After President Obama mentioned Hungary alongside Egypt as a county which intimidates NGOs, Népszabadság warns that those remarks were only the beginning and the worst is still ahead. Heti Válasz believes that the NGOs concerned are in reality liberal political activists, but condemns demonstrations of force against them. READ MORE
Two pro-government pundits agree that it would be foolish of Hungary to hesitate between East and West. They warn against the temptation to overemphasise disagreements with Hungary’s western allies. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator believes that a new cold war is breaking out between Russia and the West, and Hungary cannot continue a foreign policy which involves sleeping in both camps. A conservative analyst warns that a compromise between the great powers is becoming ever more unlikely as time passes. Another pro-government commentator calls for the lifting of EU sanctions against Russia. READ MORE
A conservative columnist writes that the embargo imposed on food produce by Russia as a retaliation for Western sanctions will harm Hungary. She suspects that the US is insisting on such harsh sanctions against Moscow in order to strengthen its economic position in Europe. READ MORE
Columnists on both the left and the right project the lessons of World War I onto current events, and warn that defiant and unyielding geopolitics may trigger a chain reaction that cannot be contained.
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A pro-government daily believes Obama’s main intentions in Ukraine are to weaken the only super-power rival to the US, and to destabilize a potential German-Russian axis. He thinks Hungary must not take part in any peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. READ MORE
Political commentators fear the return of 20th century power struggles and the Cold War, as Ukraine drifts towards the abyss. READ MORE
A leading right-wing pundit finds it impolite of President Obama not to congratulate PM Orbán on his electoral victory. He argues that accusations of anti-democratic tendencies against the Hungarian government are misplaced and America’s record in that field offers no ground for haughty gestures. READ MORE
A leftist daily describes a statement issued by the US Embassy as another clear warning to the government, while its right-wing counterpart finds it strange that a the Embassy takes a view of a Hungarian issue. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator believes that the Hungarian government criticizes the US in order to strengthen its anti-Western image before the April elections. Right-wing columnists are displeased with Senator McCain’s comments on Hungarian affairs. READ MORE