Resistance to Hungarian government
Hungary's right-wing conservative government is under massive pressure: while protestors accuse it of violating democratic principles and driving the country to ruin, the EU Commission has launched legal proceedings against it for breach of treaty. Prime Minister Orbán's concessions appear decidedly cosmetic.
Sme - Slovakia | Monday, 11. March 2013
Hungary's right-wing conservative Prime Minister Victor Orbán is putting an amendment to the constitution to vote in parliament today, Monday, which deprives the constitutional court of powers. The initiative is aimed solely at preserving Orbán's power, the liberal daily Sme comments: » more
Hungary's right-wing conservative Prime Minister Victor Orbán is putting an amendment to the constitution to vote in parliament today, Monday, which deprives the constitutional court of powers. The initiative is aimed solely at preserving Orbán's power, the liberal daily Sme comments: "Above all the poorest and most precariously placed voters who once gave Fidesz a record victory are now turning their backs on the party. They have realised that their situation is only worsening. They are the first ones to lose their jobs when the business climate worsens, when the companies have to pay higher taxes and investment is lacking. Unlike the better educated, they don't have the chance to go abroad. ... Fidesz has understood that it can no longer keep many voters. This is why the constitution is being rewritten and this is why it is trying to economically destroy the independent media."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Wednesday, 2. January 2013
The two key groups belonging to Hungary's left-liberal opposition, the Socialists and the voters' movement "Together 2014", co-founded by former prime minister Gordon Bajnai, have been negotiating since Wednesday on the formation of an electoral alliance. The left-liberal daily Népszabadság welcomes the move and sees the re-establishment of the constitutional state as the alliance's most important goal: » more
The two key groups belonging to Hungary's left-liberal opposition, the Socialists and the voters' movement "Together 2014", co-founded by former prime minister Gordon Bajnai, have been negotiating since Wednesday on the formation of an electoral alliance. The left-liberal daily Népszabadság welcomes the move and sees the re-establishment of the constitutional state as the alliance's most important goal: "The objective of the opposition can only be to obtain the greatest electoral support possible in the 2014 parliamentary elections. This cooperation doesn't necessarily have to result in a governing coalition. It will be enough for the opposition to repeal the constitution pushed through by the current ruling party Fidesz and put the constitutional state once again on an even keel. Once it's done that, new elections can be held that are truly free and fair."
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Népszava - Hungary | Thursday, 20. December 2012
A broad left-liberal electoral alliance is forming in Hungary to challenge the right-wing conservative ruling party Fidesz in the parliamentary elections in 2014. In the left-leaning daily Népszava journalist Tamás Beck voices fears that Fidesz will now try to woo the voters of the far-right parliamentary party Jobbik: » more
A broad left-liberal electoral alliance is forming in Hungary to challenge the right-wing conservative ruling party Fidesz in the parliamentary elections in 2014. In the left-leaning daily Népszava journalist Tamás Beck voices fears that Fidesz will now try to woo the voters of the far-right parliamentary party Jobbik: "Fidesz would love to get rid of its opponent Jobbik and incorporate the sympathisers of the right-wing extremist party into its own voter base. For this reason it has added the Nazi authors József Nyírő and Albert Wass to the national syllabus. … Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has realised the following: in view of its catastrophic economic policy the government has no chance of winning the election on the strength of the political centre. So the only path open to it is that on the right. And to achieve this end it is even willing to risk international isolation."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Thursday, 20. December 2012
The right-wing conservative Hungarian head of government Viktor Orbán is spineless, refusing to give interviews to critical media, the anti-government daily Népszabadság writes. But Hungarian society is just as spineless for allowing Orbán to remain in office even as he was scrupulously expanding his power, the paper concludes: » more
The right-wing conservative Hungarian head of government Viktor Orbán is spineless, refusing to give interviews to critical media, the anti-government daily Népszabadság writes. But Hungarian society is just as spineless for allowing Orbán to remain in office even as he was scrupulously expanding his power, the paper concludes: "There are few people in this country who can remember the last time Viktor Orbán gave a real interview, or in other words faced the unpleasant questions of a critical journalist. Orbán has avoided the critical press like the plague for many years now. This is cowardly behaviour. … But the members of the church, the doctors, the police, the customs officers, railway employees, trade unionists, big families, same-sex partners, artists and culture propagators, retailers and farmers who have passively allowed Viktor Orbán to impose his policies on them are also cowardly."
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Népszava - Hungary | Monday, 17. December 2012
Róbert Alföldi, the current director of the Hungarian National Theatre, will be replaced by the pro-government appointee Attila Vidnyánszky in mid-2013. The left-leaning daily Népszava denounces the fact that the appointment was clearly influenced by the right-wing conservative government of Viktor Orbán: » more
Róbert Alföldi, the current director of the Hungarian National Theatre, will be replaced by the pro-government appointee Attila Vidnyánszky in mid-2013. The left-leaning daily Népszava denounces the fact that the appointment was clearly influenced by the right-wing conservative government of Viktor Orbán: "Pluralism in Hungary looks somewhat different than it does in Western Europe. For example it was clear right from the start that Attila Vidnyánszky would be appointed director of the National Theatre. ... Under normal circumstances Róbert Alföldi would have had a good chance of continuing his successful work at the theatre. ... But those in power put together the 9-member committee charged with deciding who would be director in such a way that practically all of its members were pro-government. So the writing was very much on the wall."
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Heti Világgazdaság - Hungary | Monday, 3. December 2012
Many people are speculating over the supposed end of the world on December 21, 2012, based on the idea that the Mayan calender ends on this day. An Apocalypse is the best thing that could happen to Hungarian politics, writes journalist Miklós Stemler in the online edition of the left-liberal weekly newspaper Heti Világgazdaság: » more
Many people are speculating over the supposed end of the world on December 21, 2012, based on the idea that the Mayan calender ends on this day. An Apocalypse is the best thing that could happen to Hungarian politics, writes journalist Miklós Stemler in the online edition of the left-liberal weekly newspaper Heti Világgazdaság: "As our country goes to the dogs under the current government, the so-called opposition is doing what it must do: indulging in brainless anti-Semitic tirades, dwelling on stupidities and descending into a maelstrom of hysteria. ... For that reason it doesn't seem at all a wise solution to replace the dimwitted policies of the right-wing conservative governing party Fidesz with the hyper-hysterical policies of the left-liberal opposition. ... Luckily we won't have to wait that long for our fate to take a turn for the better. Because the end of the world is just around the corner. Given the current state of affairs in Hungary, nothing better could happen to us. Because we still believe in a hereafter without Viktor Orbán."
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Heti Világgazdaság - Hungary | Monday, 19. November 2012
Several thousand people formed a human chain around the parliament in Budapest on Monday in protest at the new Hungarian election law. The journalist László Seres writes in the online edition of the left-liberal weekly paper Heti Világgazdaság that the reform of the election law works to the advantage of ruling party Fidesz, and that "there can be no more talk of free elections": » more
Several thousand people formed a human chain around the parliament in Budapest on Monday in protest at the new Hungarian election law. The journalist László Seres writes in the online edition of the left-liberal weekly paper Heti Világgazdaság that the reform of the election law works to the advantage of ruling party Fidesz, and that "there can be no more talk of free elections": "While Hungarian voters will in future have to register 15 days prior to an election, thanks to its two-thirds majority Fidesz can still change the election law any time it likes prior to election day. ... After losing half its voters, the party has had the effrontery to redraw the electoral districts to its own advantage, shorten the campaign period and allow electoral advertising only in the state media. ... And we stress once more: in addition to all that the election law can also be changed at any time, even immediately before the election."
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Heti Válasz - Hungary | Wednesday, 24. October 2012
Former Hungarian prime minister Gordon Bajnai (2009-2010) returned to politics this week after two years of absence. He has announced plans to join an opposition alliance against Viktor Orbán's conservative government. In the eyes of the conservative weekly Heti Válasz, Bajnai definitely has a chance of becoming head of government once more if he can win the approval of the large camp of undecided voters: » more
Former Hungarian prime minister Gordon Bajnai (2009-2010) returned to politics this week after two years of absence. He has announced plans to join an opposition alliance against Viktor Orbán's conservative government. In the eyes of the conservative weekly Heti Válasz, Bajnai definitely has a chance of becoming head of government once more if he can win the approval of the large camp of undecided voters: "There are around a million undecided voters in Hungary for whom Gordon Bajnai would still be an option even if he were backed by Gábor Kuncze [a former liberal politician], Ferenc Gyurcsány [ex-prime minister] and Attila Mesterházy [leader of the socialist MSZP]. … This is the group of voters he should be aiming for. … If he can convince the voters of the MSZP and put a brake on Attila Mesterházy's ambitions, Bajnai could easily become prime minister again - regardless of his lack of charisma and failings as a speaker."
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Tages-Anzeiger - Switzerland | Wednesday, 17. October 2012
The Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia has emerged from Saturday's regional elections as the strongest party in two Czech regions and is now poised to take office for the first time since the Velvet Revolution of 1989. The communists are once again a force to be reckoned with also in other Eastern European countries, journalist Bernhard Odehnal writes in the daily Tages-Anzeiger: » more
The Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia has emerged from Saturday's regional elections as the strongest party in two Czech regions and is now poised to take office for the first time since the Velvet Revolution of 1989. The communists are once again a force to be reckoned with also in other Eastern European countries, journalist Bernhard Odehnal writes in the daily Tages-Anzeiger: "Communist parties are not the most dangerous when they appear in the old grey suits, but when they're in disguise. In Romania, networks of former Securitate officers and supporters of the dictator Ceauşescu hide behind the label 'social democrats'. ... True, the 'social democratic' leader Victor Ponta was still a child in the dark days of Ceauşescu, but today he's trying to gain control of the media and liquidate the opposition very much in the style of former times. In Hungary, by contrast, communism appears in a refined guise. Of course Viktor Orbán's government would indignantly reject any accusation of communist tendencies. ... But its policies are neither liberal nor conservative. They seek to send Hungary back to the days of the Cold War. ... The philosophers of the new Frankfurt school have summed up this phenomenon as follows: 'The sharpest critics of the elks used to be elks themselves'."
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Népszava - Hungary | Thursday, 27. September 2012
The governing council of Hungary's central bank on Tuesday reduced the base interest rate to 25 basis points. Central bank chief András Simor and his two deputies had voted against the move but were outvoted by the four members of the council dispatched by conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In the eyes of the anti-government left-wing daily Népszava Orbán now has the central bank under his control: » more
The governing council of Hungary's central bank on Tuesday reduced the base interest rate to 25 basis points. Central bank chief András Simor and his two deputies had voted against the move but were outvoted by the four members of the council dispatched by conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In the eyes of the anti-government left-wing daily Népszava Orbán now has the central bank under his control: "There will be no more bad news from the central bank for the government. Although András Simor remains president, all the decisions of the council are dictated by what Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Economics Minister György Matolcsy consider to be right. ... Orbán and Matolcsy are hoping that lowering the interest rate will boost the economy and revive the loan market. ... But this move could backfire. Inflation could go on rising and the forint continue to go down in value."
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All available articles from » György Sebes
Heti Világgazdaság - Hungary | Thursday, 13. September 2012
Hungary's national conservative government under Vikotr Orbán plans to introduce mandatory voter registration. Voters who fail to register at the latest 15 days before an election will be uneligible to vote in the respective election. The opposition has condemned the plan saying it will truncate democracy, and ex-prime minister Ferenc Hurcsány went on a hunger strike on Monday in protest. Political scientist Róbert László writes in the left-liberal weekly Heti Világgazdaság that the government is trying to get rid of undecided voters: » more
Hungary's national conservative government under Vikotr Orbán plans to introduce mandatory voter registration. Voters who fail to register at the latest 15 days before an election will be uneligible to vote in the respective election. The opposition has condemned the plan saying it will truncate democracy, and ex-prime minister Ferenc Hurcsány went on a hunger strike on Monday in protest. Political scientist Róbert László writes in the left-liberal weekly Heti Világgazdaság that the government is trying to get rid of undecided voters: "According to studies, one in ten active voters waits until the last two weeks before an election to decide how they will vote. ... It looks very much like the governing party Fidesz is most afraid of these undecided voters who show little interest in politics, and are consequently unpredictable. ... The fact is, however, that these are the very voters who ensure a democratic competition. If there were nothing but voters with stable preferences, then electoral campaigns, votes and even democracy itself would be superfluous."
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Blog Törökgáborelemez - Hungary | Thursday, 17. May 2012
The right-wing conservative government under Viktor Orbán plans to stop state funding for parties for the remaining two years of the current legislative period. The political scientist Gábor Török finds the plan anti-democratic and writes in his blog Torokgaborelemez: » more
The right-wing conservative government under Viktor Orbán plans to stop state funding for parties for the remaining two years of the current legislative period. The political scientist Gábor Török finds the plan anti-democratic and writes in his blog Torokgaborelemez: "The plan to stop funding for parties in the coming two years is one of the most brutal ideas the governing camp has yet come up with, because it constitutes a major blow to democratic competition. ... This bleeding the parties dry inflicts immense damage on democracy. ... If the parties receive no state funding they will have three options: 1. They pare down their activities, that is they cease to work out programmes, organise events and run election campaigns. In other words they stop behaving like political groups. 2. They continue all of the above activities but finance them through various loans and get themselves hopelessly in debt. 3. They are 'bought' by one interest group or another."
