Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government has announced that this year’s Budapest Pride Parade will no longer be allowed to take place in public spaces, requiring organizers to hold the event in a closed venue. The move aligns with Hungary’s child protection policies, which Orbán has consistently defended despite opposition from the European Union and global activist groups.
Gergely Gulyás, Orbán’s chief of staff, stated that the decision was made to ensure child safety, emphasizing that a Pride event held in a controlled indoor environment does not pose the same concerns. While the government has not clarified whether public access to the event will be restricted, the shift marks a significant tightening of Hungary’s regulations on LGBTQ-related events in public spaces.
Orbán has long positioned himself as a defender of traditional family values, rejecting what he calls the “globalist agenda” of Brussels. In previous statements, he has criticized the EU for promoting mass migration and LGBTQ activism, arguing that Hungary will not bow to international pressure on these issues.
The European Commission has clashed with Hungary over its policies, referring the country to the Court of Justice of the EU in 2022 over laws restricting LGBTQ content in schools and public life. Despite threats of financial penalties from Brussels, Orbán’s government has doubled down on its stance, introducing constitutional amendments affirming traditional family structures and gender roles.
The Budapest Pride Parade, which has traditionally taken place along Andrassy Avenue in the city center, now faces significant restrictions under these new regulations. LGBTQ activists have condemned the move, arguing that Pride is a family-friendly event. However, the Hungarian government maintains that its policies are aimed at protecting children and reinforcing national values.
As Orbán’s administration prepares for the 2026 elections, his firm stance on cultural and social issues continues to resonate with conservative voters. Meanwhile, his political ally, former U.S. President Donald Trump, has also signaled support for national sovereignty in policymaking, a position Orbán has repeatedly embraced in defiance of EU directives.
