PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński speaks on the evening of 7 April following the first round of municipal elections in Poland.

No Major Victory for Tusk’s Coalition in Polish Local Elections

Local elections are an important episode in the power play for the leadership of the two largest parties in Poland. After the ultimate defeat of his party in the general election Jarosław Kaczyński came under heavy criticism, with demands that he resign and take responsibility for the electoral failure. PiS coming out on top on 7 April is expected to silence these voices and stabilize Kaczyński’s position.

Migrants are helped off a boat by members of the Spanish Red Cross and Guardia Civil officers at La Restinga port in El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain on 4 February 2023.

European Parliament Accepts Controversial Migration Pact Despite Concerns from Member States

The European Parliament today adopted a new regulation reforming the EU’s migration and asylum policy, including measures for expedited asylum processing and solidarity in distributing migrants among member states. The pact, strongly opposed by Hungary, aims to relocate asylum seekers, provide financial support to heavily burdened countries, and establish uniform procedures for refugee recognition and protection.

Farmers May Play Decisive Role in EP Elections

In Poland’s municipal elections a significant majority of farmers voted for the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party. As right-wing parties across the continent have consistently supported the farmers ever since the beginning of the Europe-wide protests, discontented farmers could play a key role in facilitating the long-awaited right-wing shift in the EU.

Jan Zahradil

‘EP elections will not be a revolution but the first steps of an evolutionary transformation’ — An Interview with Jan Zahradil

‘People in Europe want change, and they will certainly voice this in the elections, which will result in a shift in the political balance of the European Parliament. However, I don’t think this is a revolutionary change. It will hardly change the balance of power in the board too much, but there is at least a chance that the atmosphere will change. We’ll see where all this could lead us.’

No-Go Zones, Immigration and Integration Discussed at MCC Budapest

At the launch event of the new book published by MCC Press and the Migration Research Institute titled Kié itt a tér? (Who does this space belong to?) a panel discussion was held on the dire consequences of uncontrolled immigration, the failures of integration, and possible solutions.

Pieter Brueghel the Elder, The Hay Harvest – Labours of the Months (1565). Lobkowicz Collections, Lobkowicz Palace, Prague, Czech Republic

Anatomy of the Farmers’ Protests Sweeping Europe

Weeks of farmers’ protests across Europe seem to have broken Brussels, with the European Commission making significant concessions to disgruntled farmers. However, quick symptomatic treatments will not resolve the deep-rooted problems of European agriculture.

Illustration by Hungarian Conservative

Revealing the Facts: A Brief History of Earnings in Hungary

A sustained and substantial improvement in earnings started in 2013 in Hungary. In that year the country managed to repay its previous IMF loan, giving the government more freedom to reform and restructure the tax system, including reducing taxes on labour. The six-year minimum wage agreement launched in 2017 doubled the minimum wage for jobs requiring qualifications by 2022 and increased the overall minimum wage by 80 per cent.

City sign of Birobidzhan, JAO, Russia

Yevreyskaya, the Jewish Autonomous Oblast of the Russian Federation

‘Ideologically, the notion of a Jewish autonomous region resonated deeply with the socialist ethos of equality and collective ownership championed by the Bolsheviks, principles that find resonance in Article 6 of the Russian Constitution. This constitutional provision affirms the socialist ideals of social justice, equal opportunity, and solidarity, serving as a guiding light for the creation of a territory where Jews could exercise their right to self-determination while actively participating in the collective endeavour of building socialism.’

Macron, Tusk to Side with PM Orbán on Issue of Ukrainian Grain Imports

Hungary has persistently advocated for a shift in the EU’s agricultural policy towards Ukraine. The prolonged farmer protests have influenced the stance of other member states, with France spearheading a coalition of states seeking to enforce stricter trade restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products.

Hungary Beats Kosovo Extending Unbeaten Streak to Fourteen Games

The Hungarian national football team secured a 2–0 victory against Kosovo in their preparation match on Tuesday, extending their unbeaten streak to 14 games. The team are scheduled to play two more friendly matches before the European Championship kicks off on 14 June.