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Élet és Irodalom - Hungary | Monday, 14. May 2012
Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government has completed the first half of its term of office. Taking stock of the first two years in the left-liberal weekly Élet és Irodalom, political scientist Attila Ágh draws a parallel with the Bolshevist parties before the fall of communism: » more
Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government has completed the first half of its term of office. Taking stock of the first two years in the left-liberal weekly Élet és Irodalom, political scientist Attila Ágh draws a parallel with the Bolshevist parties before the fall of communism: "In truth the ruling party Fidesz hasn't even really begun governing. Instead it has been busy cementing its grip on power and filling the most important posts in the state. It is now finished with the latter so that all the key posts are occupied by Fidesz clones. … Fidesz most resembles the Bolshevist-type parties. There are striking similarities between the Orbán government and the former sole ruling parties which established a centralised one-party state back then. Today's Fidesz presents itself as a Bolshevist party that is even more tightly organised than the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party (MSZMP) in the 1980s. And just like the MSZMP at the end of that decade, Fidesz is also showing signs of internal collapse. … The breakdown of parties of the Bolshevist type follows its own logic; at first it's a gradual, barely noticeable process but then it gathers speed, ending in complete collapse."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Wednesday, 25. April 2012
Hungary's right-wing conservative government presented its plans for keeping the country's budget deficit below the EU's threshold of three-percent of GDP. The government plans to bleed the taxpayer white, the left-liberal daily Népszabadság comments: » more
Hungary's right-wing conservative government presented its plans for keeping the country's budget deficit below the EU's threshold of three-percent of GDP. The government plans to bleed the taxpayer white, the left-liberal daily Népszabadság comments: "Since Monday we know how the government plans to keep the budget deficit under three percent. What a surprise: with new taxes. … According to Economics Minister György Matolcsy, the state needs to rake in 600 billion forint [around two billion euros]. … Basically it's the same sectors that were already affected by the so-called crisis taxes that are being fleeced, but instead of the companies being presented with the bill this time it's the taypayers. The government is aiming at anything that moves. … It is charging taxes on the basic activities of everyday life, this time not just by increasing VAT or income tax but by introducing new types of tax and duties. … And it is hoping that by levying many small taxes instead of one big one the people won't go on the barricades."
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Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Tuesday, 3. April 2012
The resignation of Pál Schmitt as president of Hungary comes at a very convenient moment for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, writes the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: » more
The resignation of Pál Schmitt as president of Hungary comes at a very convenient moment for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, writes the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: "Schmitt had already completed his most important task - the signing off of more than 360 new laws without asking any questions. The revision of the constitution is likewise considered virtually completed, so Schmitt had done his duty. In addition the affair diverts attention from other problems: the stalling negotiations with the IMF, the difficult budget situation. The much condemned foreign newspapers are finally writing about something other than Hungary's battered democracy, and not just that: the West and the Hungarian opposition are forced to concede that not even a close ally of Orbán's is allowed to keep his post because of his undying loyalty. The democratic process has worked. Schmitt has bowed to pressure from the public, the opposition and sections of the governing party to resign."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Tuesday, 3. April 2012
A university committee concluded last week that Pál Schmitt copied his entire doctoral thesis from papers written by others back in 1992, leading to the withdrawal of his doctoral title. According to the left-liberal daily Népszabadság Schmitt was entirely unfit to occupy the post of president from the outset: » more
A university committee concluded last week that Pál Schmitt copied his entire doctoral thesis from papers written by others back in 1992, leading to the withdrawal of his doctoral title. According to the left-liberal daily Népszabadság Schmitt was entirely unfit to occupy the post of president from the outset: "Everyone knows that he was unsuitable. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who made him a candidate, knew it. Parliamentary speaker László Kövér, who was against Schmitt's candidacy from the beginning, knew it. The committee of the Fidesz party knew it. Fidesz parliamentary faction knew it. Parliament knew it. Budapest knew it. The entire country knew it. And yet Pál Schmitt was elected president because that's what Viktor Orbán wanted. ... He wanted it because he knew that this was just the man he needed in the post one who wasn't pig-headed and would sign any law he was presented without questioning it. And so his incompetence became a virtue."
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Rzeczpospolita - Poland | Tuesday, 3. April 2012
The resignation of Hungarian head of state Pál Schmitt shows that contrary to the accusations of the leftist press the rules of democracy do apply in Hungary, the conservative daily Rzeczpospolita writes: » more
The resignation of Hungarian head of state Pál Schmitt shows that contrary to the accusations of the leftist press the rules of democracy do apply in Hungary, the conservative daily Rzeczpospolita writes: "No president (not even one who has barely any competences) can remain in politics in a democratic country if he is suspected of having plagiarised a research paper. ... Schmitt has therefore proven the left-wing press wrong. If Hungary was indeed such a state as the European newspapers describe, he wouldn't be forced to resign. For he is protected by immunity, has the backing of a parliamentary majority and enjoys the prime minister's favour. Moreover the plagiarism affair was exposed by the weekly HVG, which doesn't sympathise with the government. ... So how do things look now when it comes to freedom of speech and democracy in Hungary? Not bad at all."
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Népszava - Hungary | Friday, 30. March 2012
The Senate of the Semmelweis University in Budapest withdrew the doctoral degree that had been conferred on Hungarian head of state Pál Schmitt on Thursday amidst allegations that he plagiarised parts of his dissertation. The left-leaning daily Népszava criticises Schmitt as a symbolic figure for the way Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government functions: » more
The Senate of the Semmelweis University in Budapest withdrew the doctoral degree that had been conferred on Hungarian head of state Pál Schmitt on Thursday amidst allegations that he plagiarised parts of his dissertation. The left-leaning daily Népszava criticises Schmitt as a symbolic figure for the way Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government functions: "Doctor Schmitt, who is a petty thief and to top it all the head of state of a dictatorship, is an indispensable element of Orbán's dictatorship. Doctor Orbán has long since taken to heart a principle applied by the emperors of antiquity: bread and games for the people. If there's not so much bread then there must be more games. … Schmitt, the thief, is indeed indispensable. Above all because he is terribly stupid. He sprouts stupidities, which is why he's often in the limelight. The opposition, too, benefits greatly from Schmitt the thief being head of state. He functions as a good example of how Orbàn's dictatorship in general works. Those who humbly obey the leader have the fool's licence."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Tuesday, 20. March 2012
Viktor Orbán's conservative government introduced a scheme under which parents using state-run day nurseries must pay contributions for the service in January. In doing so the ruling party Fidesz is contradicting its own policies, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
Viktor Orbán's conservative government introduced a scheme under which parents using state-run day nurseries must pay contributions for the service in January. In doing so the ruling party Fidesz is contradicting its own policies, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: "While it was in the opposition four years ago Fidesz managed to torpedo fees for visits to the doctor and hospitals with a referendum. Yet now, as the ruling party, it passed a law in December under which parents have to pay contributions at state-run daycares. … In the southern Hungarian city of Hódmezővásárhely for example, parents must pay between 430 and 460 forints per day [around 2 euros], depending on their income. It should be noted that the contribution towards visits to the doctor was 300 forints [1 euro] back then. … But it's not just this blatant contrast between Fidesz policy in the opposition and as a ruling party that seems so unreasonable. … The contributions charged at state-run day nurseries also fly in the face of the government programme for raising the birth rate in Hungary. And this is supposed to be one of the government's top priorities."
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Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Friday, 16. March 2012
French intellectuals have signed an appeal in the left-liberal daily Libération calling on people to take part in the opposition protests in Hungary marking the country's National Day. Csaba Kukács is reminded in the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet of how Western intellectuals once praised the communist regimes: » more
French intellectuals have signed an appeal in the left-liberal daily Libération calling on people to take part in the opposition protests in Hungary marking the country's National Day. Csaba Kukács is reminded in the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet of how Western intellectuals once praised the communist regimes: "The weather was beautiful in the capital, perfect for swinging the Nazi club together with anti-fascists. ... So I took the advice of the leftist French intellectuals and started the day at the opposition rally, organised by the Facebook group Milla. The appeal entitled 'Let's all go to Budapest on March 15' appeared, by the way, in the French daily Libération. The initiative couldn't but remind me of the Western European intellectuals known as the useful idiots, who sang songs of praise to the Soviet Union after returning from Moscow. Now the wind is blowing in a different direction. Rather than praising communism, today's calls ring out against the establishment of a right-wing dictatorship [by the government of Viktor Orbán]. But the chants - and the methods - are the same."
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La Repubblica - Italy | Friday, 16. March 2012
Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán has scored a major victory with his populist tirades against the EU on Hungary's National Day, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica laments: » more
Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán has scored a major victory with his populist tirades against the EU on Hungary's National Day, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica laments: "Viktor Orbán has won right down the line. Despite the country's disastrous economic situation, March 15 has bolstered the autocratic prime minister in his dispute with Brussels over debts, financial aid and the constitution. Orbán has pulled all the populist registers he could and yesterday chalked up his biggest victory since his election in 2010. He brazenly compared European policy vis-à-vis Hungary [the EU Commission's proceedings against Hungary for treaty violations] with the Russian occupation. In this way Orbán has openly challenged the EU. For its part the opposition has only reacted with weak arguments, merely complaining of Brussels' weaknesses."
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All available articles from » Andrea Tarquini
Tages-Anzeiger - Switzerland | Friday, 16. March 2012
Flooded with pro-government demonstrators, Budapest's Kossuth Square symbolises the Orbán government's backwards policies, writes the liberal daily Tages-Anzeiger: » more
Flooded with pro-government demonstrators, Budapest's Kossuth Square symbolises the Orbán government's backwards policies, writes the liberal daily Tages-Anzeiger: "Unwanted monuments to leftist politicians and writers have been removed; the prestigious square is to look as it did before 1944. Several million forints have been set aside for the project. There can be no better image for Orbán's policies. The country is being refashioned to look as it did between the wars, with an authoritarian leadership and an abundance of historic pathos. Meanwhile funding for universities and schools is being cut, the infrastructure is falling apart and social services for the poorest are being closed down. 'We've never been this close to freedom', Orban told his supporters yesterday. In truth many Hungarians have never been this close to poverty. Eight percent inflation and the highest VAT in the EU are devouring their meagre wages. ... If the EU really does freeze 500 million euros in subsidies it will hit everyone. The country is being made to pay for Orbán's reckless self-aggrandisement."
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Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Friday, 24. February 2012
After the EU launching three treaty violation proceedings against Hungary, the European Parliament initiating a resolution against the country and Brussels now wanting to sanction the country's budget deficit, the right-wing conservative daily Magyar nemzet believes it has now identified the main problem of the EU: » more
After the EU launching three treaty violation proceedings against Hungary, the European Parliament initiating a resolution against the country and Brussels now wanting to sanction the country's budget deficit, the right-wing conservative daily Magyar nemzet believes it has now identified the main problem of the EU: "If I want to be liked by someone, it doesn't exactly help if I keep on stigmatising him. If on top of that I want him to recognise my own sense of justice, it isn't exactly clever to punish him incessantly. ... The idea of the EU will not run aground on the common currency or the global economic crisis. ... It will fail because in its midst those people have won the upper hand who don't understand or respect the fact that the community is made up of states whose history dates back a thousand years. ... These countries are now being stigmatised for their history as nation states."
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Népszava - Hungary | Monday, 20. February 2012
The Hungarian film Just the Wind by Benedek Fliegauf won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival on Saturday. But Hungarian film is on its last legs under Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government, writes the left-wing daily Népszava: » more
The Hungarian film Just the Wind by Benedek Fliegauf won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival on Saturday. But Hungarian film is on its last legs under Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government, writes the left-wing daily Népszava: "The huge interest in Fliegauf's film is clearly also due to the fact that with its anti-democratic policies the Hungarian government is continually in the spotlight of the foreign - and hence also the German - media. The German press is well aware not only of the social and political crises in Hungary, but also of the measures introduced by the Orbán government that are so devastating for Hungarian culture - especially for Hungarian films. It no doubt also knows that the government has ruined Hungary's system of film financing, which functioned tolerably well in professional terms, bringing us numerous international successes. Since then Hungarian film production has practically come to a standstill. The only reason Hungarian films are made at all today is because productions already underway have been brought to a successful conclusion."
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All available articles from » Péter Hamvay
Magyar Narancs - Hungary | Friday, 17. February 2012
After the EU Commission initiated legal proceedings against Hungary for violating the EU treaties the European Parliament followed suit on Thursday by adopting a resolution against the country. However in the end it is up to the Hungarian voters to get rid of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, writes the left-liberal weekly Magyar Narancs: » more
After the EU Commission initiated legal proceedings against Hungary for violating the EU treaties the European Parliament followed suit on Thursday by adopting a resolution against the country. However in the end it is up to the Hungarian voters to get rid of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, writes the left-liberal weekly Magyar Narancs: "The creative and cunning way in which the Orbán government has undermined the democratic institutions in Hungary will be hard to criticise from a legal point of view. … It is a long time since Brussels has had to deal with a government that combats European values so shamelessly. … On the other hand it is in the interest of the Hungarian government to continue its 'struggle for freedom' without falling out completely with Brussels. Therefore Orbán and his government will no doubt make concessions to the EU in future. But since Orbán thrives on conflict future tensions between Budapest and Brussels are inevitable. … In the end, however, the truth is that not the EU Commission but Hungary's democrats must defeat Orbán."
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All available articles from » Mátyás Eörsi
Népszabadság - Hungary | Wednesday, 8. February 2012
Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government has launched a charm offensive to woo Germany in recent days. However this new tack complete with a dose of self-criticism is not the result of the government realising its mistakes but rather a lack of funding, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government has launched a charm offensive to woo Germany in recent days. However this new tack complete with a dose of self-criticism is not the result of the government realising its mistakes but rather a lack of funding, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: "It's been a long time since so many Hungarian politicians travelled to Germany as in recent days. In addition to János Martonyi and the chairman of the ruling party Fidesz, János Lázár, a delegation of the foreign policy parliamentary committee was also in Berlin. ... Martonyi said after a meeting with his counterpart Guido Westerwelle that he aims to dispel Germany's worries regarding the policies of the Hungarian government. ... For his part Lázár practised the art of self-criticism during his visit, saying that the Hungarian government had not consulted its European partners as much as it should have done up to now. ... It is a welcome development that leading politicians of the Orbán government want to correct the tarnished image of Hungary they themselves have created. A little support from Germany in the negotiations with the EU Commission and the International Monetary Fund about a loan for Hungary would certainly come in very handy."
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All available articles from » András Dési
Magyar Hírlap - Hungary | Monday, 23. January 2012
At least 100,000 government supporters took part in a so-called "peace march" in Budapest on Saturday which was directed above all against the EU's criticism of Hungary's domestic policy. In the eyes of the right-wing conservative daily Magyar Hírlap, which was among the initiators of the march, it was a clear gesture of solidarity with the government of Viktor Orbán: » more
At least 100,000 government supporters took part in a so-called "peace march" in Budapest on Saturday which was directed above all against the EU's criticism of Hungary's domestic policy. In the eyes of the right-wing conservative daily Magyar Hírlap, which was among the initiators of the march, it was a clear gesture of solidarity with the government of Viktor Orbán: "The peaceful crowd's protest was aimed mainly at the European bureaucracy: it doesn't want to be a colony - not even of the EU. ... This mass of people made a stand for dignity, independence and democracy. The crowd's behaviour on the street was similar to the Hungarian prime minister's a few days ago when he defended himself alone against the humiliations in the EU Parliament: He faced the vituperative, intellectually dissolute and sick masters of injustice with a calm, dignified and self-assured demeanour - even with European elegance one could say. With their peace march the Hungarians have shown the world that they defend their leader when he defends the Hungarian nation."
