It is “the greatest pride hoped”. But also the most political. In Budapest, in Hungary, the municipality decided to maintain the organization of the pride march this Saturday, June 28 in a climate more than tense. In March, the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced the ban on any “rally that would violate the legislation” voted in 2021, which prohibits evoking miners “homosexuality and change of sex”.
Despite Budapest’s announcement to maintain its pride, the government continued to put pressure, especially on European executives who have – for some – announced their presence on the spot. “The legal situation is clear: the pride is a rally prohibited by law,” insisted in a letter the Minister of Justice, Bence Tuzson, in a letter sent to the ambassadors of several countries of the European Union, even threatening a fine of 500 euros for any participation.
“The decomposition laboratory”
“We will pay fines if necessary. We are not above the laws, ”hammered the mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, during a press conference organized this Friday. The threats of the Orban Conservative clan will do nothing, the municipality affirmed the maintenance of the march to fight a policy described by the councilor as “the laboratory of decomposition”. “We believe that there is no second zone citizen,” said Gergely Karácsony, showing his support for the LGBT community.
The mayor also insisted on the risk of a conservative policy on a European scale. “No one can consider themselves as safe when you see this.” Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for Equality presents alongside her, recalled that Europe “could not remain passive” in the face of this situation. “Our values are tested. Let’s not make fools. History has shown that there was always a reason to discriminate. ”
Police ‘question
Despite European support, security remains uncertain for the event. According to a journalist on site, another rally is organized on the same course, jeopardizing the presence of the police on the two events. “Our demonstration is official and the police have been notified,” insisted the mayor of the city.
Another question remains: will the police complain about the orders of the government or those of the municipality? “We have planned additional security measures,” said Gergely Karácsony at the press conference. The mayor also had to respond to threats of imprisonment from the Orban clan. “As you see it at my head, I don’t take these threats very seriously,” replies the councilor, smiling.
No “physical violence”, assures Orban
On state radio this Friday, Viktor Orbán said he had prohibited any intervention by the police against pride. “Of course, the police could disperse such events because they have the right, but Hungary is a civilized country,” he tried to reassure by saying that there would be no “physical violence”.
What to respond to the mayor of Budapest, according to whom a municipal event should not have an official authorization? “Hungarian regulations are clear. Any event must be recorded and authorized by the police. If someone breaks the law, there will be legal consequences ”.
