In the late 1980s, environmental protests in Hungary against a dam project symbolized broader resistance to the communist regime, contributing to its eventual collapse. Fast forward to today, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government faces significant backlash following attempts to ban Budapest's Pride parade, which saw attendance soar to historic levels. This moment highlights potential vulnerabilities in Orban's leadership, despite his ongoing consolidation of power since 2010, particularly in the media and civil society. The Pride event underscores a common cause among diverse groups, signaling a growing dissent against Orban's administration.
The scale of this backlash points to a significant prime ministerial own-goal. Trailing his former ally turned bitter critic, Mr. Orban chose to target the LGBTQ+ community.
Out on the streets were large numbers of first-timers, parents with sons and daughters, and demonstrators from across the mainstream political spectrum, showcasing widespread opposition.
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