“Enough with Authoritarianism!”: Tens of Thousands Protest in Hungary Against New Law Threatening NGOs and Media

Tens of thousands of Hungarians took to the streets on Sunday, rallying against a controversial new bill that critics say puts independent NGOs and media outlets at risk, accusing them of “threatening the country’s sovereignty.”

Beneath a sea of Hungarian, European, and rainbow flags, demonstrators gathered in front of Parliament, voicing their fears for democracy and freedom. “I want to live in a free Hungary, not a dictatorship,” read one prominent banner, capturing the mood of the crowd.

Fears of Russian-Style Repression

“This law is full of absurdities and lacks any real substance. Just like in Russia, anyone who criticizes the state can now be accused of being a foreign agent,” lamented Gabor, a student who preferred not to share his last name for safety reasons.

The protest comes in response to a legislative initiative by nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who earlier this year promised a “great Easter purge” targeting his political rivals, whom he labeled as “bedbugs.” True to his word, Orbán’s government has now introduced a bill on “transparency of public life,” following a series of constitutional amendments that have already restricted the rights of LGBT+ people and dual nationals.

Widespread Condemnation from Civil Society

More than 300 NGOs and media organizations-including Amnesty International and Transparency International-have signed a joint letter denouncing the bill as an “authoritarian maneuver to stay in power,” just one year ahead of Hungary’s tightly contested parliamentary elections.

The signatories warn that the law aims to “silence all critical voices and eliminate what remains of Hungarian democracy,” drawing direct comparisons with the repressive tactics seen in Russia.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on European Union leaders to “unequivocally condemn” the legislation, which is expected to be approved by lawmakers soon. Opposition leaders have also decried what they describe as the “Putinization” of Hungary.

Government Defends the Bill

Despite the outcry, Prime Minister Orbán defended the bill before supporters of his Fidesz party, insisting that its purpose is to dismantle “propaganda networks” allegedly funded by foreign money.

As Hungary stands at a crossroads, this weekend’s mass protests highlight the growing tension between the government’s push for control and citizens’ demands for democracy, transparency, and freedom of expression.

 Key Events to Join

• Budapest Pride Community Festival (June 6–29): 70+ events across the country.
• International Human Rights Conference (June 25–27): Held at Central European University (CEU).
• Budapest Pride March (June 28): The march begins in central Budapest—expect tens of thousands.
• Rainbow Party (June 28): Hungary’s biggest LGBTQ party, the official Budapest Pride afterparty and a fundraiser for the march.

 Planning to attend from abroad

We’re here to help you. Whether you’re organizing a delegation, traveling solo, with your friends or representing an organization, contact our international coordination team at [email protected] for support with logistics, accommodation, safety, visibility and useful tips and hints. 

In addition, we encourage individual participants and informal groups to connect with your local LGBTQ organization and coordinate with them as well. There might already be others from your country or region planning to join, and it’s always great to travel and organize together.