A left-wing blogger accuses the government of adopting the social policies of the extreme Right, but also blames wthe Left for its inability to address the issue of poverty. A pro-government columnist accuses the opposition of hypocrisy. READ MORE
A conservative columnist suspects that the Socialists will promise to introduce a guaranteed basic income for all inhabitants, although they know that the project is infeasible. The leading left-wing daily on the other hand deems the idea technically possible, but as it would be disadvantageous for the middle class, no sane politician will dare to endorse it. READ MORE
Right-wing commentators contend that PM Orbán’s vision is closer to social democratic ideals than the policies of past socialist-liberal governments. Left-wing pundits, on the other hand, accuse Fidesz of favoring the rich instead of supporting those in need. READ MORE
A right-wing economist contends that Europe should follow the example of the BRIC countries and help the middle classes kick start economic growth. His left-wing counterpart defends the welfare state and warns against mindless austerity. READ MORE
Pundits across the political spectrum have recently been preoccupied with the question whether a broad coalition on the left could successfully replace Fidesz at the next election. Left-wing commentators warn that electoral success alone would not amount to victory, since a too broad anti-Orbán alliance without a clear vision would not be able govern the country. READ MORE
Left-wing commentators fear that the government’s latest housing scheme will produce a suburban ghetto. The Ministry of Interior has announced plans to build new homes for families who can no longer service their debts. The first houses are to be built in a small municipality 30 kilometres from Budapest. 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
Changes to the law which require work in return for welfare payments, are sharply criticised by left-leaning commentators. They suggest that the requirement is inhumane, and predict that the planned public work programme will prove costly and inefficient. A right-wing pundit writes that Hungary has no choice but to abolish unconditional benefits, because of the economic crisis. But a liberal journalist also welcomes public incentives which promote self-reliance. READ MORE
Fidesz secured a two-thirds majority in last year’s election by promising a stronger welfare state. Left-wing commentators suggest that in government they have reneged on their campaign pledges and taken an anti-welfare turn. Overall state intervention in the economy, nonetheless, has not decreased.