Protesters gathered outside the Hungarian parliament on Tuesday, chanting "Assembly is a fundamental right." They blocked Margaret Bridge in central Budapest, facing off against a police cordon. The demonstration was sparked by recent government actions perceived as attacks on the LGBTQI community.
Hadja Lahbib, the EU’s equality commissioner, spoke out against these government moves. She emphasized that everyone should be free to be themselves and love whom they choose. On social media, she stated, "The right to gather peacefully is a fundamental right to be championed across the European Union. We stand with the LGBTQI community – in Hungary and in all Member States."
Budapest Pride organizers also condemned the government’s actions. They criticized the government’s stance on social media, labeling it as "fascism" rather than child protection. They argued that a true democratic leader would not restrict the rights of dissenters. The organizers pledged to continue with their planned 30th Pride march on June 28.
In recent months, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has intensified his criticism of opponents and proposed more conservative laws. Last year, he declared his intention to "occupy Brussels" to safeguard Hungary’s freedoms. His Fidesz party has held power since 2010, but recent polls show that the newly formed centre-right party, Tisza, is gaining ground ahead of next year’s elections. Tisza, which advocates for a better relationship with the EU, gained popularity after Peter Magyar, a former Fidesz member, left the party in February 2024, citing dissatisfaction with its governance.
The situation in Hungary highlights ongoing tensions between the government and those advocating for LGBTQI rights, as well as the shifting political landscape as elections approach.