In a strong symbolic move, dozens of European politicians go to Saturday to support the pride banned by his government.
As, after weeks of silence, the President of the European Commission took a public position with a video uploaded on Wednesday, stating:
“I call on the Hungarian authorities to allow Budapest Pride to run. To LGBTQI+ community in Hungary and beyond: I will always be your ally. “
I call on the Hungarian authorities to allow the Budapest Pride to go ahead.
Without fear of any criminal or administrative sanctions against the organisers or participants.
To the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary and beyond:
I will always be your ally.
– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen)
Orban’s response came immediately via social media, calling on von der Lien “not to interfere with issues of law enforcement.”
Dear Madam President,
I urge the European Commission to refrain from interfering in the law enforcement affairs of Member States, where it has no role to play.
I also call on the Commission to focus its efforts on the pressing challenges facing the European Union—areas where it…
– Viktor Orban (@pm_viktoror)
Although she will not attend, more than 70 MEPs are expected to participate, along with politicians such as Spanish Minister Ernest, the Dutch Minister of Education Bruins, representatives of the French Government, Mayors of the French Prime Minister, the Mayors of the Prime Minister, Varadkar.
Indeed, Belgian European Commissioner Hadza Lahbib will also travel to Budapest on Friday, shortly before the event.
Hungary insists: Pride is illegal
Despite the mobilization, the Hungarian government says the parade is.
In a letter to the embassies, Justice Minister Bendse Tucon reiterated that Pride organizers may face up to one year prison sentence.
The letter came in response to a joint statement of dozens of EU ambassadors to Budapest, who expressed their support for the event.
Although Orban called on citizens “not to attend”, he noted that the authorities are not provided by the authorities. As he said, “Hungary is a civilized country. We don’t mind each other. “
However, there is concern about imposing fines through technology of recognition of persons, which is already being considered by the European Commission as a possible violation of Community law.
A spokesman for the Spanish Minister of Culture said there was no communication with the Hungarian police and do not consider their presence precarious.
‘I’m not afraid of the police or the far -right’
Socialist MEP Clai Redel said: “I am not afraid of the police or far -right encouraged by Orban. We are here to defend European values. This is a historic moment in the fight against authoritarian regimes. “
Orban’s trap
in the Hungarian political scene, the rest of the big parties in the country keep distances. Some will give the “present”, such as the Green Party of Mayor Karatsoni or the Satirical Party with both queues, but the opposition keeps distances.
Peter Magiar’s Tisza party, preceding polls, systematically avoids identity and LGBTKI+ rights, believing that involvement in such discussions reinforces Orban’s cultural narrative.
The party MEP, Zoltán Tarr, said: “We will not get into the trap of Orban. We will not let us drag us into an event aimed at dividing society and hide the government’s failure on key issues. When we take over, we will not limit the freedom of the assembly. “
Pride as a conflict of two worlds
For organizers, this year’s Pride is not just about LGBTKI+ rights. It is a clear reaction to Hungary’s authoritarian turn and a battle for European values.
As Richard Barambas, a co -chair of the Párbeszéd party, said: “Budapest Pride is a common attitude against Victor Orban’s oppressive regime. It’s not just about the rights of the LGBTQI+ community – it’s for Europe, for the rule of law, for our core values. “
The Orban government has legislated in favor of restricting any public expression of gender identity and sexuality, with the most recent example of March 2024 law, which prohibits public rallies that “promote or promote” the LGBTQI+ community.
The ban on this year’s Pride has been a direct consequence of this arrangement – but the organizers, with the support of Mayor Karatsoni, found a legal “window”: they suggested to the City Council to formally organize the parade so that there is no need for a police permit.
Whether those involved will be prosecuted or accepted by fines will appear in the coming weeks.
