Hundreds Thousands Defy Budapest Ban in Largest Pride Protest

Despite a government ban and warnings of legal consequences, Budapest Pride saw an unprecedented turnout of between 180,000 and 200,000 participants, making it Hungary's largest Pride event to date. The march, which spanned the Elizabeth Bridge and riverbanks, was not only a celebration of LGBTQ rights but also a broader protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orban's increasingly authoritarian government and conservative policies. Organizers and attendees described the event as a peaceful yet powerful act of defiance, emphasizing solidarity, human rights, and opposition to what many perceive as rising fascism. The Budapest city hall supported the event, with Mayor Gergely Karacsony highlighting the march as a significant political statement against the central government's attempts at suppression. While far-right counter-protesters appeared in limited numbers, police mostly allowed the event to proceed without major incidents. European politicians also participated, underscoring the international dimension of the protest and its challenge to Hungary's recent legal changes banning the Pride parade under the pretext of protecting children.