EU Commissioners Jet Off to Budapest for a Pride Protest (Peter Magyar Calls In)
What’s the Scoop?
EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, along with a roster of 70 MEPs, hopped onto a flight to Hungary in a bold move to confront the controversial ban on the country’s annual Pride parade. Their mission? To remind lawmakers that love and equality still matter, even in unexpected places.
Key Points
- Who’s In: Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and a full squad of 70 MEPs.
- Where: Budapest, Hungary – the heart of the debate.
- Why: The Hungarian government has slapped a ban on the Pride march, sparking outrage across Europe.
- Who’s Out: Opposition leader Peter Magyar chose to skip the protest, leaving a notable absence on the flagship gig.
Behind the Scenes
Picture it: a group of European superheroes in suits and EU logos, boarding a plane, ready to march into the spotlight. They’re not just blowing up a banner; they’re reminding the world that Equality isn’t a choose‑your‑own‑advertisement, it’s a core principle. The trip was aimed at adding pressure on Hungarian lawmakers and, who knows, getting the entire EU back on track.
Peter Magyar’s Missing Piccolo
While the crew’s ready to raise their voices, Peter Magyar decided to stay sideline‑lol. Maybe he’s watching re‑watch the Titan‑the‑pilot’s documentary or maybe he’s just skipping the ceremony to enjoy a quiet coffee. Either way, the absence highlights a split within the political scene, keeping the drama alive.
Takeaway
Commissioner Lahbib and her MEP squad together represent the push-pull of EU politics: bold action on the international stage shows that, even when some leaders are absent, the message remains loud and clear: “Love is universal! And we’re not leaving it behind.”
70 MEPs, One Big Pride Parade, and the EPP Who‑Did‑We‑Not‑Invite?
On a sunny Saturday afternoon in Budapest, a colorful choir of around 70 European parliamentarians—Renew Europe, Socialists & Democrats, The Left, and Greens—took to the streets under the watchful eye of the Belgian equality commissioner. They weren’t alone: tens of thousands of locals raised rainbow and EU flags, turning the capital into a sea of vibrant hues.
Who’s Who in the March?
- Maria Walsh – the lone Irish EPP MEP who joined the march, waving her flag beside her fellow allies.
- Representatives from the Renew Europe, Socialists & Democrats, The Left, and Greens groups marched in unison, proving that politics can find common ground on a rainbow.
Number Crunch!
Organisers claim as many as 200,000 people joined the march—though locals say it might be a bit less. Regardless, the number is impressively large enough to give the city a new pride quotient.
Maria’s Take On Pride
“I’ve been waving my rainbow flag for ages, long before politics even knocked on my door, and I’ll keep waving it long after I’ve moved on,” Maria told Euronews. “Pride isn’t a party pick‑up line; it’s a salute to humanity. I wish more were there, but at least 70 of us from different parties showed up, and that’s what matters.”
Why the EPP Wasn’t On The Move
While Renew Europe’s President Valérie Hayer admitted it’s a pity the bulk of the EPP missed this huge wave of solidarity, a French socialist MEP Emma Rafowicz called out the EPP’s wobble between democratic forces and the extreme right. “It’s perplexing that the EPP can’t see who they’re really up against,” Rafowicz remarked.
Missing Faces
- Peter Magyar – Hungary’s opposition powerhouse and MEP, whose centre‑right Tisza party is currently booting the Fidesz government in polls gearing up for the 2026 parliamentary election. He sidestepped the march entirely.
Magyar did, however, weigh in earlier in the day, urging everyone to stay calm: “Don’t let any provocateurs pull a stunt. Hit or hurt, Viktor Orbán’s the one who’ll be held responsible.”
Bottom Line
There you have it: a parade that proved solidarity can be seen from the rooftops, a handful of missing EPP players, and a bold call from an opposition leader reminding everyone that politics, even in a celebration, stays raw and real.
European Commissioner for Equality Goes From March to Meetings
Picture this: the stage is set for a bustling march, yet the head honcho, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, decides to skip the chanting crowds. Instead, she swapped the protest vibes for a boardroom vibe, meeting with local civil‑society folks at a different venue.
What Actually Happened
- Commissioner Lahbib was slated to appear on the march street.
- She announced to Euronews that she’d skip the public rally.
- Her plan? Attend a series of meetings in the city—talking shop, not chanting.
Why It Matters
While the march’s spirit is all about solidarity and public voice, Lahbib’s decision to meet with NGOs highlights a different kind of engagement—more behind‑the‑scenes, policy‑shaping dialogue. Whether that’s a missed opportunity or a savvy pivot depends on your perspective.
