Budapest Pride Parade Defies Governement Ban: Orban Faces Tough Decision

The ongoing conflict highlights a significant clash between government policy and public sentiment in Hungary.

In a surprising turn of events, the Budapest Pride parade is moving forward this weekend despite Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recently enacted ban on such gatherings. The legislation, passed swiftly in March by Orban's ruling Fidesz party, targeted events deemed to "propagate" homosexuality under the guise of protecting children. The move was seen as a strategic attempt to unsettle Hungary's rising conservative opposition leader, but it might have ensnared Orban and his party instead.

The event, now renamed "Budapest Pride Freedom," has garnered momentum under the guidance of the capital’s liberal mayor, Gergely Karacsony, who frames it as a celebration of Hungary's liberation from Soviet control in 1991. An anticipated turnout of over 50,000 participants, including more than 70 members of the European Parliament, has positioned this year's Pride parade to potentially be the largest in Hungary's history.

This unexpected response to the ban places Orban and his government in a precarious position; they now must decide whether to enforce the ban and face public backlash or allow the march to proceed, risking the appearance of impotence in the face of widespread opposition.