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All available articles from » Zoltán Bíró
Világgazdaság - Hungary | Thursday, 19. January 2012
Hungary is to scrap the 16 percent flat income tax rate it introduced in 2011. According to media reports the EU Commission is pushing Viktor Orbán to do this. The flat tax, which is enshrined in the new constitution and can therefore only be abolished by a two-thirds majority, is a cornerstone of Orbán's grip on power, the business paper Világgazdaság explains: » more
Hungary is to scrap the 16 percent flat income tax rate it introduced in 2011. According to media reports the EU Commission is pushing Viktor Orbán to do this. The flat tax, which is enshrined in the new constitution and can therefore only be abolished by a two-thirds majority, is a cornerstone of Orbán's grip on power, the business paper Világgazdaság explains: "Orbán has yet to provide an understandable explanation as to why the flat tax was introduced in the first place. Commentators expected it to boost consumption - in vain. The head of government himself apparently hoped to secure the loyalty of a key segment of the electorate, hoping that thanks to the move he would have the country's wealthy middle class 'in his pocket' for the next elections. ... The government failed to take into account that the tax would leave a gaping hole in the Hungarian budget. ... But scrapping the flat tax, and the drastic increase in the tax burden of the wealthy this would entail, would be tantamount to political suicide."
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All available articles from » Miklós Újvári
taz - Germany | Thursday, 19. January 2012
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Wednesday before the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the laws the EU objects to could be "quickly and easily" corrected. The left-leaning daily taz remains sceptical: » more
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Wednesday before the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the laws the EU objects to could be "quickly and easily" corrected. The left-leaning daily taz remains sceptical: "In the course of the debate, the rift in the European Parliament was exposed when on Tuesday it proved unable to defend with one voice the treaty violation proceedings already decided against Hungary. As in recent months, the EPP faction formed a protective shield warding off attacks against its Hungarian party associate. ... The Conservatives and Christian Democrats celebrated the long overdue replacement of the Stalininst constitution with a modern basic law that protected minorities and basic rights. ... The satisfied smile that repeatedly flitted over Orbán's face during the debate betrayed the fact that Hungary's prime minister already sees himself as the victor. He will be able to pass off small amendments to the criticised laws as minor details to his clientele, while at the same time acquiescing to Brussels' wishes."
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Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Wednesday, 18. January 2012
The three treaty violation proceedings against Hungary above all strengthen the right-wing extremists, writes the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet: » more
The three treaty violation proceedings against Hungary above all strengthen the right-wing extremists, writes the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet: "The mutual accusations cannot go on indefinitely. But basically what we're seeing is the following: the European Union currently has no trust in Hungary. It doesn't believe Hungary will emerge from the deep economic crisis, and it questions our belief in democratic values. Of course you can get mad about that, but it's better to clarify these reservations. Quite apart from the fact that now is really not the time for sulking. ... It cannot be in the interest of the EU to force Hungary to its knees and spank its behind for all to see. ... The pedantic tone from Brussels is only grist to the mill of the radicals who burn EU flags in public. Is that really what you want, my dear Sirs?"
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La Repubblica - Italy | Wednesday, 18. January 2012
With its three lawsuits Brussels is acting against Hungary's lowering of the retirement age for judges, its new central bank law and the lacking independence of the Data Protection Commissioner. Hungary has now been given one month to correct this legislation. At least the EU is in agreement for once, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica comments approvingly: » more
With its three lawsuits Brussels is acting against Hungary's lowering of the retirement age for judges, its new central bank law and the lacking independence of the Data Protection Commissioner. Hungary has now been given one month to correct this legislation. At least the EU is in agreement for once, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica comments approvingly: "While Europe is at loggerheads over the euro, threatened by the recession and has lost its clout on the international stage, at least in this one case it is showing strength of character and has agreed on a clear response to the authoritarian developments in Hungary. The EU Commission's ultimatum comes just a few days after the call for concrete steps on the part of the head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde. If Orbán's Hungary doesn't change the controversial legislation within a month the country faces not only a lawsuit before the European Court of Justice, it also risks losing 15 to 20 billion euros in EU and IMF emergency loans. And without these loans the country will certainly go bankrupt."
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Die Presse - Austria | Wednesday, 18. January 2012
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is ready to make concessions to the EU Commission in the dispute over the treaty violation proceedings launched by Brussels. He has no choice in the matter, writes the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse: » more
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is ready to make concessions to the EU Commission in the dispute over the treaty violation proceedings launched by Brussels. He has no choice in the matter, writes the liberal-conservative daily Die Presse: "Hungary is being turned into a testing ground for a simplified policy in which the realities of international economic integration are blended out just as much as the basic rules for the self-cleansing of state institutions. ... This country will not find a simple way out of the crisis without the help of its European partners. Austria must be aware of this. Hungary is our 'Greece next door'. The example of Hungary puts the lie to all those who see an answer to the current economic challenges in a return to nationalism. Hungary has its own currency, not the euro, so it can devaluate to stimulate competitiveness at least on the short term. But nothing comes of nothing. The country lacks fundamentals, it lacks openness, it lacks an international perspective."
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All available articles from » Wolfgang Böhm
El País - Spain | Wednesday, 18. January 2012
The EU launching a couple of legal actions against Hungary is nowhere near enough, the left-liberal daily El País protests and calls for the country to be deprived of its vote in the EU Council of Ministers: » more
The EU launching a couple of legal actions against Hungary is nowhere near enough, the left-liberal daily El País protests and calls for the country to be deprived of its vote in the EU Council of Ministers: "For a far lesser offence - allowing the xenophobic Jörg Haider to participate in government - the EU imposed diplomatic sanctions against Austria in 2000. The changes introduced by Orbán should have merited the application of Article 7 of the EU treaty, which was made more severe after the Austrian incident and now foresees the possibility of depriving a state of its voting rights on the Council if it violates human rights or limits basic civil rights. Hungary's future is at stake, but also the credibility of the EU and the defence of democracy. Yet in the midst of the economic and financial crisis neither the European institutions nor their politicians can be bothered with such matters."
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Elsevier - Netherlands | Saturday, 14. January 2012
The EU Commission is considering initiating several legal proceedings against Hungary for violating EU law. This is taking things too far, writes the right-wing conservative weekly Elsevier, pointing out that the Hungarians can get rid of the Orbán government themselves if they want to: » more
The EU Commission is considering initiating several legal proceedings against Hungary for violating EU law. This is taking things too far, writes the right-wing conservative weekly Elsevier, pointing out that the Hungarians can get rid of the Orbán government themselves if they want to: "The criticism from Europe is comical. Did MEPs talk about the decline of democracy when Greece and Italy were landed with new governments without the voters being allowed to have their say? ... Hungary has been struggling since 1989 with democratisation after 45 years of communism. It goes two steps forward and one step back. But elections haven't been scrapped as of yet. The Hungarians can turn out en masse at the next round to vote for an anti-Orbán and turn the tide. A democratic country has the right to make mistakes. Brussels doesn't have to interfere straight away."
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Corriere della Sera - Italy | Sunday, 15. January 2012
The EU Commission will decide on Tuesday whether to take legal action against Hungary for violating the European treaties. Brussels should act resolutely to prevent others from following Hungary's example, demands French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy in the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: » more
The EU Commission will decide on Tuesday whether to take legal action against Hungary for violating the European treaties. Brussels should act resolutely to prevent others from following Hungary's example, demands French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy in the liberal-conservative daily Corriere della Sera: "In these times of economic and financial crisis in this very special moment when, if we listen to the demagogues, the very idea of Europe should be scrapped, I fear that the alarm applies not only to Hungary, but to the rest of the continent. ... In the Internet age, in this hour in which everyone communicates with everyone and where a Marine Le Pen can be linked, by a taut thread, to an extremist leader in Thuringia, Flanders, Northern Italy or, thus, to a Viktor Orbán, it is not inconceivable that an increasing number of individuals in Europe perceive in this Hungarian laboratory the actualization of their less and less secret plan: undo Europe, get rid of it and, at the same time, get rid of a corset of democratic rules judged, as during the 1930s, unsuitable in times of crisis. ... That is why we expect from Europe, and quickly, words of strong and unequivocal condemnation."
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All available articles from » Bernard-Henri Levy
Népszabadság - Hungary | Thursday, 12. January 2012
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Thursday demanded that the EU Commission justify its plans to institute proceedings against Hungary regarding three cases of treaty violation. Orbán is now utterly isolated, writes the oppositional left-liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Thursday demanded that the EU Commission justify its plans to institute proceedings against Hungary regarding three cases of treaty violation. Orbán is now utterly isolated, writes the oppositional left-liberal daily Népszabadság: "It has taken Viktor Orbán just one and a half years to hit rock bottom. This is not only embarrassing for us, but also for the Western governments who don't know what to make of their former ally. Could the West join forces to topple Orbán? ... Ultimately it did just that with the Italian Berlusconi and the Greek Papandreou, replacing them with predictable and sober technocrats. ... But Hungary is a hard nut to crack: getting rid of a prime minister who's sitting on a two-thirds parliamentary majority is no easy task. Not to mention in a country where the opposition is in a sorry state. ... The EU Commission has now finally threatened to initiate proceedings against Hungary for three treaty violations. In so doing it signals that Orbán's unrestrained concentration of power and his government's unorthodox economic policy are raising serious concerns in Brussels."
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More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Hungary, » Europe
All available articles from » Edit Inotai
Blog Haza és Haladás - Hungary | Monday, 9. January 2012
Hungary's right-wing conservative government is not only determined to cement its grip on power but it also pursues bad policies, writes the former independent prime minister Gordon Najnai on the blog Haza és Haladás run by the Home and Progress Foundation, which he co-founded around a year ago: » more
Hungary's right-wing conservative government is not only determined to cement its grip on power but it also pursues bad policies, writes the former independent prime minister Gordon Najnai on the blog Haza és Haladás run by the Home and Progress Foundation, which he co-founded around a year ago: "After 18 months of Viktor Orbán being in power it is clear that his right-wing conservative government has led Hungary in the opposite direction of all the democratic and economic goals articulated by society after the collapse of communism in 1989/1990. ... In Hungary, a strange synthesis of greed for power, economic incompetence and a cynical perception of society has taken shape. ... The Orbán government has systematically broken the backbone of Hungarian democracy vertebra by vertebra. ... From a practical point of view democracy is basically nothing but the possibility to correct a poor government performance quickly and peacefully. Poor government can manifest as a series of mistakes and wrong decisions on the one hand or the result of an exercising of power that runs contrary to society's interests. We are currently dealing with both. ... Hungarian democracy hasn't experienced a worse combination in twenty years."
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Der Standard - Austria | Wednesday, 11. January 2012
The EU Commission will discuss financial aid for Hungary today, Wednesday, in Copenhagen. The EU should only help the highly indebted country if the right-wing conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán retracts his anti-democratic new laws, the left-liberal daily Der Standard demands: » more
The EU Commission will discuss financial aid for Hungary today, Wednesday, in Copenhagen. The EU should only help the highly indebted country if the right-wing conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán retracts his anti-democratic new laws, the left-liberal daily Der Standard demands: "The EU has so far lacked the means to take action against a country where the government begins to undermine democracy. These are the after-effects of the so-called sanctions against the black-blue [conservative-right-wing populist] government in Austria. It also failed to take action against Italy's Silvio Berlusconi. However the EU is not just an economic union but also a community of values. It is a European issue when fundamental rights and common values are under threat in a member state. So the message should be: economic aid only if Hungary observes EU laws and the rules of democracy. Or in other words the retraction of the contentious laws as a pre-requisite for a cash injection from the Community."
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More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Economic Policy, » Hungary, » Europe
All available articles from » Alexandra Föderl-Schmid
Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Saturday, 7. January 2012
International media have lambasted Hungary's new constitution and its prime minister Viktor Orbán in the past week. The daily Magyar Nemzet believes it knows who the culprits are: » more
International media have lambasted Hungary's new constitution and its prime minister Viktor Orbán in the past week. The daily Magyar Nemzet believes it knows who the culprits are: "It is strange that from New York to Madrid and from Paris to Frankfurt everyone has been preoccupied with the Hungarian constitution, the media law or Viktor Orbán. While the German press unremittingly accused the Orbán government of being a passionate enemy of democracy the television broadcaster ZDF used the Hungarians as a bogeyman to scare German children. ... The usually restrained Le Monde dressed up Orbán in a Nazi uniform, The Times said it wouldn't give the nasty dictator a cent while The Guardian predicted a gloomy future for the country. ... Where are these media getting their information from? ... From the liberal intellectuals here in Hungary who have no power but are feeding the foreign media with peculiar facts. And because 90 percent of the Western media has leftist leanings now we have the answer to the puzzle."
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More from the press review on the subject » Media, » Hungary, » Global
All available articles from » Ágnes Seszták
Main focus of Friday, 6. January 2012
The forint fell to a record low while the yield on Hungarian government bonds peaked on Thursday as a result of the controversy over the ... » more
The forint fell to a record low while the yield on Hungarian government bonds peaked on Thursday as a result of the controversy over the independence of Hungary's central bank. The EU and IMF should only grant the country loans if it revokes its contentious reforms, some commentators write, while for others the only option is for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to stand down.
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Hungary
168 óra - Hungary | Friday, 6. January 2012
To prevent Hungary's economic collapse the head of government Viktor Orbán must resign as quickly as possible, the left-liberal weekly 168 óra concludes: » more
To prevent Hungary's economic collapse the head of government Viktor Orbán must resign as quickly as possible, the left-liberal weekly 168 óra concludes: "As long as Viktor Orbán is in power no one will lift a finger to finance Orbán's system. ... The international financial world has lost its trust in Orbán. For the IMF his arrogant dictates are completely unacceptable, and transatlantic politicians have also written off the Hungarian prime minister. People want to get rid of him, as if he were a dangerous political virus. ... The financial markets have turned their back on Hungary: there will be no more investments and no more loans at acceptable interest rates. The banks, constantly blackmailed by the Orbán government, will freeze all the money. ... Orbán should step down peacefully as long as he still can. If he doesn't Hungary's fate is sealed and the land will face an economic catastrophe."
