IDM Short Insights 46: Budapest’s Bridge Occupations. Hungarian demos against anti-LGBT+ laws
In April, demonstrators symbolically occupied Budapest’s famous bridges to protest against a new anti-LGBTQ+ amendment passed by Hungary’s Fidesz-led parliament in March. Their goal? To raise awareness about the restrictions on the right to assembly and the broader erosion of human rights in the country. But how did the government react to the protests? And what’s the real political tactic behind Fidesz’s latest move? Julia Mits (IDM) reporting from Budapest (Hungary).
Transcript
Did you know that in 1997 Hungary was the first post-socialist country to organize the Pride March behind the fallen Iron Curtain? Now, three decades later, Orbán’s Hungary is the first EU country to actually ban the Pride March.
What happened?
In March 2025, the Hungarian Parliament, with a major Fidesz majority, passed a new amendment that bans all Pride marches nationwide. The new law links LGBTQ+ gatherings to violations of the Child Protection Act. The move triggered immediate protests here in the city and also drew international criticism, including statements from nearly 20 embassies based here in Budapest.
First possible explanation
While Fidesz claims to protect children, its credibility was damaged in 2024 when the former president Katalin Novák resigned over a scandal related to sexual abuse at a children’s home. The case shook Fidesz’s core protestors and gave momentum to the currently most popular opposition party and its leader Péter Magyar of the Tisza party.
Second possible explanation
The Pride ban appears to be an attempt by Fidesz to appeal to far-right voters, especially those who are supporting Mi Hazánk, the far-right extremist party here in Hungary. Securing their votes could be crucial to regain political dominance.
How did people react?
As a response, thousands took to the streets in protest. In Budapest, the demonstrators symbolically occupied bridges to highlight the violations against civil liberties and democratic rights. In April 2025 alone, there were at least 6 bridge occupations, mainly at the Erzsébet Bridge. These actions caused significant traffic disruptions and in several cases, authorities restricted or dispersed the demonstrators.
How did the government respond?
The government’s response was firm. According to the opposition Momentum party, over 100 people were affected by police actions and sought legal help. More than 80 protesters received administrative fines, totalling 11 million Hungarian forints, which is approximately 28,000 euros. Now, many see that the heavy-handed policing is another sign of the shrinking space for dissent in Hungary.
What happens next?
Despite the nationwide ban, the Budapest Pride organizers have already confirmed that the march will go ahead this year anyway. The mayor of Budapest and several embassies, including those of Germany, the Netherlands and the US, have already pledged to support a peaceful assembly.
