Thousands defy Orbán in Budapest for Pride Day

BarcelonaTens of thousands of people—more than 100,000 according to the organizers—participated in the 2025 Pride March in Budapest this Saturday, despite the ban imposed by Viktor Orbán's ultra-nationalist government in Hungary, which has been politically and judicially persecuting the community for years.

The event, which took place in a festive and peaceful atmosphere, with participants marching through the center of the Hungarian capital under the slogan "Freedom and love cannot be prohibited," was attended by several MEPs and politicians from across Europe. Representatives of the Spanish government, such as Second Vice President Yolanda Díaz and Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun, were present, as was the Mayor of Barcelona, ​​​​Jaume Collboni. The protest had an international focus and a strong political charge against the increasing measures that Orbán's government is implementing against the LGBTIQ+ community.

The government banned the march, considering it detrimental to the "proper development" of minors, but Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, an environmentalist and progressive, has opted to include the event within a municipal event, a legal maneuver that, according to him, is not required. Karácsony is a declared rival of Orbán and one of the country's leading opposition voices. Budapest Pride, in fact, has become an icon for Hungarian rights and, by extension, a protest against Orbán's policies.

The Hungarian Prime Minister had warned that participants in the mobilization could face legal consequences, such as fines of up to 200,000 forints (approximately 500 euros). According to a recent survey by the Publicus Institute, 78% of the Budapest population disagreed with the ban. Pride decreed by the police, based on a law recently passed by the government. This law, promoted by the Fidesz party, allows for the banning of public events such as the aforementioned, which allegedly violates the traditional values of Hungarian society and threatens the development of minors.

No notable incidents.

The march began in Deák Square, next to City Hall, without significant incidents, apart from occasional provocations from groups opposed to the rally. Some people displayed hostile behavior. An individual wearing a T-shirt reading "Christian Preacher" shouted slogans such as "Pity yourself! You can avoid dying of AIDS. Abandon homosexuality!" while another accompanied him, holding a Bible, according to the Efe news agency. The protesters, on the other hand, responded with proclamations in favor of love, freedom, respect, and peace. Prominent banners included one depicting Orbán and Vladimir Putin passionately kissing.

Barely had the mobilization begun when a dozen police officers attempted to divert the march from its original route by blocking the passage. It was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, a group of around forty far-right extremists blocked the Liberty Bridge, where the march was scheduled to pass. Government authorities had authorized this counterprotest organized by a far-right party.

Despite all the pressure from Orbán to prevent displays of support for the LGBTI+ community in Budapest, news agencies already indicate that this was a massive demonstration, one that will resonate across Europe. Orbán's government, close to Russia and frequently a thorn in the side of the European Union, has repeatedly received accusations and warnings for its authoritarian tendency, which is compromising basic citizens' rights.

"We organized this because no one should be discriminated against," proclaimed the capital's mayor, Gergely Karácsony, shortly before the start of the demonstration. At the head of the protest was a delegation of international politicians who had arrived to support the protest. From there, Yolanda Díaz said: "We are fighting for the soul of Europe."