Budapest (EFE).- Around 200,000 people took part in the Budapest Pride march on Saturday, turning the event into the largest in its 30-year history, despite an official ban imposed by Hungary’s ultranationalist government.
The demonstration began at 6:00 pm local time near the Budapest University of Technology, after crossing the Erzsébet Bridge over the Danube.
The march proceeded peacefully in a festive and family-friendly atmosphere.
“This turnout shows that Budapest has become the capital of Europe today,” said Gergely Karácsony, the city’s Green mayor, who led the parade alongside Spain’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, Yolanda Díaz.
Holding a banner that read, “Freedom and love cannot be banned”, Karácsony added, “The strength and greatness of Budapest lies in its diversity. The city will always defend those whose rights are under threat.”
Karácsony also thanked mayors from cities including Barcelona, Paris, Athens, and London for attending the march in solidarity.
A march turned act of resistance
The Hungarian police had banned the event citing a recent law introduced by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling party, Fidesz, which allows the prohibition of public events deemed harmful to the “proper development” of minors.
In response, Karácsony formally incorporated the Pride march into a broader municipal event, which he argued did not require official approval.
Orbán, who has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of LGBT+ rights, warned in recent days that participants in the unauthorized march could face legal consequences, including fines of up to 200,000 forints (around 500 dollars).
The prime minister’s government has previously pushed laws limiting LGBT+ visibility in schools and media, drawing criticism from the European Union and international human rights groups.
Despite the government’s threats, the record turnout at Saturday’s event marked a clear message of resistance.
“This was not just a celebration,” said Máté Hegedűs, spokesperson for Budapest Pride. “It was an act of defiance, of standing up for basic human rights in the face of political repression.”
Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, who helped circumvent the national ban by integrating the Pride march into a city event, led the parade alongside Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz.
“They tried to silence us, but today Budapest is the capital of Europe,” Karácsony told the crowd.
An estimated 70 members of the European Parliament and officials from countries including Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria joined the demonstration.
“They wanted to ban Pride, but they can’t,” said Andrea, a 50-year-old Hungarian. “This was an official city event. I just went for a walk. I’m not afraid of any fine.”
Public support and minimal counter-protest
A recent poll by the Publicus Institute found that 78% of Budapest residents opposed the government’s ban on the Pride march.
That public sentiment was evident on the streets, where participants of all ages joined the celebration.
Meanwhile, around 40 far-right protesters attempted to block the Liberty Bridge, which had been included in the original route of the march.
Authorities had approved that counter-demonstration, although only a small number of people attended.
“The government banned Pride, but allowed a far-right protest. That tells you all you need to know,” said one participant who asked to remain anonymous.
Despite the restrictions and threats, no serious incidents were reported.
The event ended peacefully, reinforcing Budapest’s growing identity as a progressive hub within a country increasingly criticized for its authoritarian turn. EFE
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