on Sundays. In response, commentators who have for years complained about ‘the end of the rule of law’, express both surprise and cautious satisfaction. READ MORE
Tesco closes 13 stores in Hungary
Friday, January 16th, 2015A left-wing columnist accuses the government of responsibility for the layoff of five hundred employees as Tesco announces its decision to shut down 13 stores in Hungary. His pro-government counterpart believes that the unprofitable stores are to be closed down in a move of financial prudence and on account of the global problems of the London-based multinational. READ MORE
Shops to close on Sundays
Tuesday, December 9th, 2014As plans to close stores on Sundays are announced a liberal weekly accuses the government of acting mindlessly. A right-wing commentator, on the other hand, believes that the government has a simple and pragmatic reason for the ban: making sure that multinational retail chains will pay taxes. READ MORE
Will shops be closed on Sundays?
Saturday, November 8th, 2014The main pro-government daily cautions against a hasty decision on ordering department stores and hypermarkets to be closed on Sundays. The commentator cautiously criticises contradictory statements made by leading politicians on the matter. READ MORE
Clamp-down on multinational supermarket chains: are Hungarian retailers really better?
Friday, May 25th, 2012The deputy editor of the main right-wing daily asks why the government only puts pressure on multinational chain stores, rather than on every retailer caught cheating. READ MORE