A conservative economist and a right-wing commentator both suggest that next year’s budget cuts and tax increases are the consequence of unforeseen global economic factors. The draft of next year’s budget anticipates slower growth and contains further cuts in expenditures. READ MORE
Népszava comments ironically on the government’s reaction to a resolution by the European Commission which found Hungary at fault for imposing a surplus tax on telecoms. Magyar Hírlap, on the other hand, complains that Brussels interferes too much in Hungarian domestic affairs. READ MORE
The main pro-government daily is worried about how the public will receive the rigorous fiscal policy that the government has to follow in today’s hostile environment. READ MORE
In a commentary which borders on the offensive, Magyar Hírlap compares the government’s economic policies to those of its left-wing predecessors. READ MORE
The main left wing papers and even a right wing daily contend that the government’s plan to introduce a levy on average and above-average incomes to compensate lower wage earners, amounts to abandoning its flat tax policy.
A left-wing pundit ponders whether the country’s financial difficulties may encroach on the government’s two thirds majority in Parliament. He draws inspiration from an article by a right-wing colleague. READ MORE
In the wake of the prime minister’s announcement of hard times to come, left-wing commentators demand that the government takes a long hard look at its own policies, while right-wing analysts are divided on the necessity of swift policy changes. READ MORE
A pro-government commentator has urged the country’s top leadership to admit the failure of their economic policies, and to put the national economy on an “ultra-liberal” track, to avoid lasting stagnation. READ MORE
The nation state cannot provide a refuge from the global debt crisis, warns George Soros. The Hungarian-born American investor says European economies can only be saved through further integration and centralization. Soros advocates progressive taxation for economic and social reasons. READ MORE
The draft bill just published by the Ministry for National Economy aims to reduce the rights of employees. Employers would, among other changes, find it easier to lay off pregnant women and parents on maternity leave. A prominent right-wing commentator argues that curbing the rights of employees will not strengthen the nation. READ MORE