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More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Economic Policy, » Hungary
All available articles from » Tamás Mészáros
Financial Times Deutschland - Germany | Friday, 6. January 2012
The EU and IMF should only provide highly indebted Hungary with the funds it needs if the Orbán government rolls back its controversial state reforms, writes the business paper Financial Times Deutschland: » more
The EU and IMF should only provide highly indebted Hungary with the funds it needs if the Orbán government rolls back its controversial state reforms, writes the business paper Financial Times Deutschland: "The forint has fallen to a new record low. The state now has to pay almost ten percent interest for one-year bonds, something no country can keep up for long. On top of that Hungary must also repay the financial aid it receives, but has no idea how to do so right now. Normally friends come to the rescue in such emergency situations. But Orbán has put them off big time, with a constitutional reform that distances itself from democracy, the rule of law, the separation of powers and civil rights and places the central bank under the control of the government. ... Money in return for respecting the EU treaties: the EU and IMF are using the right leverage in pushing for a return to independence for the Hungarian National Bank. In fact they should go even further and include the other glaring violations of EU treaties among their demands. That may seem like a radical step, but in view of the limited options for imposing political sanctions it is in fact a pragmatic and effective approach."
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More from the press review on the subject » Crises / War, » EU Policy, » Economic Policy, » Hungary, » Europe
Il Sole 24 Ore - Italy | Friday, 6. January 2012
The yield on Hungarian 10-year government bonds climbed to over ten percent on Thursday. The situation is getting dangerous for Hungary but the EU and IMF should not allow prime minister Viktor Orbán to lead them by the nose, the business paper Il Sole 24 Ore warns: » more
The yield on Hungarian 10-year government bonds climbed to over ten percent on Thursday. The situation is getting dangerous for Hungary but the EU and IMF should not allow prime minister Viktor Orbán to lead them by the nose, the business paper Il Sole 24 Ore warns: "Investors don't trust Hungary. Not even if the government inserts a debt brake into the constitution. They prefer clear rules and demand more flexibility. Hungary has adopted the opposite approach. The law curbing the independence of the National Bank is the best example of this. ... Hungary has isolated itself internationally with its policies. Now the country will ask the EU and IMF for more help. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán knows that the last thing the two institutions needs is another crisis-stricken country and he is counting on that to help him. But one should not play along with his unscrupulous games."
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More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Fiscal Policy, » Financial Markets, » Hungary
All available articles from » Riccardo Sorrentino
Gazeta Wyborcza - Poland | Friday, 6. January 2012
Only if the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán resigns can Hungary be saved from bankruptcy, the liberal daily Gazeta Wyborcza comments: » more
Only if the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán resigns can Hungary be saved from bankruptcy, the liberal daily Gazeta Wyborcza comments: "Orbán's government is trying to save the situation with unconventional methods: by taking money out of the private pension funds, curbing the independence of the central bank and setting a fixed exchange rate for the forint against the Swiss franc. But with these measures it is instead losing the trust of the markets and international organisations. This has proven that having its own currency doesn't protect a country from bankruptcy. Hungary is just one step away from disaster. And it looks like that disaster can only be prevented by the resignation of the Orbán government and the formation of a cross-party government. Such a government might have a chance of restoring the confidence of the markets, the IMF and the European Commission."
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More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Economy, » Hungary
All available articles from » Witold Gadomski
Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Thursday, 5. January 2012
In view of the international condemnation of Hungary's domestic policy the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet warns the government not to lose itself in conspiracy theories: » more
In view of the international condemnation of Hungary's domestic policy the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet warns the government not to lose itself in conspiracy theories: "These days Hungary is enveloped in an icy coldness. We already experienced with the media law what it is like when the Western press launches a general attack on Hungary under the pretext of defending democracy. But the current crossfire goes far beyond the superficial, one-sided and prejudice-laden reporting of individual newspapers. ... The situation is far worse now. While Hungary's room for manoeuvre in foreign policy has shrunk dramatically the European Union and the US have decided to subdue Hungary at all costs. We may pay a heavy price for this. ... It would at the same time be a mistake to believe the whole world is conspiring against us. If we only seek the blame elsewhere we prevent ourselves from looking in the mirror. But we won't be able to spare ourselves this sight!
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More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Media, » Hungary, » Europe, » Global
All available articles from » Gábor Stier
The Times - United Kingdom | Monday, 2. January 2012
Hungary's new constitution, which has met with hefty international criticism, came into effect at the start of the year. With a constitution that threatens the independence of the judiciary Budapest should not receive another cent of EU funding, the liberal-conservative daily The Times writes: » more
Hungary's new constitution, which has met with hefty international criticism, came into effect at the start of the year. With a constitution that threatens the independence of the judiciary Budapest should not receive another cent of EU funding, the liberal-conservative daily The Times writes: "The interference in the justice system, including the dismissal of the former chief judge, a government right to choose which court should hear a case and a new state body to supervise the judicial system, return Hungary to the monopoly of power by the ruling party under which it suffered for more than 40 years. All this is incompatible with EU membership. This must be made bluntly plain to the new autocrats in Budapest. Hungary is currently demanding 20 billion euros in emergency EU help for its struggling economy. Not a cent should be paid while this disgraceful constitution remains in force."
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More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Justice, » Hungary, » Europe
Élet és Irodalom - Hungary | Wednesday, 28. December 2011
In Hungary the third attempt at modernising the country has failed, writes author Péter Nádas in the left-liberal weekly Élet és Irodalom with reference to the policies of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the past twelve months: » more
In Hungary the third attempt at modernising the country has failed, writes author Péter Nádas in the left-liberal weekly Élet és Irodalom with reference to the policies of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the past twelve months: "Despite the considerable achievements of the past 20 years Hungary remains stuck at the same level of development it reached with its two first attempts at modernisation between the mid-19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. ... In the first years of the millennium the development of Hungarian society entered a regressive phase. But even back when communism collapsed it was already clear that although there were committed democrats - albeit surprisingly few of them - Hungarian society lacked a strong democratic tradition and this meant that the Third Republic was doomed to oscillate between the two historical models, the welfare state and authoritarian rule."
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Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Friday, 23. December 2011
The rating agency Standard & Poor's followed Moody's lead on Thursday, also downgrading Hungary's credit rating to junk status. The agencies are driving Hungary to ruin, the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet writes in anger: » more
The rating agency Standard & Poor's followed Moody's lead on Thursday, also downgrading Hungary's credit rating to junk status. The agencies are driving Hungary to ruin, the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet writes in anger: "For the rating agencies there is no God. They care neither about the fate of a people nor their country. All that counts is base money and investors' profits. Standard & Poors didn't even wait for Hungary to sign a so-called precautionary credit agreement with the International Monetary Fund. ... We live in strange times. The bigger a country's problem is and the more credibly the world is informed about its poor credit status, the more expensive it is for the country to obtain the loans it needs from the IMF. ... The French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy is right when he says the rating agencies must themselves be downgraded. Because it makes no sense that organisations may judge over countries without themselves being called to account."
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More from the press review on the subject » Economic Policy, » Economy, » Hungary
All available articles from » Matild Torkos
Wiener Zeitung - Austria | Wednesday, 21. December 2011
The judgement demonstrates that the rule of law still functions in Hungary, writes the state-run liberal daily Wiener Zeitung, praising above all the courage of the president of the Constitutional Court Peter Paczolay: » more
The judgement demonstrates that the rule of law still functions in Hungary, writes the state-run liberal daily Wiener Zeitung, praising above all the courage of the president of the Constitutional Court Peter Paczolay: "One can't just view the court's decision as a last twitch of a constitutional state that is in its death throes. Rather the judges, first and foremost Paczolay, have shown that they take their independence seriously and plan to go on doing so, especially with their express criticism of the Orbán government's modus operandi, which has any laws it wants pushed through parliament. For Hungarians, especially those who have unceasingly protested for political change in the past months - at times more than 100,000 people - it can only come as an incentive not to give up hope for democracy prematurely."
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All available articles from » Karin Rogalska
Népszava - Hungary | Tuesday, 20. December 2011
The ruling on relaxing Hungary's media laws was perhaps the final major decision to be made by the constitutional court, the left-leaning daily Népszava comments: » more
The ruling on relaxing Hungary's media laws was perhaps the final major decision to be made by the constitutional court, the left-leaning daily Népszava comments: "Above all because the court's powers will be drastically reduced from next year and it won't take decisions of this import for the foreseeable future. ... The rejection of several elements of the media law is a welcome development - for example the regulation according to which journalists would have had to reveal their sources would have paved the way for potential curtailment of press freedom, the court claimed. ... Pretty words in as far as they can be believed. ... But let's rejoice while we can. When Hungary's new constitution takes effect on January 1 the constitutional court will no longer have much say anyway."
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More from the press review on the subject » Media policy, » Press freedom, » Hungary
All available articles from » Csaba Markotay
Adevărul - Romania | Wednesday, 21. December 2011
At the European Ice Hockey Challenge last Friday most of the players on the Romanian team sang along when the national anthem of the Hungarian opponent was played. The team consists mostly of Hungarian-speaking Romanians. Prominent Romanian athletes have called for sanctions against those who sung along. Meanwhile the daily Adevărul says the Hungarians' national pride should be an example to the Romanians: » more
At the European Ice Hockey Challenge last Friday most of the players on the Romanian team sang along when the national anthem of the Hungarian opponent was played. The team consists mostly of Hungarian-speaking Romanians. Prominent Romanian athletes have called for sanctions against those who sung along. Meanwhile the daily Adevărul says the Hungarians' national pride should be an example to the Romanians: "There are over 1.4 million Hungarians in Romania and you would be hard put to find one who says the Hungarians are a terrible people. ... By contrast how many Romanians say that of their own people every day? If we don't respect ourselves how can we expect others to do so? ... The truth must be said, no matter how painful it is for the Romanians. And the truth is that the Hungarians have been showing us for 22 years what patriotism and national pride are. We're not talking about the exaggerated extremism of individuals but of those Hungarians who are proud of their history and their country. You can see this at every corner if you travel through Hungary. The cleanliness of the villages, the infrastructure and even the monuments show how they value their history."
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All available articles from » Mălin Bot
Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Wednesday, 21. December 2011
Hungary's constitutional judges have declared interference with the content of media as well as violations of the source protection code unconstitutional. But the judgement will have little impact, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung fears: » more
Hungary's constitutional judges have declared interference with the content of media as well as violations of the source protection code unconstitutional. But the judgement will have little impact, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung fears: "Because the days of the court are counted. On January 1 a new constitution with intricate nationalisms and clericalisms will take effect. It transfers too much power from the legal sphere to the judgement and discretion of the parliamentary majority and government. It reduces the constitutional court's competences and restructures it. ... It is taken for granted that the current ruling will be annulled. That the government and majority will simply ignore it is not to be expected. They only need bring the law virtually unchanged through parliament again - and a renewed suit would probably fail in the new context. Not even a clean judgement can offer stable footing on Hungary's constitutionally potholed terrain, ravaged as it is by power politics."
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All available articles from » Michael Frank
Mediapool.bg - Bulgaria | Friday, 30. December 2011
The consequences of the debt crisis will sweep Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his right-wing conservative party Fidesz from the political stage, the news portal Mediapool writes, listing the political lapses of the head of government: » more
The consequences of the debt crisis will sweep Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his right-wing conservative party Fidesz from the political stage, the news portal Mediapool writes, listing the political lapses of the head of government: "By all appearances Viktor Orbán has already lost the 'war of liberation' he declared on various enemies inside and outside the country at the beginning of his term in office. He categorically refused at the outset to negotiate a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund and introduced additional taxes for multinational corporations. He accused the banks of conspiring against the people, nationalised the private pension funds and laced up the media in a tight corset. ... But the international finance markets were finally able to break through this front by piling pressure not only on the Hungarian currency but also on the large majority of private households that had taken out loans in Swiss francs. ... Fidesz and Orbán have lost their war and destabilised Hungary at a time when the entire European economy is faltering."
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All available articles from » Viktor Dimitrov
Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Saturday, 26. November 2011
The rating agency Moody's lowered Hungary's credit rating to junk status on Thursday. The agency acts in the interests of the speculators, writes the pro-government conservative daily Magyar Nemzet: » more
The rating agency Moody's lowered Hungary's credit rating to junk status on Thursday. The agency acts in the interests of the speculators, writes the pro-government conservative daily Magyar Nemzet: "This was an attack on Hungary's economic independence. ... Because of no more than the purely personal opinions of a small circle of private investors, the forint weakens drastically, the index at the Budapest Stock Exchange plunges and the interest rates that Hungary must pay skyrocket. But theoretically any country could be downgraded on the same grounds which Moody's named for downgrading Hungary. Moody's has simply acted in the interests of those speculators who have been zeroing in on the forint and Hungarian bonds. ... All this could happen because until today no law covers the rating agencies' activities. They never got a contract to rate countries. And they long ago ceased giving investors an orientation. Much more, they carry out the will of an influential financial elite. At any price."
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More from the press review on the subject » Financial Markets, » Economy, » Hungary, » Global
All available articles from » Anna Szabó
Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Wednesday, 23. November 2011
The value of the Swiss franc has risen to the point that hundreds of thousands of Hungarians who took out mortgages in the currency are no longer able to service their debts. This is driving many of them to commit suicide, warns the conservative daily Magyar nemzet: » more
The value of the Swiss franc has risen to the point that hundreds of thousands of Hungarians who took out mortgages in the currency are no longer able to service their debts. This is driving many of them to commit suicide, warns the conservative daily Magyar nemzet: "Every week we hear new reports of the many indebted people who seek to escape the bailiff by resorting to suicide. It is now a well-established pattern that people in debt either leap from the window of their home which is up for forced sale, or they set their house on fire before the bailiff arrives. ... Around a month ago Éva S. forestalled the bailiffs by leaping from the window of her Budapest flat. Her 77-year-old mother pressed charges because in her view her daughter was driven to commit suicide. The bailiff wanted to enter Éva S.'s flat accompanied by the police, but she barred the door. She decided to kill herself when she heard them breaking the lock. Before leaping from the window she wrote a text message to her 21-year-old daughter: 'I love you dearly but I can't take this injustice any longer. Please forgive me!' Éva S. belonged to those whose only possession is the home they live in."
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All available articles from » Zsuzsanna Körmendy
Népszabadság - Hungary | Saturday, 19. November 2011
Under the pressure of the European debt crisis Hungary on Friday initiated talks with the International Monetary Union and the European Union about receiving financial aid. It's high time Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stepped down, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
Under the pressure of the European debt crisis Hungary on Friday initiated talks with the International Monetary Union and the European Union about receiving financial aid. It's high time Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stepped down, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: "The head of government and his loyal supporters have not only undermined the democratic system of institutions and arbitrarily nationalised the private pension funds but also created laws with retrospective effect. ... The government has trampled freedom underfoot. All those commentators who defended the government's measures always used the following argument: this is the price to be paid for bringing the economy up to scratch and achieving economic independence. ... Orbán's project has however been ineffective. The government has therefore weakened the foundations of civic democracy for nothing. Orbán must go."
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All available articles from » Péter Pető
Népszabadság - Hungary | Wednesday, 16. November 2011
Several rating agencies have expressed doubts about Hungary's creditworthiness and even expect the country's economic growth to shrink next year. One reason for this are the poor prognoses for Germany, Hungary's main export market, writes the liberal daily Népszbadság: » more
Several rating agencies have expressed doubts about Hungary's creditworthiness and even expect the country's economic growth to shrink next year. One reason for this are the poor prognoses for Germany, Hungary's main export market, writes the liberal daily Népszbadság: "Hungary probably only has enough reserves to service its sovereign debt until mid-2012. So it seems inevitable that it will have to go and beg from the very same IMF the Orbán government aggravated in the summer of 2010. ... Hungary is heading towards economic insolvency and an unclear political situation. ... It can't even be ruled out that Viktor Orbán will throw in the towel as head of government. ... But knowing Orbán as we do he won't give up. He's much more likely to step towards the trenches with his flag held high and urge his remaining supporters to fight a last battle against the vile world of international finances. ... And we will have to stand by and witness all this until the last drop of blood has been drawn."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Monday, 14. November 2011
After the US rating agency Fitch lowered Hungary's credit rating to just one level above junk status on Friday the competing agency Standard & Poor's warned on Saturday that it too may downgrade Hungary. Proof that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's economic policy is a failure, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
After the US rating agency Fitch lowered Hungary's credit rating to just one level above junk status on Friday the competing agency Standard & Poor's warned on Saturday that it too may downgrade Hungary. Proof that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's economic policy is a failure, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: "While the Orbán government is forecasting economic growth of 1.5 percent for 2012, Brussels is expecting growth of just 0.5 percent (and some experts at home even estimate the economy will shrink by three to four percent). ... In view of pressure to lower the public debt, the 2012 budget will focus on austerity. As a result there will be insufficient financial resources to crank up Hungary's economic motor. ... The financing of the Hungarian economy through the free market - on which the Orbán government has been insisting since its falling out with the IMF - looks increasingly problematic."
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More from the press review on the subject » Economic Policy, » Economy, » Hungary
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Blog Törökgáborelemez - Hungary | Wednesday, 2. November 2011
The Hungarian party system was long considered to be especially stable after the fall of communism but is now in a state of turmoil, political scientist Gábor Török explains in his blog Törökgáborelemez: » more
The Hungarian party system was long considered to be especially stable after the fall of communism but is now in a state of turmoil, political scientist Gábor Török explains in his blog Törökgáborelemez: "Four, eight or ten years ago it would have been no great feat to predict that in the next elections the two top places would go to the current ruling party Fidesz and the Socialists (MSZP). Nowadays it is an art. ... While during the 1990s almost everywhere else in Central Eastern Europe new formations emerged and took power, here in Hungary two parties reigned supreme for almost a decade and a half. Although a large part of the voters always talked of being disappointed and disillusioned, from election to election Fidesz and the MSZP gained an increasingly large proportion of the active electorate between them (1998: 62, 2002: 83, 2006: 85 percent). The 2010 elections clearly broke with this trend, with the MSZO suffering a crushing defeat and plunging into a crisis, and on top of that two new parties winning seats in parliament, the far-right party Jobbik and the green party LMP. ... The recent founding of two new parties in the left-liberal camp shows once more that Hungary's party system is changing radically."
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All available articles from » Gábor Török
Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Monday, 24. October 2011
In Budapest several left-leaning organisations held a rally on Sunday attended by some 100,000 people to protest against the right-wing conservative government of Viktor Orbán. In the eyes of the government affiliated conservative daily Magyar Nemzet these panic-mongers have no political clout: » more
In Budapest several left-leaning organisations held a rally on Sunday attended by some 100,000 people to protest against the right-wing conservative government of Viktor Orbán. In the eyes of the government affiliated conservative daily Magyar Nemzet these panic-mongers have no political clout: "What the speakers and the participants had to say at this rally was limited to depicting the politics of the current government as anti-democratic. It represents, they claim, not just a danger for the Republic but also for the freedom of the individual. One of the speakers eloquently argued that the government was heading towards despotism. The only break in the tirade of naked, unjustified hate and general discontent was a little song sung at the beginning of the rally. Again and again the demonstrators chanted 'Go away, Orbán!' and 'We don't like this system!. However they didn't really get their message across. To be sure there were many thousands of protesters at the demonstration. But nowhere near enough to topple the government and usher in political change."
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Népszava - Hungary | Wednesday, 12. October 2011
After the victory of the liberal-conservative Civic Platform (PO) in Poland's parliamentary elections Jarosłav Kaczyński, the leading candidate of the defeated national-conservative Law and Justice Party (PiS), has defiantly proclaimed that the day will come when Warsaw is like Budapest. The left-leaning daily Népszava hopes for its part that the day will come when Budapest is like Warsaw: » more
After the victory of the liberal-conservative Civic Platform (PO) in Poland's parliamentary elections Jarosłav Kaczyński, the leading candidate of the defeated national-conservative Law and Justice Party (PiS), has defiantly proclaimed that the day will come when Warsaw is like Budapest. The left-leaning daily Népszava hopes for its part that the day will come when Budapest is like Warsaw: "Kaczyński represents the Polish version of Orbánism. ... The Kaczyński twins Jarosłav und Lech won the elections back then thanks to the fact that religious fundamentalism and all kinds of radical trends backed them. As long as they were a team in power they were criticised by Europe and the international community even more harshly than Orbán today. ... Their programme was as aggressive and unrealistic as Orbán's and perhaps even a shade more repulsive. ... After the Kaczyński's were voted out of office in 2007 Poland's international partners heaved a sigh of relief. ... The same thing will happen with the Orbán government. Anyone who has any sense of democracy at all will warmly welcome Orbán's inevitable defeat one day."
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All available articles from » Tibor Várkonyi
Népszabadság - Hungary | Tuesday, 4. October 2011
The chief public prosecutor's office in Budapest announced on Monday that Hungarian ex-prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsány has been charged with abuse of power in a scandal involving the construction of a casino. The left-liberal daily Népszabadság suspects the ruling party Fidesz of using the charges to settle old political scores: » more
The chief public prosecutor's office in Budapest announced on Monday that Hungarian ex-prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsány has been charged with abuse of power in a scandal involving the construction of a casino. The left-liberal daily Népszabadság suspects the ruling party Fidesz of using the charges to settle old political scores: "It basically doesn't matter what the affair is about. ... The only thing that counts is the fact that the ruling party Fidesz and in particular Prime Minister Viktor Orbán now have the opportunity to present the public with a political opponent being led away in chains or at least being made to give evidence in court. ... We can only repeat: the conservative government's unremitting attempts to stigmatise its political opponents and put them behind bars are completely undermining the legal system of the Third Republic of Hungary."
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All available articles from » Róbert Friss
Blog Törökgáborelemez - Hungary | Tuesday, 27. September 2011
According to the election polls, Hungary's right-wing extremist parliamentary party Jobbik is currently neck to neck with the strongest opposition party so far, the socialist MSZP party. Political scientist Gábor Török suspects in his blog Törökgáborelemez that Jobbik is already a lot stronger and will continue to gain support: » more
According to the election polls, Hungary's right-wing extremist parliamentary party Jobbik is currently neck to neck with the strongest opposition party so far, the socialist MSZP party. Political scientist Gábor Török suspects in his blog Törökgáborelemez that Jobbik is already a lot stronger and will continue to gain support: "Given the reluctance of many of its voters to openly display their party preferences it is quite possible that Jobbik is already the second-strongest political force in Hungary. Moreover, the autumn promises to be a success story for the party: in times of economic difficulties the loss of political credibility and the resulting dramatic rise in weariness with politics, the extreme right-wing Jobbik party is most likely to appeal to disillusioned voters. ... In this situation Jobbik could well become the political force with whom those voters who have been disappointed by Viktor Orbán's government or see their livelihoods at stake seek refuge."
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All available articles from » Gábor Török
Népszabadság - Hungary | Wednesday, 14. September 2011
The Hungarian parliament on Monday revoked the immunity of former prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsány. The socialist MP is facing charges of abuse of office, for allegedly influencing a dubious property exchange deal years ago when head of government. The right-wing conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is launching a new battle, concludes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság, which is critical of the current government: » more
The Hungarian parliament on Monday revoked the immunity of former prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsány. The socialist MP is facing charges of abuse of office, for allegedly influencing a dubious property exchange deal years ago when head of government. The right-wing conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is launching a new battle, concludes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság, which is critical of the current government: "If they bring charges against him they will start a war, and as Carl von Clausewitz tells us, war is nothing but the continuation of politics by other means. Who will end it, we don't know, but it will hardly be Viktor Orbán. Orbán is namely the embodiment of permanent battle. And even if he wins a battle he will soon start looking for a new enemy because peace is not his cup of tea. ... Sooner or later someone will wrestle him to the ground and then he and his people will be called to account, for they themselves set the precedent and created the moral and legal basis for such a scenario. ... The action against the former prime minister is at any rate absurd."
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All available articles from » Gábor Horváth
Die Presse - Austria | Tuesday, 13. September 2011
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday announced partial debt relief for Hungarian borrowers, the costs of which are to be borne by the banks in question. Many Hungarians have been unable to service their mortgages with foreign banks as a result of the strength of the Swiss franc. The liberal-conservative daily Die Presse is outraged: » more
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday announced partial debt relief for Hungarian borrowers, the costs of which are to be borne by the banks in question. Many Hungarians have been unable to service their mortgages with foreign banks as a result of the strength of the Swiss franc. The liberal-conservative daily Die Presse is outraged: "Certain principles should be respected: those of the market, of property and of free contracts. The right thing to do is to sit down with the banks and work out extensions to the terms of payment, so as to find a common solution for the borrowers and the banks. But Orbán has nothing but disdain for such civilised behaviour. He acts with the fury of a despot: the exchange rate is set by decree, foreign firms must bleed. If it comes to that, [the banks] Erste Group and Raiffeisen will have lost a battle, but Hungary will lose the war. Because no one will put their money in a country that turns its back on the rule of law, and where investors must reckon with arbitrary decisions at any time."
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More from the press review on the subject » Consumers, » Economic Policy, » Banks, » Hungary, » Austria
All available articles from » Karl Gaulhofer
Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Friday, 9. September 2011
In view of Hungary's huge budget gap, Economics Minister György Matolcsy wants to impose a 35 percent sales tax on luxury items. The right-wing conservative daily Magyar Nemzet welcomes the plan but points to potential obstacles: » more
In view of Hungary's huge budget gap, Economics Minister György Matolcsy wants to impose a 35 percent sales tax on luxury items. The right-wing conservative daily Magyar Nemzet welcomes the plan but points to potential obstacles: "If you want to introduce a 35 percent tax on luxury goods in Hungary you have to go to Brussels or write a letter to the EU Commissioner for Taxation Algirdas Semeta, to win him over to the idea. He might then be able to convince the European Commission to approve the socially-just proposal. ... We can only hope people in Brussels will also be quick to see that in the name of social justice, the consumption items on the part of the wealthy must be subject to standardised taxation. This would be necessary above all to procure funds for the social reintegration of the poor classes. Consumers of luxury items should not be allowed to shirk their responsibility anywhere in the EU, and must do their bit for a just society."
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All available articles from » Matild Torkos
Pravda - Slovakia | Friday, 9. September 2011
Hungary's right-wing conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Thursday that Hungarians living abroad will in future be entitled to participate in the Hungarian parliamentary elections. This step by the governing party will put enormous strain on relations with Slovakia, the leftist daily Pravda writes: » more
Hungary's right-wing conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Thursday that Hungarians living abroad will in future be entitled to participate in the Hungarian parliamentary elections. This step by the governing party will put enormous strain on relations with Slovakia, the leftist daily Pravda writes: "For our relations with our neighbouring countries, where large Hungarian minorities live, but particularly for our relations with Slovakia this is an unprecedented act. Perhaps now our lethargic diplomats will finally rouse themselves. The current situation negates the statements according to which everything is fine in Hungary's relations with Slovakia. For [ruling party] Fidesz, the idea of consolidating its own power by giving fellow countrymen voting rights may be tempting, but from the Slovakian point of view it's entirely unacceptable. It's time to ask what comes after dual citizenship and voting rights for Hungarians living abroad."
