Opposition-leaning columnists vituperate against the government for only inviting a collection of ‘undemocratic’ leaders to celebrate Saint Stephen’s day and watch the World Athletics Championship underway all week in Budapest. Pro-government weeklies regard both the national day and the World Athletics Championship as resounding successes for the country. READ MORE
As Hungary celebrated St Stephen’s day on Sunday, commentators express opposing views on the presence of a high number of foreign luminaries (but not a single incumbent leader from EU countries). READ MORE
An opposition-leaning commentator is outraged by the decision to dismiss two leading meteorologists after the traditional St. Stephen’s day fireworks display was cancelled because of a storm warning which didn’t materialize. READ MORE
As the traditional 20 August festivities were held without the usual fireworks for the first time in 66 years (because of the danger of a storm, mistakenly forecast for that night), columnists depict diametrically opposing images of today’s Hungary. READ MORE
A conservative pundit critical of the government claims that the government has weakened democracy, which amounts to abandoning St. Stephen’s vision. A pro-government commentator, on the other hand, accuses the opposition of trying to rob Hungary of its Christian and national character, the cornerstones of St. Stephen’s legacy. READ MORE
Opposition-leaning commentators believe the parade held on the national holiday was tasteless, while a pro-government analyst thinks that August 20 should be a rare occasion to express national unity. READ MORE
A pro-government political scientist challenges the established view that the founder of the Hungarian state opted for the West when he pledged allegiance to the Pope and enforced Christianity in his nascent state. READ MORE