Hungary has been fined an unprecedentedly large amount for the severe violation of EU law over the rights of asylum seekers. However, this is not about Hungary’s stance against the oppressive EU as the Hungarian governing party Fidesz wants to depict but about the party coming at odds with its ever-swaying populist positions. Yet the Hungarian voters, rather than EU activists, should punish the Hungarian government.

Eryk Ziedalski (FOR):

Since the systemic transformation in Poland in 1989, public media have varied in the intensity of presenting the ruling camp’s viewpoint while simultaneously allowing opposing narratives. However, since the Law and Justice Party (PiS) took power in 2015, the media have fully become a propaganda tool for the government, thus reverting to their worst traditions from the People’s Republic of Poland (PRL) era.

Fanni julianna Nagy (Republikon Institute):

When we talk about migration, one of the first things that comes to someone’s mind is the economic aspects of migration. But the real focus should be on the social one. People come to the country and are greeted by unfamiliarity, they bring their religion and culture. It is important to pay attention to cultural exchange and give opportunities to immigrants not only to be integrated into our culture but also to have the opportunity to share their own.

Magdalena M. Baran (Liberte!):

There is no question that the most effective protection of individual freedoms comes from a government that is limited in scope. But we should also acknowledge the reality of extensive welfare states that are now firmly established across the democratic world. Indeed, one of the troubling features of today’s authoritarian far right is their determination to keep, in an eerie reminiscence of national socialism, a very extensive economic role of the government.

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Academy of Liberalism:

At the opening of the annual conference on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation on May 24 Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) said that it is important to seize the opportunity to invest in defense technology because it will strengthen security and boost the economy.

Liberte! & ELF:

Can societies function without systems of punishment? What is the alternative to prisons? How does the system treat criminals? And is there any room for compassion in the criminal justice system? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Disa Jironet, who has worked for the Dutch Prosecutors’ Office since 2008, and in the role of prosecutor since 2017.