Commentators on Left and Right ponder the broader implications of the EU’s rule of law conditionality. Most importantly, they try to gauge how and when it could be used against Hungary. READ MORE
Commentators across the political spectrum think that the new rule of law conditionality scheme proposed by Germany is a victory for Prime Minister Orbán and the government. READ MORE
A liberal analyst thinks that Prime Minister Orbán miscalculated his chances of success when he opted for a head-on collision with the most influential European governments over plans to make EU financial transfers conditional on respect for the rule of law. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, believes that Hungary must defend herself against arbitrary rule by Union bureaucrats. READ MORE
In the main pro-government daily, a leading Polish right-wing journalist condemns attempts to empower the European Commission to punish member countries accused of breaching rule of law principles. READ MORE
A pro-government and a liberal commentator both find it unlikely that the EU can broker a deal with Hungary and Poland on rule of law conditionality. They also agree that the debate will determine the future of the EU. READ MORE
An independent financial analyst agrees with the Prime Minister that Hungary can secure cheap loans and finance the country even without the EU reconstruction fund, which for the moment has been blocked by Hungary and Poland. READ MORE
Pro-government columnists agree with Fidesz MEP Tamás Deutsch, that the EU’s attempts to make financial disbursements conditional on resect for the ‘rule of law’ resemble Soviet attitudes. A left-wing commentator predicts that PM Orbán will have to retreat in order to get access to vital EU funding. READ MORE
A leading liberal pundit describes the Hungarian government as being an enemy of the European Union and finds it unfortunate that it cannot be expelled from the community. READ MORE
A pro-government analyst fears that through the rule of law procedures, Brussels might try to force Hungarians to give up their way of life. A left-wing commentator finds it hard for either side to back down. READ MORE
The former Hungarian EU Commissioner thinks Hungary is heading for a frontal collision with the Union. READ MORE