Hungary Erupts in Protest Against Orbán’s New Laws

Budapest witnessed a significant demonstration Saturday as Hungarians voiced growing opposition to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government. The protest, the most recent in a series of escalating demonstrations, stems from legislation passed in March and a subsequent constitutional amendment in April. These measures effectively prohibit public events focused on LGBTQ+ issues, sparking widespread concern both domestically and internationally. The laws represent a clear curtailment of freedoms of assembly and expression, and the sizable turnout at Saturday’s protest signals a deepening rift between the government and a significant portion of the population. While Orbán’s Fidesz party maintains a strong base of support, the increasing frequency and scale of these demonstrations suggest a growing and increasingly vocal opposition movement. The situation highlights a concerning trend of eroding democratic norms within Hungary and raises questions about the future of civil liberties in the country. The government defends the legislation as protecting traditional family values, but critics argue it actively marginalizes LGBTQ+ individuals and stifles open dialogue.