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More from the press review on the subject » Minorities, » EU neighbourhood policy, » Elections, » Hungary, » Slovakia
All available articles from » Marián Repa
Magyar Hírlap - Hungary | Thursday, 25. August 2011
Hungary's economy is stagnating and will presumably continue to do so well into the next year. Disillusionment is rife and people have lost all faith in themselves and the future, writes the pro-government daily Magyar Hirlap: » more
Hungary's economy is stagnating and will presumably continue to do so well into the next year. Disillusionment is rife and people have lost all faith in themselves and the future, writes the pro-government daily Magyar Hirlap: "For three years everything has been going to pieces. Every speck of dynamism is being swallowed up by a feeling of hopelessness, and the entire country is slowly falling into a state of paralysis. Like an old computer that has crashed and always shows the same image. ... There is simply no money in this country. Anyone who had any took it abroad long ago. The little money that has remained here is being stowed away under mattresses. ... It is by no means clear that the anticipated recovery has failed to materialise owing to mistakes made by the government. Rather it's much more the case that something has snapped in people's minds. The country has lost its faith: the belief that it's worth it to take the initiative and build a new house, start a new company or have a child."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Thursday, 18. August 2011
According to figures put out by Germany's Federal Statistical Office, the German economy stagnated in the second quarter of this year. That's bad news for Hungary, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság, because the country is highly dependent on the German economy: » more
According to figures put out by Germany's Federal Statistical Office, the German economy stagnated in the second quarter of this year. That's bad news for Hungary, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság, because the country is highly dependent on the German economy: "All those who expected dynamic growth from the Hungarian economy are in for a bitter shock: economic expansion here is practically at a standstill. In view of the Viktor Orbán government's plans to reduce debt and the budget deficit, the shrinking capacities of our traditional export markets - especially Germany - could by have catastrophic consequences. ... Hungarian industry produces largely for export and is mostly in foreign hands. If it doesn't pick up soon (and unfortunately it's not picking up), things will look dire for our country. It suffices to point out that the German energy giant Eon is on the verge of cutting 11,000 jobs because its sales figures have sunk dramatically here (as well as elsewhere)."
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All available articles from » Endre Aczél
Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Friday, 5. August 2011
Hungary's conservative right-wing government announced on Tuesday that it wants to take previous governments from 2002 to 2010 to court for their "irresponsible" economic policies. ... » more
Hungary's conservative right-wing government announced on Tuesday that it wants to take previous governments from 2002 to 2010 to court for their "irresponsible" economic policies. Magyar Nemzet, a conservative daily with close government ties, explains why this is necessary. "On the one hand [the ruling party] Fidesz wants to satisfy society's impatient expectations, on the other it has to fend off criticism from the Left which is accusing it of undermining democracy and the constitutional state." ... When it comes to political crimes there can be no mercy. The first government after the fall of communism got a grip on the devastating legacy of actually existing socialism and the brutal state debt which it caused primarily by privatising state assets. These efforts, which demanded great sacrifices by society, were then annulled by the socialists when they came into power in 2002. ... A trial would certainly not be a return to the 1950s, instead it would be adopting the practice of mature democracies."
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Index - Hungary | Thursday, 4. August 2011
The strong growth of the Swiss franc means that many European households can no longer service their loans taken out in the currency. The Hungarian journalist Albert Gazda writes in the news portal Index about his own experience with taking out a loan in Swiss francs: » more
The strong growth of the Swiss franc means that many European households can no longer service their loans taken out in the currency. The Hungarian journalist Albert Gazda writes in the news portal Index about his own experience with taking out a loan in Swiss francs: "I was able to buy an apartment several years ago with the help of a franc loan. Before the crisis the franc was worth 170 forints. Who could have guessed at that time that the exchange rate would climb to 250 forints in August 2011? ... Since then my monthly instalments have risen by around 50 percent. Luckily I have work and an income. I pay my instalments as punctually as an army officer. ... But not everyone can do the same. More than ten percent of those who have taken out loans in francs can't pay them back. If things go on the number will only increase, because ten percent is just the beginning."
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All available articles from » Albert Gazda
Der Standard - Austria | Wednesday, 3. August 2011
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wants to sue his predecessors retroactively for their debt-raising policies. The EU must stop ignoring Orban's authoritarian behaviour, writes the left-liberal daily Der Standard: » more
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wants to sue his predecessors retroactively for their debt-raising policies. The EU must stop ignoring Orban's authoritarian behaviour, writes the left-liberal daily Der Standard: "The crude methods and outright violence of the mid-20th century can't be repeated in today's Europe, even Viktor Orbán knows that. Instead he wants a legal putsch, a directed democracy in which his opponents are not murdered but muzzled, and if necessary jailed under false pretences. ... Hungary lacks Russia's raw materials and China's industry. For that reason Orbán's attempt to copy a Russian-Chinese model is doomed to failure. Does the EU want to wait for Orbán to make it a scapegoat for this? There's nothing for it, Orbán's regime is incompatible with the European Union. It's time to accept this reality and work out a strategy. The time for turning a blind eye has ended."
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More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » EU neighbourhood policy, » Hungary
All available articles from » Hans Rauscher
Népszabadság - Hungary | Wednesday, 3. August 2011
The spokesman for the Hungarian government, Péter Szijjártó, has announced that politicians of the former social-liberal coalition will be held to account for the rise in Hungary's public debt from 53 to 80 percent of the GDP between 2002 and 2010. This is a feeble attempt to take revenge on political opponents, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
The spokesman for the Hungarian government, Péter Szijjártó, has announced that politicians of the former social-liberal coalition will be held to account for the rise in Hungary's public debt from 53 to 80 percent of the GDP between 2002 and 2010. This is a feeble attempt to take revenge on political opponents, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: "Some crisis-ridden EU countries might even envy Hungary for this rise in the national debt. By comparison: between 2008 and 2011 Ireland's public debt rose from 44 to 112 percent of GDP, Greece's from 110 to 157 percent and Spain's from 39 to 68 percent. ... Britain's national debt climbed from 43 to 76 percent in just three years, while France's has risen from 57 to almost 90 percent since 2002. ... Why did policy makers in these countries fail to act when they should have? According to Péter Szijjártó's logic, these countries' politicians also belong behind bars."
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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - Germany | Wednesday, 3. August 2011
Hungary may be deeply in debt but this doesn't give Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the right to put his predecessors on trial, writes the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: » more
Hungary may be deeply in debt but this doesn't give Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the right to put his predecessors on trial, writes the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: "When Orbán's spokesman describes the policies of the former governments as 'political crimes' this reveals a way of thinking that only the very charitable can reconcile with democracy. The policies of his predecessors may have been erroneous, and even reckless, but whatever they did, at that point it wasn't punishable by law. And because in a state based on the rule of law the retroactive effect is forbidden, Viktor Orbán should resist the temptation to reintroduce political justice."
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Komment - Hungary | Wednesday, 20. July 2011
Politics and truth have always been in conflict, according to historian Gábor Megadja at the opinion portal Komment.hu. He looks at why politicians always lie: » more
Politics and truth have always been in conflict, according to historian Gábor Megadja at the opinion portal Komment.hu. He looks at why politicians always lie: "We tend to see the lie as something despicable. There is nothing more insulting than describing someone as a liar. This is linked to how we see politics: politics and truth are diametrically opposed. Politics is seen as a more or less sublimated form of the lie. The politician lies out of calculated interest, he doesn't want to lose power. ... The advantage of the lie over the truth is that truth is 'despotic' and apodictic, whereas the lie is flexible. Because politics is arbitrary and free, everything in it can also be other than it is at any given time. Politics can set new things in motion and change them them constantly. For this reason the lie is 'more political' than the truth. ... It is in the nature of politics to want to treat everything with the same flexibility as it does the future."
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Hospodárske noviny - Slovakia | Tuesday, 19. July 2011
A Hungarian court of first instance has acquitted a suspected war criminal for lack of evidence. The judgement was met with ecstatic cries of joy from the right-wing extremists present in the courtroom. This prompts journalist Arpád Soltész to comment in the Slovak business paper Hospodárske noviny on the growing popularity of the radical right: » more
A Hungarian court of first instance has acquitted a suspected war criminal for lack of evidence. The judgement was met with ecstatic cries of joy from the right-wing extremists present in the courtroom. This prompts journalist Arpád Soltész to comment in the Slovak business paper Hospodárske noviny on the growing popularity of the radical right: "A representative of the far right Jobbik party has just been elected mayor of the Gyöngyöspata municipality. Uniformed extremists had been marching around for months there ahead of the election, spreading fear and terror among the local Roma. No one expects a Jobbik mayor to calm the situation. ... But increasingly Nazi Hungary is not the result of a special national mentality but the consequence of problems that have gone unsolved for too long. It's easy to be tolerant when you see Roma camps only when you pass by in your car but more difficult when you live in close proximity to a large, anti-social community. We can turn our backs in disgust on the Hungarians but our own unsolved problems will catch up with us in the end. If the democratic elite doesn't find a civilised solution soon a frustrated majority will choose solutions that have nothing to do with democracy."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Saturday, 9. July 2011
The Hungarian state broadcasting company has announced that it will axe around 1,000 jobs to cut costs. The BBC also has to cut costs, but there's a major difference here, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
The Hungarian state broadcasting company has announced that it will axe around 1,000 jobs to cut costs. The BBC also has to cut costs, but there's a major difference here, writes the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: "The state media in the UK won't suffer a bit from the measures. No one is being fired. The BBC's operations are guaranteed through radio and TV licence fees. ... This is not the case in Hungary: the media world has never witnessed a more idiotic move than the abolition of radio and TV licence fees here. ... While the BBC's cuts involve closing down some of its stations, none of our stations are being taken off the air. The BBC's cost-cutting model is transparent, whereas all we can see is that the directors, editors and employees of stations that exist and will continue to exist are being fired one after another. This approach is as damaging as it is humiliating, and quite obviously not economically but politically motivated."
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Helsingin Sanomat - Finland | Friday, 8. July 2011
Hungary's right-wing conservative government has been repeatedly criticised in recent months. If the domestic political structures and ways of thinking don't change radically, Hungarian democracy will be in serious danger, writes the retired economics professor Urpo Kivikari in the liberal daily Helsingin Sanomat: » more
Hungary's right-wing conservative government has been repeatedly criticised in recent months. If the domestic political structures and ways of thinking don't change radically, Hungarian democracy will be in serious danger, writes the retired economics professor Urpo Kivikari in the liberal daily Helsingin Sanomat: "The speech delivered by Prime Minister Orbán in front of a large audience to mark the Hungarian national holiday on March 15 made it clear that there are sources of friction. He noted that Hungary did not tolerate any interference from Moscow in its affairs between 1956 and 1990 and would not bow to Brussels' dictates now. The way he equated Brussels with Moscow as a threat to Hungarian sovereignty came as a shock. And coming from the premier of a country currently holding the EU presidency these harsh words against Brussels were astonishing. ... It is to be hoped that EU membership will protect the young democracies of Central Europe from bad relapses. In Hungary's case at any rate, the advance - or decline - of democracy depends much more on Hungary itself than on the EU."
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Népszava - Hungary | Thursday, 7. July 2011
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk takes over the rotating EU presidency from Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán on Friday. For the left-leaning anti-government daily Népszava the contrast between Orbán and Tusk couldn't be greater: » more
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk takes over the rotating EU presidency from Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán on Friday. For the left-leaning anti-government daily Népszava the contrast between Orbán and Tusk couldn't be greater: "Péter Szijjártó, the spokesman for the Hungarian leader, said yesterday: 'Everyone in Strasbourg knew that the Hungarian EU presidency was a complete success.' If we rate it as a success that in the debate about the Hungarian presidency not all those who voiced their opinion were critical of the Hungarian prime minister, then we can accept Szijjártó's statement. However we would like to give him a piece of advice. He should take a look at how Donald Tusk conducted himself in Strasbourg. The Polish head of government didn't see the members of the European Parliament as enemies. He didn't smile cynically when someone said something he didn't like. And he delivered a speech that was well received by all, we repeat all the party leaders, whether they represented right-wing or left-wing parties."
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Magyar Narancs - Hungary | Friday, 1. July 2011
The right-wing conservative government in Hungary introduced a flat tax of 16 percent at the beginning of the year. The tax places an additional burden on the majority of the population, writes the left-liberal weekly Magyar Narancs, taking stock of its impact so far: » more
The right-wing conservative government in Hungary introduced a flat tax of 16 percent at the beginning of the year. The tax places an additional burden on the majority of the population, writes the left-liberal weekly Magyar Narancs, taking stock of its impact so far: "2011 wasn't exactly the optimal time for Hungary to decide to introduce a flat tax. The government was facing the task of re-balancing the budget while at the same time boosting the economy. ... It had hoped that the flat tax would bring it political, budgetary and employment advantages and improve the attitude to paying tax. It's obvious that the political expectations have been dashed against reality: the flat tax works to the disadvantage of three-quarters of Hungary's taxpayers while it only benefits that fifth of the population that belongs to the upper middle class and the superrich. In other European countries the opposite has been done: among the measures aimed at coping with the crisis the tax burden on the wealthy has been increased while that of the less wealthy has been reduced."
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Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Thursday, 30. June 2011
Taking stock of the Hungarian EU Council presidency which ends today, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung draws a parallel to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Domestically a fright, the country has done top-notch work for the EU, the paper comments: » more
Taking stock of the Hungarian EU Council presidency which ends today, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung draws a parallel to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Domestically a fright, the country has done top-notch work for the EU, the paper comments: "Croatia's accession ... has progressed apace, as has the Roma initiative. The country can't be held up as a model for the 27 governments of the Union - it could have pushed ahead with a muscular European support and integration programme. Still, Budapest was able to put the precarious existence of the largest continental minority on the agenda for community-wide reflection. Leaving aside Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's heated outbreak in front of the European Parliament, Dr. Jekyll has distinguished himself with a first-rate EU presidency. ... The other face of the past half-year: with a two-thirds majority, Orbán's right-wing nationalist ruling party Fidesz has spared no time in making Hungary a bastion of its self-interest."
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Komment - Hungary | Wednesday, 29. June 2011
Hungary's Foreign Minister János Martonyi has given a positive account in Brussels of Hungary's EU Council presidency, which ends tomorrow. But journalist Miklós Tallián takes a different view on the opinion portal Komment, criticising the Orbán government's lacking will to cooperate: » more
Hungary's Foreign Minister János Martonyi has given a positive account in Brussels of Hungary's EU Council presidency, which ends tomorrow. But journalist Miklós Tallián takes a different view on the opinion portal Komment, criticising the Orbán government's lacking will to cooperate: "First we should examine Hungary's political stance. Before its EU presidency began - and even during it - voices could repeatedly be heard calling for independence from the EU and other Western institutions. ... Hungary's government has done everything it could to avoid receiving help from Hungary's allies, the European Union and other Western organisations. Disregarding the European decision-making mechanisms, Hungary repeatedly attempted to impose its will on countries that are more powerful economically and diplomatically. ... It's difficult to successfully carry through an EU presidency with this attitude. If Hungary is so opposed to the EU, the EU will respond accordingly."
