Budapest promotes itself as a party town. On Saturday, parties sprinkled on the streets, occupying the Elizabeth Bridge on both coasts of the Danube, as well as the riverbank and downtown areas in the hot summer heat.
Between 100,000 and 200,000, most young people dance from pests to Buda and dance and sing.
The distance usually takes only 20 minutes to extend to three hours.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ban, many of the proud participants in Budapest told me that prompted them to participate in activities they usually stay away from. Last year, only 35,000 were in the competition.
Many banners mocked the Hungarian Prime Minister. During his rule over the past 15 years, he declared that the revenge of some of the war was like a peaceful revenge.
“In my history class, I learned enough to understand dictatorship. You don’t need to explain it – Vic!” read a handmade banner. “I’m bored with fascism.” Another read.
T-shirts with Orban image, bright eyeshadows and lipstick are everywhere.
While the vivid instruments of the LGBT community form the core of the parade, this year’s pride has become a celebration of human rights and solidarity.
“We don’t look exactly like we’re banned!” Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony told the crowd in his speech in front of the Technical University of Budapest.
Today’s parade may be the crowning moment of his political career. A town hall starved to death with funds, struggled with the central government to dare to hold events that the government tried to ban and win – at least at least.
“In fact, we look like peace, free to show a big, fat show with the power of thriving and hatred. The message is clear: they have no power to us!” Karacsony continued.
Among the participants was Finnish European Parliament Member Li Andersson, who believed Orban used the arguments over family values as an excuse to ban the march.
“It is important to emphasize that the reason we are here is not just pride – it’s about the fundamental rights of all of us,” she said.
The ban is based on a new law, which is the vast majority of laws held in parliament by Orban’s Fides party, equates freedom of assembly from the Child Protection Act of 2021 with pedophiles to the Child Protection Act of 2021, thus prohibiting the portrayal of homosexuality or promoting homosexuality where children may see it.
Police believe that what children may have witnessed during Saturday’s march was the ban. In response, the mayor cites the law of 2001, pointing out that events organized by the Council do not fall under parliamentary power.
Finally, the policemen attending the march kept a cautious attitude and looked sadly at their excluded political parties.
In another part of the city, Orban attended the graduation ceremony of 162 new police officers and customs officers, as well as new officials from the State Administration of Foreign Affairs of the State Police.
“Order does not have to be created in itself, because life without IT civilization will be lost.” Orban told students and their families.
Earlier, he and other famous Fidesz officials posted photos of themselves with their children and grandchildren, trying to restore the word “pride”.
Alexandra Szentkiralyi, head of the Fidesz faction of the Budapest Council, posted on Facebook “post a picture to show them what we are proud of,” a rather ordinary “Hungarian” t-shirt with her own photos.
Police were restricted in Budapest on Saturday, but temporary cameras were installed before the parade and installed in police cars to record the entire event.
Laws on March 18 that attempted to ban pride gave police new powers to use facial recognition software. Participants may be fined between £14 ($19) and £430.
The pro-government media was harsh in criticism of the events of the day, echoing the comments of the leading Fides politician, who said the march was a celebration of disgust and had nothing to do with calling freedom.
Government flagship pavilion Hungarian state announced: “Budapest’s pride of chaos.”
It continues: “Noble climate activist and recent horror supporter Greta Thunberg posted her Budapest Pride on her Instagram page.”
“After the demonstration, it will be a matter for the court,” Zoltan Kiszelly, a political analyst close to the government, told the BBC.
“If the court ruled on the mayor and (pride) organizers, then Orban could say, well, we have to change the legislation again.”
But if the court decides the government, the Prime Minister can be satisfied with the laws he complies with, despite the fact that pride is .
