Tens of thousands of people gathered in Budapest on Saturday, June 27, for the 31st annual Pride march. Participants braved record scorching heat to walk through the city carrying large rainbow and European Union flags.
This marks the first official Pride march since right-wing leader Viktor Orbán left office following his election defeat in April. Last year, Orbán’s nationalist-populist government attempted to outlaw the event through legislation and a constitutional amendment. These policies, part of a wider crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, drew significant criticism from politicians across the European Union and various human rights groups.
Although this year's parade was fully authorized, tensions remain high. Prior to the event, far-right activists removed several rainbow flags displayed on the Elisabeth Bridge, replacing them with Hungarian flags in an effort to prevent potential troubles.