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Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Tuesday, 28. June 2011
Around 100,000 Hungarians living outside their home country have received Hungarian citizenship since last year, a spokesman for the right-wing conservative government of Viktor Orbán announced on Monday. The conservative daily Magyar Nemzet, which has close ties to the government, expresses its delight that the Hungarian population is growing once more thanks to the new citizenship law passed a year ago: » more
Around 100,000 Hungarians living outside their home country have received Hungarian citizenship since last year, a spokesman for the right-wing conservative government of Viktor Orbán announced on Monday. The conservative daily Magyar Nemzet, which has close ties to the government, expresses its delight that the Hungarian population is growing once more thanks to the new citizenship law passed a year ago: "Today it is enough for a person to have Hungarian ancestors. ... The interest in the simplified nationalisation procedures is undiminished. A good example of this is the Hungarian consulate in the Romanian city of Cluj Napoca. Applicants have to wait until May 2012 for an appointment. ... In another Romanian city, Miercurea Ciuc, tears come to your eyes when you look at the Hungarian consulate's guest book there: a brand new Hungarian citizen talks of it being the 'happiest day' of his life. ... At long last we have a year in which the Hungarian population has grown instead of shrinking."
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Népszava - Hungary | Wednesday, 22. June 2011
The right-wing conservative government in Hungay has appointed five new Constitutional Court judges, including the member of the government István Balsai. To be eligible for such a post one must have no party affiliations and have practised law for 20 years. Balsai meets neither of these conditions, the left-wing daily Népszava notes: » more
The right-wing conservative government in Hungay has appointed five new Constitutional Court judges, including the member of the government István Balsai. To be eligible for such a post one must have no party affiliations and have practised law for 20 years. Balsai meets neither of these conditions, the left-wing daily Népszava notes: "István Balsai has once more put the press in its place, this time rightly so. It was assumed (falsely as we now discover) on the basis of his public (parliamentary) career that he practised as a lawyer between 1974 and 1990. After that he went into politics. But Balsai has already corrected this error. In fact, he has made it clear, he has 30 years of legal practice under his belt. ... It would be good to know when he was active as a lawyer after 1990, parallel to his activity as a member of parliament (clearly on the side). ... But in the end that's irrelevant. ... Because the main thing is that he's a loyal servant of the ruling party."
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Népszava - Hungary | Wednesday, 15. June 2011
Hungary's right-wing conservative government on Tuesday published the new appointments to the country's Constitutional Court, which has been enlarged from eleven to fifteen members. The government-critical daily Népszava writes that this is the end of Hungary's independent Constitutional Court: » more
Hungary's right-wing conservative government on Tuesday published the new appointments to the country's Constitutional Court, which has been enlarged from eleven to fifteen members. The government-critical daily Népszava writes that this is the end of Hungary's independent Constitutional Court: "Deserving women and men will be appointed by the ruling party Fidesz, or better, by the wise leader Viktor Orbán in person, as new judges on the Constitutional Court. But the powers of the court have already been massively curtailed, and it has been stripped of its key competences. But my God, that's just the way it is with our know-it-all government. ... The new judges on the Constitutional Court are a bunch of political mercenaries loyal to the government. ... All those who sit on the Constitutional Court today ... are helping to maintain the appearance that there still is such a thing as a constitutional court in Hungary. But from now on there is no such thing."
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Komment - Hungary | Sunday, 1. May 2011
The Hungarian parliament on Monday limited the scope of action for far-right militias who act aggressively towards the Roma. The rise of paramilitary organisations is a consequence of the state's own mistakes, writes journalist Miklós Tallián on the opinion portal Komment: » more
The Hungarian parliament on Monday limited the scope of action for far-right militias who act aggressively towards the Roma. The rise of paramilitary organisations is a consequence of the state's own mistakes, writes journalist Miklós Tallián on the opinion portal Komment: "For decades the state has shirked its responsibility to take action against petty crime, which is a logical consequence of the ghettoisation of the Roma. This has inevitably led to self-defence measures, and in the worst cases to people taking the law into their own hands. It's obvious that this undermines the rule of law, but in the present situation self-defence is a natural reaction. If the state fails in its duty to prevent and fight crime, others will necessarily take matters into their own hands. … This is, I repeat, not legal, but entirely understandable in view of the lack of public order."
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Blog A Europa desalinhada - Portugal | Tuesday, 19. April 2011
The constitution adopted by Hungary on Monday is the preliminary highpoint of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's "national revolution". Writing for Blog A Europa desalinhada, Róbert Friss sees this reissue of 19th century ideas as a danger for the country: » more
The constitution adopted by Hungary on Monday is the preliminary highpoint of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's "national revolution". Writing for Blog A Europa desalinhada, Róbert Friss sees this reissue of 19th century ideas as a danger for the country: "This constitution is the product of a legitimate governing power, namely the dictatorship of a parliamentary majority. Yet it is so anachronistic that we must look back to a 19th century thinker, Tocqueville, to understand the following: the dictatorship of the majority is a wandering threat for the community. This majority has mixed up the concepts 'people' and 'nation' and is sacrificing both at the altar of the power struggle. When it sees fit to do so it puts the people (i.e. the nation in the 19th century sense of the word) above the state, cites this and builds up a stronger state which can only be good for the people, the nation. It sees the state (that represents everyone's interests) as a construct that can be imposed on the community of citizens from above. It turns its back on European tradition and creates the conditions for authoritarian politics."
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Sme - Slovakia | Tuesday, 19. April 2011
The new Hungarian constitution is not based on the will of the majority, writes the liberal daily Sme: » more
The new Hungarian constitution is not based on the will of the majority, writes the liberal daily Sme: "The adoption of the constitution put a symbolic end to the year-long seismic shift in the Hungarian political landscape. With its two-thirds majority Fidesz has turned the constitutional foundation of the state inside out. According to former president László Sólyom, who is among the most respected experts on constitutional law, the country has taken a big step backwards although it remains a European democracy. ... In a democracy, even a qualified majority requires a broad consensus. Certainly, Orbán invited the opposition - and even the citizens - to make suggestions, but that was nothing but a farce. It is doubtful that this kind of revolution reflects the will of the majority of Hungarians."
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Magyar Nemzet - Hungary | Tuesday, 19. April 2011
Hungary's new constitution enjoys broad public support, writes the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet, which has close ties to the government: » more
Hungary's new constitution enjoys broad public support, writes the conservative daily Magyar Nemzet, which has close ties to the government: "The radical criticism that has been levelled at the new constitution and the constitutional assembly is barely justified. Instead of using sensible arguments the critics of the new constitution have churned out the same radical phrases again and again. ... For certain, the constitution was passed by a party alliance [Fidesz-KDNP]. However this alliance represents [with its two-thirds majority] a broad societal basis that is without precedent in Hungary's history. ... For the first time in Hungary's history a constitution has been drafted in a way that is democratic beyond all doubt."
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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - Germany | Tuesday, 19. April 2011
The constitution drafted by Hungary's conservative government will form the basis for efficient politics, the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung notes approvingly: » more
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."
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La Repubblica - Italy | Tuesday, 19. April 2011
Europe is not interested in Hungary's new constitution and is thereby ignoring a violation of constitutional principles, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica writes: » more
Europe is not interested in Hungary's new constitution and is thereby ignoring a violation of constitutional principles, the left-liberal daily La Repubblica writes: "God, the fatherland and national pride. The state defines itself in national and ethical terms and no longer as a republic. Less power for the constitutional court, more power for the government over the judiciary and the media. The authoritarian Europe of the 1920s and 1930s is apparently making a comeback in the shape of the new constitution of a country that currently holds the rotating EU presidency and is a member of Nato. And the EU, which imposed sanctions against Austria when Jörg Haider obtained seats in the Viennese parliament even though no laws were changed, today remains silent. With the new constitution adopted by the Hungarian parliament at the behest of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Europe is moving away from the fundamental values of the constitutional state."
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168 óra - Hungary | Friday, 15. April 2011
The right-wing conservative parliamentary majority in Hungary plans to adopt a highly controversial new constitution on Monday. The text of the draft constitution reflects dilettantism and greed for power, writes journalist Tamás Mészáros in the left-liberal weekly 168 óra: » more
The right-wing conservative parliamentary majority in Hungary plans to adopt a highly controversial new constitution on Monday. The text of the draft constitution reflects dilettantism and greed for power, writes journalist Tamás Mészáros in the left-liberal weekly 168 óra: "The ruling parties, caught up in a law-making frenzy as a result of the alleged 'constitutional imperative', have passed around 150 amendments this week alone in the run-up to the adoption of the new constitution. And in the midst of all this needless haste they actually expect the citizens to respect them politically and professionally. They haven't realised that apart from themselves there is not a single expert on constitutional law worth the name either here or abroad who doesn't have doubts about this one-party text collection. The Council of Europe's Venice Commission, as well as individual legal experts, have pointed out that the new constitution curbs citizens' rights. … We can say beyond doubt that the new Hungarian constitution has fallen prey to the desire for power and the amateurism of its creators."
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Galamus - Hungary | Wednesday, 13. April 2011
Thanks to its two-thirds majority in parliament Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government enjoys great power. Sociologist Ference Krémer writes on the left-liberal opinion portal Galamus that ridicule is perhaps the only effective weapon against this power: » more
Thanks to its two-thirds majority in parliament Viktor Orbán's right-wing conservative government enjoys great power. Sociologist Ference Krémer writes on the left-liberal opinion portal Galamus that ridicule is perhaps the only effective weapon against this power: "Political systems that base their relationship with citizens on displays of power and intimidation can rule efficiently as long as they are taken seriously. But once they are exposed to ridicule, the path is open for change. The communist Kádár regime (1957 - 1988) was exposed to ridicule long before the fall of communism in 1989/90. This ridicule increasingly undermined its institutions. Intimidation was - as with the Orbán government - only one of the many instruments of the Kádár regime. Both systems also had in common that they were or are based on trust. The Kádár regime expected its subjects to trust the state party and its good will unconditionally. ... The Orbán system also builds on its citizens' faith in the ruling Fidesz party. ... Laughter, on the other hand, frees people of the beliefs that have been imposed on them, and puts them on an equal footing."
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Heti Világgazdaság - Hungary | Thursday, 7. April 2011
In certain underdeveloped areas of eastern Hungary the extreme right-wing party Jobbik and its paramilitary militias stand in direct rivalry with the police. The publicist Balázs Stépán warns that things could get out of hand in the left-liberal weekly paper Heti Világgazdaság: » more
In certain underdeveloped areas of eastern Hungary the extreme right-wing party Jobbik and its paramilitary militias stand in direct rivalry with the police. The publicist Balázs Stépán warns that things could get out of hand in the left-liberal weekly paper Heti Világgazdaság: "The words that everyone could see coming were officially uttered by the extreme right Jobbik party during an anti-Roma march in the north-eastern town of Hejőszalonta. ... The high-ranking Jobbik politician Árpád Miklós repeatedly stated that the government must come to its senses and strengthen the police. Failing that, 'we will organise ourselves and strip them of their power by force'. ... According to Jobbik, public order has completely broken down in eastern Hungary, the governing Fidesz party has been caught in the nets of civil rights activists and supports the Roma. As a result it can no longer maintain order and protect the Hungarian population, Jobbik claims. ... In the meantime the party speaks not only of 'Gypsy crime' but also of 'Gypsy terror'."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Thursday, 31. March 2011
The debate over the new Hungarian constitution continues. Even the preamble is backward-looking and false, the left-liberal daily Népszabadság comments: » more
The debate over the new Hungarian constitution continues. Even the preamble is backward-looking and false, the left-liberal daily Népszabadság comments: "The main problem with the preamble to the new constitution, entitled the 'National Creed', is that it basically forbids any examination of the past. It is founded on false premises and exclusion. Moreover it builds on all the pipe dreams that have existed for centuries in Hungarians' collective consciousness. Its language is so archaic and out of touch with reality that the generations who grew up after the world war will hardly be able to identify with it. ... It is an admission of our own weakness when we pride ourselves on being a great nation but at the same time ignore the ignominious chapters in our past. We have always had a tendency to do this. This is why we always insist on blaming others when we are confronted with unpleasant aspects of our past."
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Blog Törökgáborelemez - Hungary | Wednesday, 30. March 2011
Hungary's governing Fidesz party has suffered a clear loss in popularity. Whereas the right-wing conservative party won a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections almost a year ago, current opinion polls now put it at just 30 percent. The policies of Viktor Orbán's government have focused too much on symbolic and ideological content, writes political scientist Gábor Török in his blog: » more
Hungary's governing Fidesz party has suffered a clear loss in popularity. Whereas the right-wing conservative party won a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections almost a year ago, current opinion polls now put it at just 30 percent. The policies of Viktor Orbán's government have focused too much on symbolic and ideological content, writes political scientist Gábor Török in his blog: "Originally the government planned to hold its heterogeneous voting base together with a pragmatic, non-ideological policy, and to prevent the political race from being reduced to a fight between two big camps. ... From a strategic point of view such intentions were entirely justified. And in addition the government benefited from the extreme weakness of the Left after the parliamentary elections in 2010. Ultimately however these intentions were thwarted by political steps that redrew traditional lines of support, whether it be over the controversial media law or the new constitution and the accompanying symbolic and ideological debates."
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La Repubblica - Italy | Friday, 18. March 2011
Hungary's national-conservative government has accused the internationally renowned philosopher Ágnes Heller of misappropriating research funding. This is just a pretext aimed at silencing her and other critics, the 81-year-old philosopher writes defending herself in the left-liberal daily La Repubblica: » more
Hungary's national-conservative government has accused the internationally renowned philosopher Ágnes Heller of misappropriating research funding. This is just a pretext aimed at silencing her and other critics, the 81-year-old philosopher writes defending herself in the left-liberal daily La Repubblica: "I am being used as a scapegoat. Why me, who never took even a cent? The accusers make no bones about their motives: I am accused of being a 'liberal philosopher', and in the vocabulary of the new government 'liberal' is synonymous with oppositional, diabolical and anti-patriotic. ... Through me (and six other alleged accomplices) they are trying to criminalise anyone who questions the policies of the Hungarian government. ... The political aim of this criminalisation is to intimidate critical voices, particularly those of philosophers. They want to force the intellectuals to be wary, and so silence them. ... We are witnessing a cultural battle, an offensive by those in power against the intellectuals. The majority of the cultural elite has already been 'eliminated'."
