Hungary’s Largest Left-Wing Newspaper Folds After Making Considerable Losses

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — The publishing company of Hungary’s largest left-wing political newspaper says it has suspended its publication because of “considerable” losses while it searches for the “best business model” for the paper.

Mediaworks said Saturday that subscribers would be offered alternative publications or refunds. The company did not say when the newspaper might reappear but wants to “preserve Népszabadság for the future.”

Journalists at the newspaper said they weren’t given advance notice and described the suspension of the paper’s print and online editions as a “coup.”

Hungary’s media landscape has changed considerably in the last few years, with many print and online publications as well as radio and television stations coming under the control of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s inner circle, and then taking on a noticeable pro-government bent.