A policy U-turn under new leadership

Hungarian police announced on Friday that the Budapest Pride parade, scheduled for 27 June, would be allowed to proceed, marking a significant departure from last year when the event was banned under the nationalist government of Viktor Orbán. The decision comes after Péter Magyar, a pro-EU conservative, swept to power in April elections, ending Orbán's 16-year rule.

“During the notification process for the 2026 Pride parade and the subsequent in-person consultation with the organisers, no grounds for prohibiting the assembly arose.”

Organisers formally notified authorities of their intention to hold the 31st edition of the march on Wednesday. Police also issued prescriptive-restrictive decisions regarding three counter-demonstrations, allowing them to take place but at a distance from the main parade.

The shadow of Orbán-era legislation

Despite the green light, the legal framework that enabled last year's ban remains intact. In March 2025, the Fidesz-controlled parliament passed legislation effectively prohibiting Pride events, citing child protection. The law amended a 2021 anti-LGBTQ+ statute that bans the 'promotion of homosexuality' to minors — legislation the EU's top court ruled last month was discriminatory, stigmatising, and in breach of EU rules.

Magyar has repeatedly voiced support for equality and freedom of assembly, but has not explicitly endorsed the Pride parade nor moved to repeal the restrictive laws inherited from his predecessor. During his election night victory speech, he declared Hungary would be a country where 'nobody is stigmatised for loving differently.'

Last year's defiant march

In 2025, despite the official ban, Budapest Pride drew a record turnout. Organisers estimated over 200,000 participants, with some sources citing figures as high as 350,000, including international guests expressing solidarity with Hungary's LGBTQ+ community. The march became a broader protest against Orbán's policies.

“Fantastic news that Budapest Pride will simply take place this year. For all the volunteers of the organisation who fought in fear and under high pressure last year to make Pride possible despite all the political pressure. And for the LGBTIQ+ community in Budapest and the rest of the world. Democracy has won over populism and that deserves a big celebration.”

Participants faced potential fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approximately €500), but police did not take action against individual marchers. Budapest's progressive mayor, Gergely Karácsony, who co-organised the event to circumvent the ban, was charged and prosecutors sought to fine him.

What to expect on 27 June

The 2026 edition is set for 27 June in the Hungarian capital. Organisers expressed confidence the event would proceed, particularly after the European Court of Justice ruling against Hungary's anti-LGBTQ+ law.

“After the extraordinary year of 2025, we trust in the cooperation of the authorities and their acceptance of the gathering. We warmly welcome everyone in June who took part in last year's demonstration, as well as those who continue to believe in equal rights and a democratic Hungary and those who would like to once again celebrate the transition to democracy.”

Three counter-demonstrations have also been approved, with police imposing restrictions to keep them separated from the Pride parade route.