CommentWestern media looked the other wayWhile the demonstrators were making their way peacefully towards Parliament on Saturday, they could not yet have known that one of their bones to pick, namely the increasingly slanted reporting on Hungary in the Western media, would gain further justification a few hours later. The coverage of Hungary's largest mass gathering since the change of regime made a mockery of all professional standards. more
PoliticsTurning the cornerPM signals – in Brussels at least – that his cash-strapped government is ready to climb down over central bank law. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán appeared ready this week to back down over central bank legislation that the European Commission says runs counter to EU law. He indicated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that he is ready to instruct his party to push through necessary changes to overcome one of the main stumbling blocks in bail-out negotiations. more
EconomyEBRD warns of GDP fall, recessionEurozone stress weighs heavy on emerging EuropeThe European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has reduced its economic growth forecasts for 2012 for central and south-eastern Europe and warned that deterioration of conditions in the eurozone could have a substantial further impact. If the prognosis is correct, Hungary could be facing a 1.5 per cent decline of its economy in 2012. more
CultureTheatre, in proper EnglishThe Complete Works of William Shakespeare by Madhouse Theatre Hamlet in 20 seconds, Macbeth reduced to a duel and Othello as gangster rap - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is the solution for anyone wishing to update their knowledge of the great playwright’s 37 comedies, tragedies and histories in a quick and painless way. more
Eating OutOnyx stars again Top local award added to Michelin honourDining Guide awards the best Hungarian and Central-Eastern European restaurants. Dining Guide’s competition for 2011’s Hungarian Restaurant of the Year has closed with the award going to downtown establishment Onyx (top, centre). Further awards were handed out for favourite restaurant in Budapest, best countryside restaurant and best Central-Eastern European restaurant at a gala event in the Sofitel Chain Bridge Hotel, presided by Dining Guide publisher András Wiszkidenszky. more
HistoryRaoul Wallenberg Year Recalling heroic deedsRaoul Wallenberg was born 100 years ago in August 1912 in Kappsta, Sweden. He disappeared on 17 January 67 years ago. The date and circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery. What is certain, however, is that the Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews in Budapest from deportation and death will never be forgotten in Sweden, Hungary and Israel in particular. more
Corporate Finance / M&A CornerMergers as an alternative to acquisitionsBusinessmen frequently talk of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), but the emphasis is usually on acquisitions, with relatively little thought given to mergers. Yet in today’s financial markets, it may make even more sense to consider mergers. more
What lies beneathThe power of words“Knowledge, it has been said, is power. And rhetoric is what gives words power. So a knowledge of rhetoric equips [me], as a citizen, both to exercise power and to resist it.” So says Sam Leith, author of You Talking to Me? more
Letters to the EditorWhat worries me about EuropeDear Editor,I have always thought myself a good European, supporting integration and enlargement, the common currency, the increasing role of communitarian legislation and the prospects of a United Europe in the distant future. For the first time I feel unease about this vision. more
Faith MattersCreating margin with the 30x30 challengeStraightening out priorities to focus on what’s most importantI don’t have enough time! That seems to be the mantra of our times. Everyone’s life is so full of so much activity these days. Especially here in Budapest where there is so much to do to keep up with all of life’s demands: earning a living, paying the bills, investing in your family, shopping for food and clothing, trying to stay connected with friends and family abroad while expanding relational horizons here. more
EducationHigher education lags despite clear plussesA smaller proportion of Hungarian students enters higher education than is the average in advanced economies. Only 25 per cent of the 25-34 age group enters uni-versity-level programmes, below the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average of 37 per cent and European Union of 34 per cent. This compares with 63 per cent for the same group in Korea, 56 per cent in Canada and Japan, and close to half of the age group in Ireland, Australia or Denmark. more
