The recent Pride march in Budapest turned into a significant anti-government protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Allegations emerged of EU-backed opposition orchestration, while the event defied police bans, drawing around 100,000 protesters against Orban’s government, criticized for curtailing LGBTQ+ rights. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen intervened, calling for the march to proceed.
The Pride march in Budapest intensified political tensions in Hungary, as it transformed into one of the largest demonstrations against Prime Minister Viktor Orban in recent years. The march, which also served as a protest against the government’s policies, attracted an estimated 100,000 participants who defied a police ban to join the demonstration.
Prime Minister Orban accused opposition politicians, allegedly influenced by the EU, of orchestrating the event. He voiced these allegations in a closed online group for his supporters, claiming that Brussels had directed opposition figures to rally their supporters.
Despite the controversy, the European Commission remained neutral, declining to comment on Orban’s remarks. The Hungarian government, promoting a Christian-conservative agenda, defended its stance, asserting the protection of children as its primary concern while facing criticism over restricting LGBTQ+ rights ahead of upcoming national elections.
