Tens of thousands march in Budapest Pride, first since Orban's defeat, as heatwave grips Hungary
Budapest hosted its first Gay Pride parade since Viktor Orban's electoral defeat in April, with tens of thousands braving a 38°C heatwave to celebrate what participants called a new era of freedom for LGBTQ+ people.
A parade after 16 years
Tens of thousands of people marched through Budapest on Saturday, 27 June, in the first Pride parade since Viktor Orban lost power in April elections after 16 years of conservative rule. Orban had banned the event in 2025 and multiplied anti-LGBTQ+ policies during his tenure. The ban triggered a defiant 200,000-strong demonstration last year, far above the roughly 35,000 who attended previous editions.
A changed atmosphere
Participants described a markedly more relaxed and optimistic atmosphere compared to 2025. Fanni Fajth, an 18-year-old student, noted the political change had lifted spirits. Mate Tarnai, a 51-year-old chemist, said the biggest difference was the country's political shift, adding that he felt more personal freedom.
Everyone is much more optimistic. I think it would be wonderful if we finally had equal rights after all these years.
EU and local leaders hail the moment
European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib and Budapest's green mayor Gergely Karacsony addressed a press conference. Lahbib told participants their 2025 march had helped change history and called this year's Pride proof of a new beginning.
Last year you marched, you were hundreds of thousands from 30 countries. This march did not just mark history. It helped change history - and what a difference this year!
Heatwave forces precautions
Organisers decided to hold the march despite the crushing heat, with temperatures reaching 38°C according to the Hungarian government website. Vulnerable people were advised to watch online. Free water was distributed, but stocks were limited and participants were urged to bring their own bottles.
Rights on hold under new government
Peter Magyar, the conservative pro-EU leader who unseated Orban, lifted the ban but has not yet taken concrete steps to restore rights stripped under Orban in the name of child protection. Those include bans on gender changes in official documents, adoption by same-sex couples and school materials seen as promoting homosexuality or gender transition. Magyar has urged patience when questioned by Hungarian media about legislative changes.
Politicians have the power to make society understand that it's okay to be gay.
