Budapest’s Pride march took place on Saturday, the first since Viktor Orbán’s departure from power, drawing thousands of participants in a display of defiance and celebration. The event, organised by the Budapest Pride association, proceeded without the heavy police presence and legal restrictions that characterised the Orbán years. In a significant diplomatic gesture, the United Kingdom openly supported the march, with the British ambassador to Hungary, Paul Fox, attending the event and stating that “the UK stands with the Hungarian LGBT community in its fight for equality.” This endorsement marks a shift in international posture following the end of Orbán’s 14-year rule, during which anti-LGBT legislation, including a controversial law banning the “promotion” of homosexuality to minors, drew widespread condemnation from the European Union and human rights groups.
The march, which wound through the capital’s Andrássy Avenue, was notably larger than previous years, with organisers estimating 50,000 participants. The atmosphere was both festive and political, with many carrying rainbow flags and placards calling for legal protections against discrimination. The new government, a coalition of centrist and liberal parties, has signalled a reversal of Orbán’s policies, but concrete legislation remains pending. Prime Minister Gábor Varga, elected in a snap election last December, has pledged to repeal the anti-LGBT law and introduce same-sex civil partnerships. However, critics note that the coalition is fragile and that conservative factions within the parliament may slow reforms.
The UK’s backing is seen as part of a broader effort to reassert influence in Central Europe after years of neglect. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement: “Hungary’s LGBT community has shown remarkable courage. We welcome the new government’s commitments and will support them with technical assistance and diplomatic backing.” The endorsement has been met with approval by Hungarian activists but also with cautious optimism. “It’s good to have friends, but we need real change, not just words,” said Zsófia Kovács, a spokesperson for Budapest Pride. “The new government must act quickly to dismantle the legal framework of hate that was built under Orbán.”
The march concluded with a rally at Heroes’ Square, where speakers emphasised the need for vigilance. The departure of Orbán, who now faces corruption charges, has not erased the legacy of his policies. Many participants expressed concern about lingering social conservatism and the rise of far-right groups. Nonetheless, the Pride event was hailed as a milestone. “Today we are reclaiming our streets and our rights,” said Gábor Tóth, a long-time activist. “For the first time in a decade, we don’t feel like we are under siege.” The UK’s involvement, albeit symbolic, underscores a renewed Western attention to Hungarian affairs. Whether this translates into lasting reform remains uncertain. But for now, Budapest’s Pride has sent a clear message that the post-Orbán era will not relinquish the gains of the LGBT movement without a struggle.