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All available articles from » Ágnes Heller
Blog Törökgáborelemez - Hungary | Tuesday, 15. March 2011
The constitution as amended by the right-wing conservative government of Hungary will be discussed in parliament in the coming week. But aside from the far right no opposition members of parliament will participate in the process. Unfortunate circumstances for adopting a new constitution, writes political scientist Gábor Török in his blog Törökgáborelemez: » more
The constitution as amended by the right-wing conservative government of Hungary will be discussed in parliament in the coming week. But aside from the far right no opposition members of parliament will participate in the process. Unfortunate circumstances for adopting a new constitution, writes political scientist Gábor Török in his blog Törökgáborelemez: "Under the eyes of the media the 263 members of the governing Fidesz and KDNP [Christian Democrats] parties as well as the 46 members of the right-wing Jobbik Party will discuss a document that stands to determine the fate of our country for a long time to come. ... The only counter-arguments will come from a party [jobbik] whose constitutional ideas hark back to the so-called lessons of the Holy Crown of Hungary. ... In the end parliament will pass a constitution that was written and adopted solely by politicians of the governing parties. ... These circumstances are unworthy of a new constitution."
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Népszabadság - Hungary | Saturday, 12. March 2011
The right-wing conservative government of Viktor Orbán has been in power for just under a year. But it's days are already numbered because of its unquenchable thirst for power and stupidity, writes publicist József Debreczeni in the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
The right-wing conservative government of Viktor Orbán has been in power for just under a year. But it's days are already numbered because of its unquenchable thirst for power and stupidity, writes publicist József Debreczeni in the left-liberal daily Népszabadság: "The Orbán regime is caught between two millstones. On the one side is the Western economic world, the investors and financiers - in a word, reality. On the other side is unreality, the government's false promises and the high expectations of the people who are being duped with empty promises. ... The country's leader and his political conglomerate will gradually be ground to dust between these two opposing forces. ... Orbán and his government have already taken so many brutal, unscrupulous steps, they have already broken so many norms and transcended so many borders that they cannot escape the consequences. ... This unchecked hunger for power, this stupid system can not be perpetuated in the long term."
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All available articles from » József Debreczeni
Népszabadság - Hungary | Monday, 21. February 2011
Hungary's right-wing conservative government under Viktor Orbán plans to use its two-thirds parliamentary majority to pass a new constitution in April. To this end it has sent a questionnaire to all Hungarian households. But that's a far cry from actually consulting the people, writes the liberal daily Népszabadság: » more
Hungary's right-wing conservative government under Viktor Orbán plans to use its two-thirds parliamentary majority to pass a new constitution in April. To this end it has sent a questionnaire to all Hungarian households. But that's a far cry from actually consulting the people, writes the liberal daily Népszabadság: "A quick glance at the twelve questions is enough to see that the government is not consulting the people for advice, but merely wants to have them bless its own concept for a constitution. The important questions are not being asked: Is working out a new constitution really the government's most pressing task? Is the opinion of the voters legally binding, or are they just being given an opportunity to blab away about it? Is the ruling Fidesz party really the only political force capable of working out a new constitution? [The majority of the opposition parties will not participate in drafting it.] Instead we're presented with twelve silly questions to which 90 percent of the answers are entirely predictable."
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All available articles from » Miklós Hargitai
Die Presse - Austria | Thursday, 17. February 2011
The EU Commission has acted correctly in its settlement of the conflict over Hungary' media law, writes the liberal conservative daily Die Presse: » more
The EU Commission has acted correctly in its settlement of the conflict over Hungary' media law, writes the liberal conservative daily Die Presse: "People are often right to criticise the EU Commission under José Manuel Barrosois, but today it deserves our praise. It has found a quick and tactful solution to the problem of Hungary's media law. Opponents of Hungary's conservatives may find it doesn't go far enough. But they should remember that the Commission must apply EU law. And it has. And anyone who wishes for an EU guideline on media freedom should think twice: the essence of media freedom is that it is not determined by governments. That principle is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Commission must now show that it is ready to defend this right."
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More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Media policy, » Hungary, » Europe
All available articles from » Oliver Grimm
Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Thursday, 17. February 2011
The corrections Hungary has made to its controversial media law under pressure from the EU are purely cosmetic, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung writes, and points to the risks: » more
The corrections Hungary has made to its controversial media law under pressure from the EU are purely cosmetic, the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung writes, and points to the risks: "As expected [Prime Minister] Viktor Orbán's government has agreed to make a couple of changes to problematic passages. At least the obligation to deliver balanced coverage is to be limited to radio and television media. But fundamental issues like protection of sources, which is vital for press freedom, and the absolute power of the authorities in question remain untouched. And what will the ban on inciting the masses - in principle so desirable - really look like? Prime Minister Orbán recently condemned the criticism of the legislation as 'an insult to the Hungarian people' in parliament. The media watchdog authority, which is totally under the control of Orbán's party, could take the same view and classify criticism of the government as incitement of the masses - making it punishable by law. This is the type of scenario that poses a real risk."
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Sme - Slovakia | Thursday, 17. February 2011
Budapest has hoodwinked the EU regarding the compromise on Hungary's controversial media law, the liberal daily Sme comments, noting that the announced changes are very vaguely formulated: » more
Budapest has hoodwinked the EU regarding the compromise on Hungary's controversial media law, the liberal daily Sme comments, noting that the announced changes are very vaguely formulated: "The EU made no demands on Budapest as far as changing the goal of the law was concerned: bullying anti-government media to the point where they are forced to close down. ... The only change that may help save the freedom of Hungarian media is the amendment to the paragraph on 'insults'. But whether this will lead to a real improvement in the media's situation we will only know once we know the content of the new paragraphs. Individual changes, however, won't change the fact that the law is full of elastic clauses which allow the state media council to punish and intimidate. Particularly annoying is the fact that what most concerned Brussels was the possibility that the big media companies from major EU member states could have problems. [Prime Minister] Orbán has promised to leave them in peace - which leaves him free to do what he pleases with the national media."
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All available articles from » Peter Morvay
Világgazdaság - Hungary | Tuesday, 15. February 2011
Hungary's right-wing conservative head of government Viktor Orbán has announced major economic reforms for his country, but the execution of those reforms has taken place in a very improvised fashion, the business paper Világgazdaság comments: » more
Hungary's right-wing conservative head of government Viktor Orbán has announced major economic reforms for his country, but the execution of those reforms has taken place in a very improvised fashion, the business paper Világgazdaság comments: "The Orbán government has deviated several times from the traditional solutions. There's its refusal to cut expenditure, its dismantling of the private pension funds and the partial nationalisation of the money in those funds. Not to mention the introduction of special taxes. All this can naturally be presented as a deliberate strategy and the Hungarian way of doing things - after all, the havoc caused by the economic crisis has spawned all kinds of experiments in other parts of the world. But it seems much more likely that the Orbán government's steps in economic policy are the result of more or less improvised decisions. ... The prime minister's grand economic policy principles should be taken with a pinch of salt, also because there are still no concrete plans behind them. Pretty words can't substitute for proper economic policy."
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All available articles from » Csaba Gaál
Neue Zürcher Zeitung - Switzerland | Friday, 11. February 2011
The criticism within the EU of the new Hungarian media law introduced by Viktor Orbán's conservative government has been far too harsh, writes the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung: » more
The criticism within the EU of the new Hungarian media law introduced by Viktor Orbán's conservative government has been far too harsh, writes the liberal-conservative daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung: "A little more moderation would be necessary and salutary in Western Europe. All of a sudden the place is teeming with Hungary experts and their brash judgements. … It is true and disturbing that politically motivated changes took place in the state media. But all the vocal European criticism of this would be more plausible if for example it were also directed against France, where similar situations tend to arise after each changeover of power. ... But we must also acknowledge the historical situation of Central Eastern Europe, which contrasts with that of consolidated Western Europe, and sit back calmly and in the case of Hungary try to judge the left and right according to the same standards. We should also reflect on how productive or counterproductive aggressive nannying from abroad can be. And above all we should trust this young democracy to make its own corrections and leave the Hungarians to find their own solutions."
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More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » EU Policy, » Media, » Hungary, » Europe
All available articles from » Andreas Oplatka
Élet és Irodalom - Hungary | Wednesday, 2. February 2011
Freedom of the press in Hungary had been eroded long before the introduction of the internationally controversial media law, sociologist and media expert Mária Vásárhelyi writes in the liberal weekly Élet és Irodalom: » more
Freedom of the press in Hungary had been eroded long before the introduction of the internationally controversial media law, sociologist and media expert Mária Vásárhelyi writes in the liberal weekly Élet és Irodalom: "It was in people's hearts that freedom of the press died first. Not on the day the media law was passed, nor on the day it went into effect, but much earlier, sometime in the second half of the 1990s. The free and independent media is at the mercy of the politicians who have been attacking it since the birth of the Third Republic. The new media law put an end to a twenty-year war. This war ended with the total defeat of press freedom. The destruction of a democratic public sphere and the intimidation and atomisation of the journalistic profession began with the first free elections in Hungary."
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All available articles from » Mária Vásárhelyi
Süddeutsche Zeitung - Germany | Tuesday, 1. February 2011
Only a few days before the deadline set by the EU for Hungary to begin discussing its controversial media law expires, Budapest has agreed to talks but has made it clear that there will be no major changes to the legislation. The left-wing liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung considers it inappropriate that the EU has nonetheless welcomed this step: » more
Only a few days before the deadline set by the EU for Hungary to begin discussing its controversial media law expires, Budapest has agreed to talks but has made it clear that there will be no major changes to the legislation. The left-wing liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung considers it inappropriate that the EU has nonetheless welcomed this step: "The horse trading between Brussels and Budapest might calm the debate surrounding the Hungarian press law somewhat. But the European Union should be deeply concerned. By making such minimal invasive measures the commission is also forfeiting its rights as guardian of the treaties. These are designed to ensure that all member states uphold the EU's values and basic rights, one of these being the freedom of the press. ... The Commission is using formal judicial arguments to avoid having to steer what is undoubtedly a difficult path, one however which is laid out by the Treaty to keep the EU out of harm's way. It is therefore not only damaging the EU's image, it is also sending out a signal to all member states that Brussels will only safeguard fundamental rights to a minimal extent, if at all."
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All available articles from » Martin Winter
Galamus - Hungary | Wednesday, 2. February 2011
Hungary's right-wing conservative government under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán introduced a flat tax on January 1 and has repeatedly announced new economic policies since coming to power last May. Writing in the leftist opinion portal Galamus, economist Péter Bauer takes the view that Orbán's economic policy is detrimental to the country: » more
Hungary's right-wing conservative government under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán introduced a flat tax on January 1 and has repeatedly announced new economic policies since coming to power last May. Writing in the leftist opinion portal Galamus, economist Péter Bauer takes the view that Orbán's economic policy is detrimental to the country: "The Orbán government could have continued the austerity policy of the previous government, combining it with minor structural reforms. Then the country would have overcome its problems within a few years. True: if the government had chosen this path Orbán's populist panic-mongering of the past eight years would have become blatantly obvious. And it would also have become apparent that the [ruling] Fidesz party never had and still has no economic programme. It has used patch-work policies to try and conceal this flaw. ... The Orbán government's 'wonder weapon', the introduction of a 'simplified' flat tax, is also nothing but a sham. It brutally serves the interests of the rich alone."
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Népszava - Hungary | Thursday, 20. January 2011
Viktor Orbán's behaviour before the European Parliament has brought discredit upon Hungary, writes the leftist daily Népszava: » more
Viktor Orbán's behaviour before the European Parliament has brought discredit upon Hungary, writes the leftist daily Népszava: "Originally Orbán's intention was to show that the government in Budapest is committed to European values. But instead he caused a scandal which has left Hungary further than ever from Europe. … A visibly annoyed and irritated Orbán was called on by MEPs to respect Europe's fundamental values. And he was also reminded of the following: He once fought against the very same policy he now represents. It must have been extremely unpleasant for Orbán. … Orbán retaliated: He belligerently lectured the European Parliament and described Germany's media law as anti-democratic. He behaved as if he were in the Hungarian parliament: or in other words in his own little kingdom. He has managed to bring Hungary's EU Council presidency into disrepute even before it has really begun."
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All available articles from » Tamás Rónay
Sme - Slovakia | Thursday, 20. January 2011
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán didn't do a very good job of countering his critics in his speech at the presidency ceremony, but his critics are also unreliable, the liberal daily Sme writes: » more
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán didn't do a very good job of countering his critics in his speech at the presidency ceremony, but his critics are also unreliable, the liberal daily Sme writes: "For Orbán it was an exceedingly embarrassing day because he was unable to control himself when addressing the MEPs and journalists and accused them of insulting Hungary in the same language he uses at home. ... Nevertheless Orbán's critics from the ranks of the European Socialists are no better. Weren't they the ones who not so long ago called the former Slovakian government under Robert Fico an example of successful left-wing politics, while playing down their authoritarian tactics such as the press law or nationalist attacks on the Hungarian minority? In the same way it's just as hard to describe the members of the European People's Party as reliable, who criticised Fico back then and who are now playing down Orbán's attack on democracy, the free word, market principles and private property."
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All available articles from » Peter Morvay
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - Germany | Thursday, 20. January 2011
There are two culpable parties in the scandal at the Strassbourg Parliament: » more
There are two culpable parties in the scandal at the Strassbourg Parliament: the criticised and the critics, writes the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, adding that both must moderate their tone in the interest of Europe: "It is ridiculous to claim Hungary is on the way to becoming a dictatorship. But neither should Orbán play along with the role intended for him – that of the black knight; not every critic of the media law is targeting Hungary's domestic politics and the conservatives' majority; many are simply concerned about press freedom, and that is not even one at the core of Europe's canon of values. The government in Budapest should not reject the Commission's desire for the law to be corrected as impudent interference but see it as a legitimate contribution. It's unfortunate that the EU presidency of Hungary, whose honour no one calls into question, has got off to such a start. It can't go on like this. All European protagonists must take an interest in preventing Hungary's presidency from going up in flames in the heat of the media dispute. It's not as if Europe didn't have other things to worry about."
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All available articles from » Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger
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