Description: More than 15 thousand people amassed in Hungary’s capital as public discontent grew against the ruling Fidesz party and Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The protests were incited by the recent introduction of a government bill prohibiting LGTBQ+ events across the country and Orban’s general policy of silencing anti – establishment media organizations which further sparked concerns of limiting independent journalism and civic engagement. Latest polls suggested that Orban and Fidesz were rapidly losing credibility and were experiencing a stifling descent as the Prime Minister has been repeatedly accused of turning Hungary into an authoritarian regime alike the one Vladimir Putin established in Russia. National elections are scheduled for 2026 with oppositional pressure mounting against Orban consistently.
Impact: The Hungarian Prime Minister has consistently subverted European – led policy efforts and expediently aligned Hungary with Russia’s interests and ambitions on the European continent ever since their invasion of Ukraine. The civil reaction comes on the back of the introduction of controversial bills which could transpire towards a larger civil movement impacting the upcoming national elections scheduled for 2026. European – backed civil and NGO groups would increase their influence operations aiming at enlarging the protests which could eventually topple Orban from power. The Prime Minister is forced to adapt his approach introducing future government bills as he is risking political decline and losing the governing position.