Political, social turmoil worries Hungary’s Jews
The debate over anti-Semitism in Hungary has sharpened since the anti-Israel, anti-Jewish and anti-Roma (Gypsy) Jobbik movement entered Parliament two years ago as the country’s third largest party.
Seeking scapegoats and channeling paranoia at a time of severe economic, social and political woes, Jobbik’s lawmakers regularly -- and loudly -- spout xenophobic, anti-Roma, anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric.
http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/05/13/3095346/political-social-turmoil-worries-hungarys-jews

Hungarian PM Not Concerned About ‘Getting Sacked’
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán knows what it’s like to be ousted from office and isn’t particularly concerned that it might happen again. Halfway into his second premiership, his governing Fidesz party is still comfortably ahead in the polls, but Mr. Orbán will be given a run for his money if he wants to win reelection in 2014.
Despite considerable erosion in its support, Fidesz has been able to keep its two-thirds parliamentary group intact and in line.
http://blogs.wsj.com/emergingeurope/2012/05/10/hungarian-pm-not-concerned-about-getting-sacked/?mod=google_news_blog

Hungary’s “Tobin” tax
A Hungarian – so goes the old, oft-told joke – is someone who enters a revolving door behind you but contrives to get out first.
These days it seems a Hungarian government is one that withdraws a tax as you go in the door but has a new one ready when you come out. And for good measure, while the cancelled tax was temporary, the one at the exit is permanent.
http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2012/05/09/hungarys-tobin-tax/#axzz1uS2a0pqc

Viktor Orbán's Dismal Mid-Term Review
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán probably would have envisioned his mid-term review differently. Two years ago, after the triumphant election victory of his right-wing nationalist Fidesz Party, the beaming winner Orbán announced the "overthrow of the old and the development of a new national order."

In the meantime, the situation in Hungary could hardly be more desolate. The country is on the brink of financial ruin, its economy is headed downhill and the impoverishment of large groups of people is creating social problems. Hungary is extremely polarized domestically, and on the international stage it is more isolated than any other European Union country has ever been before.
http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/hungary-in-crisis-as-viktor-orban-enters-second-half-of-his-term-a-832071.html

Last Updated on Monday, 14 May 2012 07:37