As Parliament decides to detain all asylum seekers while their claims are processed, two left-wing analysts accuse the government of violating basic human rights. A pro-government columnist, on the other hand, accuses the Left of levelling unfounded criticism against the government which, he believes, is defending the security and culture of Hungary and Europe. READ MORE
A weekly suggests that earlier agreements to keep the liberal Central European University in place may have become obsolete after Donald Trump’s victory in America. The rector of the CEU has answered that relations with the government are ‘satisfactory’. A pro-government historian is starkly critical of the CEU, but sees its presence as proof of a vibrant democracy in Hungary. READ MORE
An independent conservative author sees no justifiable reason for the government to lash out against NGOs subsidised by liberal western sources. A pro-government analyst, on the other hand believes that foreign interests in Hungarian politics must be made visible. READ MORE
Pundits across the political spectrum debate if and to what extent NGOs should be considered as political actors rather than independent organizations. READ MORE
Left-wing and liberal sources liken the government’s plans to require asset declarations from NGO executives to totalitarian and dictatorial policies. Centrist commentators welcome more transparency but criticize the harsh language. A conservative columnist thinks that the proposal is a mere political red herring. READ MORE
As Parliament prepares to discuss a bill that would require executives of NGOs to declare their assets annually, a left-wing columnist accuses the government of trying to silence its critics. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, thinks the proposed legislation will promote transparency. READ MORE
A liberal pundit believes that Mr Majtényi, despite his credentials as a fierce critic of the government, would not be able to influence the course of events. Other commentators see contradictions on the side of the promoters of Mr Majtényi’s candidacy and in the attitude of the potential candidate himself. READ MORE
Conservative columnists agree with the government that George Soros and his network are keeping the Hungarian government under pressure. A liberal and a centrist analyst accuse the government of fomenting hatred and creating conspiracy theories. READ MORE
As a leading Cabinet Minister claims that Mr Soros is an influential force behind critical remarks by US personalities about Hungary’s policies, columnists are undecided about how serious the implications may be. READ MORE
A pro-government pundit lambasts the Hungarian American multibillionaire philanthropist whom PM Viktor Orbán named as a possible factor behind the current flow of migrants through the Balkans. A liberal weekly accuses those pushing anti-Soros rhetoric of groundless fear-mongering. READ MORE