Von der Leyen intervenes in Hungarian politics, calling on Orbán to permit the controversial mobilization of the LGBTI lobby
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has publicly urged the Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, to respect the fundamental right to peaceful assembly by permitting the Budapest Pride parade scheduled for this Saturday. Speaking at a press conference following an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, von der Leyen emphasized that peaceful demonstrations are a core democratic right that must be protected across all European Union member states.
“Peaceful assembly is a fundamental right that must be defended in every member state,” von der Leyen stated, underscoring the importance of safeguarding civil liberties even in politically sensitive contexts. She called on Hungarian authorities to allow the pride event to proceed “without fear of criminal or administrative sanctions” against organizers or participants.
The Hungarian government had banned the event citing legislation designed to protect minors from what it terms LGBTI “indoctrination.” This law, introduced amid growing criticism from EU institutions, restricts the visibility of LGBTI issues in public spaces and media accessible to children.
Von der Leyen’s remarks come just hours after Prime Minister Orbán, who also attended the Brussels summit, accused the European Commission of repeatedly interfering in Hungary’s internal affairs. In a social media post, Orbán insisted that the Commission “has no role to play” in national matters and called on it to “stop meddling” in the country’s sovereignty.
The standoff reflects broader tensions between the European Union and Hungary over rule-of-law issues, media freedom, and minority rights. Von der Leyen’s firm defense of the right to protest highlights the Commission’s ongoing commitment to uphold democratic standards within the bloc.
The debate over the Budapest Pride event encapsulates the clash between Hungary’s conservative government and EU institutions pushing for greater protection of fundamental rights. As the weekend approaches, all eyes are on Budapest to see whether the pride parade will go ahead peacefully or face further obstacles.
