In a bold move, the annual Budapest Pride parade is expected to proceed this weekend, despite a recent government ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose party hurriedly enacted legislation deeming such gatherings illegal. This decision came on the heels of a law aimed at restricting “homosexual propaganda,” which was framed as a child protection policy. Analysts, however, view it as an attempt by Orban to undermine Hungary's rising conservative opposition leader, possibly exposing him as a liberal sympathizer.
Now, the tables seem to have turned. Budapest’s liberal mayor, Gergely Karacsony, has cleverly redefined the event as a municipal celebration marking Hungary’s liberation from Soviet rule back in 1991. This new framing, titled "Budapest Pride Freedom," is anticipated to attract tens of thousands of attendees, including over 70 members from the European Parliament. The mayor has projected participation could reach at least 50,000 people, potentially making it the largest Pride parade in Hungary’s history.
As the government grapples with this situation, it finds itself at a crossroads. The Fidesz party must decide whether to strictly enforce the ban and penalize participants or to allow the parade to unfold, risking accusations of ineffectiveness and yielding to public will. This development places Orban in an unenviable position, forcing him to pivot amid growing public support for inclusivity and freedoms that challenge his administration's narrative.
