Record-Breaking Budapest Pride Defies Orban, Champions Human Rights

Budapest witnessed an unprecedented display of defiance on Saturday as an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people took to the streets for Budapest Pride, transforming the city’s downtown into a vibrant protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government policies.

Despite attempts by authorities to ban the march, citing a controversial 2021 Child Protection law that equates homosexuality with paedophilia, participants marched for three hours from Pest to Buda, sending a clear message of solidarity and human rights. Many attendees reported that the government’s ban attempts ironically spurred them to participate, leading to a turnout significantly larger than last year’s 35,000.

Banners mocking PM Orban and his administration were prominent, reflecting widespread frustration. Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, whose city hall dared to host the event despite central government opposition, addressed the crowd, stating, “We look like we’re peacefully and freely performing a big, fat show to a puffed-up and hateful power. The message is clear: they have no power over us!”

Finnish MEP Li Andersson, present at the march, underscored the broader implications, noting that the event transcended Pride itself to become about fundamental human rights. While police maintained a discreet presence, temporary cameras recorded the entire event.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Orban attended a police graduation ceremony, emphasizing the importance of “order,” and Fidesz officials attempted to reclaim the word “pride” through social media posts featuring their families, highlighting the ideological battle surrounding the event.

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