Press Article: Thousands Rally in Budapest Against Orbán’s Government
BUDAPEST, Hungary — On Tuesday, approximately 15,000 protesters gathered in the capital to mark the launch of a resistance movement against the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The demonstration drew support from nearly two dozen public figures, including writers, actors, musicians, and journalists, who voiced concerns over what they view as escalating anti-democratic actions by the government.
Speakers criticized Orbán’s Fidesz party for alleged corruption and authoritarianism. "This country doesn’t belong to those who lie and rob from the people," said Csaba Bogos, emphasizing the need for courage and unity among the populace to shape a peaceful future.
The protest follows controversial legislative actions, including a law banning public LGBTQ+ events and a constitutional amendment allowing facial recognition technology to identify participants in prohibited gatherings. Critics claim these measures signal a drift towards autocracy, drawing parallels with Russia under President Vladimir Putin.
Amidst declining poll numbers as national elections approach in 2026, detractors warn of heightened government attempts to silence dissent. Alarmingly, a draft bill has emerged that would empower authorities to blacklist critical media outlets and NGOs, raising serious concerns about the future of independent journalism and civic engagement.
Dániel Szabó, a demonstrator, noted that the government’s actions are designed not to protect national sovereignty but to concentrate power. He stated, "The possibility for any kind of normal coexistence or consensus is under attack."
Musician Dénes Sallai highlighted a growing discontent among the populace, predicting that the Fidesz party may not retain power after 16 years come next year. “The majority of people are fed up with the actions of this regime,” he expressed, capturing the spirit of the burgeoning opposition movement.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
