First Budapest Pride since Orbán ousted from office
Thousands marched in Budapest Pride, marking a new era after 16 years of Viktor Orbán's government, which consistently restricted the event.
This year's Budapest Pride march is seen as the start of a new chapter, following 16 years of Viktor Orbán's rule, during which the event faced constant restrictions. France 24 correspondent Gulliver Cragg reports from Budapest, where thousands of people braved scorching temperatures to participate in the parade, determined to celebrate their identities.
The stance of newly elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar on LGBTQ+ rights remains unclear. He avoided the issue during his election campaign and did not attend today's Pride march. Recently, however, he stated that 'nobody should be stigmatised because of the way they love,' leaving many uncertain about how his government will approach LGBTQ+ rights.
Under Orbán's previous administration, Pride events were regularly limited. This year's march is viewed as a potential turning point, but Magyar's silence and absence have tempered expectations. The LGBTQ+ community and its allies are cautiously optimistic, hoping for positive change but aware that concrete action is still lacking.
