Hungary
Hungary media law: France journalism cases no better
On 15 March tens of thousands of Hungarians protested against the government's planned media law. Even the European parliament's socialist, liberal, ecologist and far left politicians adopted a resolution asking for the suspension of the law, which 'needs re-examination'. Republication of an interview with a Rue89 journalist
hungary, corruption, censorship, internet, journalism, viktor orbán, society
Viktor Orban: who's been a naughty boy at the European parliament?
A fierce dispute broke out between Hungarian prime minister and EU parliamentarians during Orbán's speech marking his country's EU Council presidency. The MEPs were above all critical of Hungary's new media law. While Orbán's reaction cast his country in a dim light, the criticism went too far and was implausible, write Hungarian, German and Slovakian commentators
hungary, media, freedom of opinion, euweek, european media, european parliament, politics
'Green Europe': Budapest's long green road
We all knew that Hungary was taking over the rotating EU presidency on 1 January 2011, because we all heard about their dubious state plan for a media law. What we weren't too keyed up on as we launched our green resolutions for the new year was what they were planning to bring to the European ecology policy table. Green consumers and young Hungarian activists try to breath down public necks, as citizens such as urban cyclists and eco-designers show of their daily lives. This is not just a green country though, as it slowly recovers from its red toxic waste disaster in October 2010. cafebabel.com proudly presents the first edition in our 2011 monthly series, 'Green Europe on the ground'
Hungary's new media law no surprise for Europe
The 'media act' was passed on 21 December in Hungary and was implemented on 1 January 2011. It's not such a derogation in Europe, because the context of this law is nothing more than just another sign of an alarming trend in Europe
hungary, media, eu presidency, italy, censorship, budapest, czech republic
From 1 January Hungary media under control
On 20 December Hungary's right-wing conservative government passed a restrictive media law; a new authority will control public television and radio broadcasters, as well as private media. The German, Italian and local press say this attack on press freedom augurs poorly for Hungary's six-month presidency of the council of the European Union. Press review
hungary, eu presidency, censorship, euweek, politics, viktor orbán
Pécs: can you be a 'culture capital' if that status scares off your artists?
The Hungarian city of Pécs may be this year’s European capital of culture alongside the German and Turkish cities of Essen and Istanbul, but its performers prefer to seek their salvation further afield
hungary, european capitals of culture, culture, music, culture calendar
Hungarian minorities in Slovakia: small arrangements between enemies
One week after a law proposing Hungarian nationality to ethnic Hungarians abroad, prime minister Viktor Orbán announced a new era of 'national unity' during his prime ministerial inauguration on 29 May. Hungary is choosing the route of hostile nationalism, much to the delight of Slovak populists
hungary, fidesz, robert fico, economical crisis, racism, nationalism, identity
Why Hungary and Slovakia are at odds
On 25 May the Slovakian parliament warned Hungary not to offer citizenship to ethnic Hungarians living in neighbouring countries. The Austrian, Hungarian and Slovakian press accuse the two of using the issue to ignore domestic problems
hungary, robert fico, eu passport, identity, euweek, freedom of movement, slovakia
(Non-)smoker's summer guide to Europe's bans
While you’re carefully planning your summer holidays, it might be worth considering what destinations will best suit your needs - be thee a lover of those tobacco-filled thin paper cylinders or not
hungary, italy, health, germany, greece, berlin, civil society
Swing right, sweet Hungarian election chariot: first round election results
The right-wing conservative alliance of young democrats or 'Fidesz' scooped Hungary's parliamentary elections on 11 April (52.7%). The socialists in power scored a measly 19.3%. Right-wing extremist Jobbik party entered parliament for the first time (16.7%). The Hungarian, Slovakian, Austrian and Italian media on whether the victory is the start of a new era or a rude awakening
hungary, fidesz, eurotopics, budapest, european press, right wing extremism, gábor vona
Budapest tests
April is Hungary's month: we watch it make a staggering sway to the political right on the 11th and 25th, which are election days. 'Financial crisis' is an easy towel to throw in and explain this alarming wave - others include discontent from empty political promises and the rising poverty rate of the country. This has nurtured a breeding ground for xenophobia and increased the backlash on the nation's black sheep. Against the backdrop of this political dilemma, the cultural, social and economical landscape is awash with the likes of stand-up comedy, social lending practices and monthly design fairs. Citizen initiatives are fashioning the road out of the crises. Five pan-European journalists hit the Hungarian capital for the next installment of a monthly cities reporting mission, 'EU crisis on the ground' - read what they discovered, with an image gallery from the streets of Buda and Pest below
Far right, far out!
The far-right movement in Europe is resembling a round of shooting stars. In early March, Dutch politician Geert Wilders made big gains in local elections. The Lega Nord (Northern League) in Italy and Jobbik in Hungary too are clocking up the seats in their national parliaments. French ultranationalist Le Pen's daughter Marine continues his legacy. There's also the question of a European underground though, who are cultivating populist anti-islamic, anti-globalisation and regionalist discourse. What is taking place in a Europe of 2010?
- Read the special edition Far right, far out!
- Bloc Identitaire: lowdown on France's new far-right
- Casa Pound Italia: Neo-fascists on the rise
- The Netherlands, France, Italy: rise of Europe's right-wing
- Germany's far-right: style and tea party shakeup
- Understanding nationalist ideology in Hungary: 'enormous potential for violence'
In the middle of our street
You have to know how to choose them, have fun in them, and leave them. Having a neighbourhood is a bit like having a second skin. It typically has your local, your loyal neighbours and shops. But neighbourhoods have their own skins too. Take the Gazi quarter in Athens which shed its industrial skin to become the latest craze, as happened to Kreuzberg in Berlin, or the renewed district of Jozsefvaros in Budapest. We take a little stroll around some European streets
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