A liberal pundit ponders the implications of Gérard Depardieu’s newly acquired Russian citizenship and criticises the government’s intention to keep graduates in Hungary if they enjoy free university tuition. READ MORE
In an unusually bitter column, a pro-government columnist urges the government to reconsider its higher education reforms in order to give the children of poor families access to free tuition. READ MORE
A conservative liberal blogger looking back on the past year contends that despite efforts aimed at a wholesale reform, the government has failed to discontinue some unfortunate practices. READ MORE
A conservative columnist again cautions the government against acting without consulting the wider public. He believes that cooperation and negotiation would make public policy more efficient and the governing party more popular.
Népszabadság believes the tuition issue will leave a lasting stain of shame on the image of the Prime Minister. Magyar Nemzet suggests that continuing demonstrations after the substantial concessions made by the government may backfire on the organisers. READ MORE
An independent columnist believes the higher education reform has been improvised and ill-prepared, but by withdrawing it the government would just sweep the dust under the carpet. He believes politicians on both sides tend to chase cheap popularity and thereby progressively weaken Hungary’s competitiveness. READ MORE
In the wake of a week-long series of student protests, the main pro-government daily urges new policy priorities. READ MORE
Columnists across the political spectrum deem the higher education reform announced last week improvised and drastic and believe that it will undermine the government’s credibility. READ MORE
A centrist analyst asks if the government can avoid paying a heavy political price for its higher education reform and the communication strategy which surrounds it. READ MORE
A pro-government daily examines the arguments for and against the cutback on state funded higher education and fears that “shaken trust” may only be restored in the long run. READ MORE