Quick Takeaway – Don’t Sweat the Skip
Change of plans isn’t uncommon in politics. Lahbib’s move shows that influence can come from quieter conversations, not just loud crowds. And perhaps the city’s meeting rooms were just as loud… in a different way.
Risking fines and jail time
Hungary’s Pride Parade: Freedom, Heat, and a Clever Rebrand
In March, the Hungarian parliament passed a bill that effectively outlawed the annual gay pride march. The official reasoning? The event might “violate Hungary’s child protection law,” which bars any depiction of same‑sex relationships for minors. The EU, however, isn’t buying that ticket and has kicked the case to the European Court of Justice.
Parliament’s Protest Against Pride
Conservative and far‑right members of the European Parliament stood up for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ban, arguing that the EU shouldn’t meddle in Hungary’s “internal affairs.” That stance drew quite a few eyebrows across the continent.
Orbiting Around the City: The Mayor’s Twist
Meanwhile, Budapest’s mayor, Gergely Karácsony of the Green party, flexed his political muscles by re‑labeling the march as a “Day of Freedom.” Officially organized by the city council, this friendly loophole let thousands march under the hot sun, waving pride colors while launching a protest against the government.
What the Protestors Saw
- A sea of flags and loud music.
- Banners that glared at the prime minister’s photo.
- Someone telling Euronews that “I’m not a big fan of Pride events, but this isn’t just about Pride—it’s about freedom.”
Those attending were full of charisma and determination. “Hungary is part of the EU, and banning Pride isn’t funny,” a march-goer said, their voice echoing through the city.
Security Is Tight, Yet Cages Are Not
The city’s security team had cameras on lamp posts and a squadron of police stationed at hotspots. The goal? Keep the peace and avoid any clashes. The Hungarian Ministry of Justice warned organisers of up to a year in prison, and marchers could face a €500 fine. The police even discussed using facial‑recognition tech to spot attendees, but Mayor Karácsony insisted nobody would be punished for just showing up.
In short, Budapest’s “Day of Freedom” is a creative workaround that let voices rise under heat, lights, and a clear call for liberty, all while dodging legal restrictions.
Anti-LGBT protesters also assembled in Budapest
What Happened in Budapest Today
The Youth Group Party
On the same bustling square where the Pride parade would later march, the 64 Counties Youth Movement staged a legally sanctioned event. Think of it as a family gathering—except the family is nationalist, and the theme is “All‑in‑one‑square.”
Counter‑Marching with a Twist
Not far behind, the Our Homeland Movement, a tiny far‑right seat in Parliament, organized a police‑approved counter‑march that followed the exact same route as the city’s Pride march. Picture it as a reverse‑soccer match: Pride vs. Our Homeland—both playing in the same field.
Police‑Padded Peacekeepers
To keep the street drama from turning into a full‑blown brawl, police opened their armory like a bakery during a big feast—load up the protective gear and block the far‑right protest. The outcome? A calm, sealed dog‑fight (or rather, a well‑preserved marching zone).
Key Takeaways
- Both movements claimed the spot in a legal manner.
- Each had a distinct agenda, but both used the same streets.
- Police stayed on standby, acting like a “no‑touch” referee, ensuring smooth passage for everyone.
Budapest Gets a Pride‑Police Showdown
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Hungarian capital was split in half—one side with rainbow flags, the other with hard‑hitting, dark‑humor protesters. The police drew a straight line to keep the two groups from colliding, like a line of defense at a back‑yard soccer match.
The Hate‑Flagged Crowd
- A small squad from the 64 Counties Youth Movement marched with a banner that dared to liken the LGBT community to a dangerous “pædophilosophy.”
- One protester, in a voice that could have turned a conference into a snoring bed, told Euronews, “We are here because we want to warn the people of Hungary about LGBT paedophilia. It’s a danger to our children.”
Redirection Attempts by the Anti‑Pride Squad
The anti‑Pride activists had a few attempts to throw a wrench into the parade. One dreamed it would sit in front of the lead truck—like a drift‑biking block—only to be met with jeers from the marching crowd.
Loud laughter, shouts, and police shooing followed, as the sheer enthusiasm of the participants turned the scene into a carnival‑style confrontation. Despite the heated moments, evenings were recorded as calm; no major incidents were reported afterward.
Key Takeaway
Even in the most tense moments, Budapest’s streets kept their rhythm—rainbow flags marched on while the police maintained the line. Let’s hope next year the protest lines keep as clean as the parade lanes.