Budapest Pride draws massive crowd despite government crackdown

Tens of thousands of people marched through Budapest on Saturday in a powerful show of support for LGBTQ+ rights, defying legal threats and restrictions imposed by populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government. Organisers estimated that up to 200,000 people may have participated, making it potentially the largest Pride event in Hungary’s history.

The march took place despite a police ban issued under a controversial “child protection” law, which prohibits public events deemed to promote homosexuality. Authorities warned of legal consequences for participants, including fines of up to €500 and the use of facial recognition technology to identify attendees. Organisers could face up to a year in prison.

Prime Minister Orbán, speaking on state radio, downplayed the risk of violence but confirmed that legal action could follow. “Hungary is a civilised country. We don’t hurt each other,” he said. “There will be legal consequences, but it cannot reach the level of physical abuse.”

Participants, however, were undeterred. Luca, 34, who attended with her mother, said they were marching for a more inclusive Hungary. “We have a law that bans people who are different from gathering. That’s why we’re here - because it’s hurting our rights.”

Barnabás, 22, who is not part of the LGBTQ+ community, said he joined to show solidarity. “I know what it feels like not to be seen and to be treated like an outcast,” he said, noting that he comes from a rural area where intolerance is more common.

The event drew support from across Europe. EU Equalities Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and dozens of Members of the European Parliament joined the march. Lahbib called the event “a powerful symbol of the strength of civil society”.

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, a co-organiser of the event, assured participants they would not face reprisals, stating that the march was a municipal event and did not require police approval.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had urged the Hungarian government not to obstruct the march. Orbán responded by asking the EU to refrain from interfering in Hungary’s internal affairs.

Despite the political tension, the march was marked by vibrant displays of solidarity, with rainbow flags, placards, and music filling the streets of the Hungarian capital.