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Olt, Reinhard
2 articles of this author have been cited in the European Press Review so far.
A good basis for governance
The constitution drafted by Hungary's conservative government will form the basis for efficient politics, the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung notes approvingly: "To Western observers the preamble may seem old-fashioned, but for the great majority of Hungarians living in the country as well as those in neighbouring countries 'the national creed' and 'the Holy Crown of Hungary' are values that are just as constitutional as explicit references to God and Christianity or the notion that marriage and family are the cornerstones of society and state. Nowhere else do we find indications that the changes are 'not in harmony with Europe's fundamental values', as Orbán's opponents claim. On the contrary, there are several articles that make the rather vague constitutional laws more clear and therefore create the basis for more efficient governance. This is likely to benefit Hungary as a whole, which has sunk from its former status as leader of the reform countries to the level of a lagging EU member, as well as the governments which come after Orbán, even those of different political colours."
» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Hungary
A grand coalition for Austria?
Reinhard Olt examines why right-wing extremists were able to win around 15 percent of the vote in the Austrian elections: "Telling themselves that the 'bogeyman of Islam' and the widespread feeling of discontent with alleged EU centralism guided many voters at the ballot won't be of any great consolation to the major parties. Schüssel and the ÖVP obviously failed to use Austria's EU presidency to boost their citizens' pride and self-confidence. Moreover, Schüssel has failed to soothe voters' fears about EU enlargement and to convince them of the country's economic opportunities which are immense for a country which has shifted to 'Europe's centre'."
» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Austria
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