Thousands Demonstrate for Freedom in Budapest: My Message to the Corrupt Orbán Regime
Last night, thousands of people took to the streets of Budapest to protest against Viktor Orbán. I had the honor of speaking at the rally at the invitation of its organizer, Ákos Hadházy. The demonstration was sparked by recent restrictions on the right to assemble and the banning of Budapest Pride, which the government even plans to enforce using facial recognition software. After the rally, thousands marched through downtown Budapest.
What moved me most on the ground: Alongside many anti-Orbán banners and signs, dozens of European flags waved in the crowd—despite the Orbán government’s relentless populist attacks against the European Union! Protests have been growing in recent weeks, with more and more Hungarians speaking out loudly against corruption and the authoritarian course of the Orbán government. Meanwhile, the ruling Fidesz party has fallen significantly behind the opposition in recent polls. In my speech, I wanted to make one message especially clear:
“Europe stands with the brave Hungarians who are fighting for their freedom—and ours. Politicians in Brussels and protesters in Hungary are working on towards the same goal. Our message to the corrupt Orbán regime is loud and clear: Stop stealing our freedoms. Stop stealing our money.”
You can find a recording of my speech here: