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Local sources from Hungary: | hvg.hu, 24.hu.
UK coverage: The Guardian.

In a striking act of defiance against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s controversial anti-LGBTQ+ stance, the Budapest Pride parade has made headlines across Europe and the world. Despite the Hungarian government’s efforts to clamp down on LGBTQ+ rights and events, citing ‘child protection’ laws as a pretext for their ban, around 200,000 individuals from 30 different countries gathered in Hungary’s capital, showcasing a formidable display of resistance and visibility. This event, facilitated by a legal loophole thanks to Budapest’s liberal mayor, not only challenged Orbán’s crackdown but also sparked a broader conversation about democratic freedoms in Hungary. The massive turnout and the support from European politicians underscore a pivotal moment of solidarity against Orbán’s illiberal regime, hinting at potential political and social ramifications. According to reports from hvg.hu, the parade transformed into a pan-European protest with participation from lawmakers across Europe, including France and over 70 Members of the European Parliament. These individuals stood in solidarity against the suppression of fundamental freedoms and condemned the authoritarian policies of the Hungarian government. The presence of such high-profile politicians highlighted the event’s significance as a statement against Orbán’s authoritarian excesses. Participants braved threats from facial recognition software and potential neo-Nazi attacks, underscoring the ongoing cultural war within Europe and the EU’s challenge in addressing member states’ breaches of fundamental rights. Coverage from 24.hu emphasized the event’s scale, with participant numbers ranging from 100,000 to 300,000. This turnout far exceeded previous years, signaling a powerful statement against the government’s attempts to suppress LGBTQ+ rights. International media outlets, including the BBC, New York Times, CNN, Le Monde, Süddeutsche Zeitung, and El País, reported on the event as a massive demonstration against Orbán’s policies. The government’s efforts to ban the Pride event seemingly backfired, as the unprecedented scale of the protest and broad support for LGBTQ+ rights showcased the public’s resolute opposition to Orbán’s crackdown. In summary, the Budapest Pride parade has emerged as a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and democratic freedoms in Hungary, drawing international attention and support. This event not only challenges the country’s current trajectory under Orbán but also serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for LGBTQ+ communities and their allies worldwide.