Record-breaking numbers of revellers are expected to turn out on the streets of Budapest on Saturday in defiance of a new law by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling coalition that bans Hungary’s annual Pride celebrations.

A record number of people are expected to attend Saturday’s Pride march in the Hungarian capital Budapest, defying a ban that marks an unprecedented regression of LGBTQ rights in the European Union.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling coalition amended laws and the constitution earlier this year to prohibit the annual celebration, justifying his years-long clampdown on LGBTQ rights on “child protection” grounds.

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While Orban has been emboldened by the anti-diversity offensive of US President Donald Trump, his own initiatives have drawn protests at home and condemnation from the EU and rights groups.

The nationalist leader on Friday said that while police would not “break up” the 30th edition of the Pride march, those who took part should be aware of “legal consequences”.

Despite the risk of a fine, more than 35,000 people are expected to gather at 2pm (1200 GMT) near Budapest’s city hall, an hour before the march begins.

Thirty-three countries have also spoken up in support of the march.

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(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Read more on FRANCE 24 English

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Hungary tells EU ambassadors not to attend Pride parade banned by police

Budapest mayor says Pride march will go ahead despite police ban

Budapest Pride has traditionally been a more buttoned-down affair. Eager to keep it that way and to avoid providing fodder for Fidesz, organizers have urged visiting foreign L.G.B.T.Q. activists, who tend to be less restrained, to “not show their genitals or nipples” and respect local norms, Mr. Hegedus said. There is no dress code, he added, but “don’t wear less than you would on the beach.”

Hadja Lahbib, the European Union’s commissioner for equality, spoke in Budapest on Friday alongside the mayor in support of the banned parade. She declared the right of assembly a “core value” from which “there can be no retreat by any member state.” But, asked at a news conference whether she would join Saturday’s parade, she declined to say.

When Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, on Thursday called on Hungarian authorities to let Budapest Pride go ahead “without fear of any criminal or administrative sanctions,” Mr. Orban swiftly told her to mind her own business and stop interfering in Hungarian law enforcement.

Gabor Gyori, a political analyst with Policy Solutions, a left-leaning research group, said the conflict over Budapest Pride showed that Fidesz was running out of ideas for how to slow Mr. Magyar’s vertiginous rise in opinion polls.

“Rehashing all the old issues won’t work,” he said. “At this point they need something new or for the economy to pick up dramatically.”

Tens of thousands of Hungarians are expected to take to the streets of the Hungarian capital for a historic edition of Budapest Pride, amid pushback from the Orbán government and local police authorities.

The march comes amid a deepening crackdown on LGBTQ rights in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government has passed a series of laws over the past few years restricting LGBTQ expression, including a 2021 ban on content deemed to “promote homosexuality” to minors.

In March, Hungary’s parliament enacted a law criminalizing LGBTQ “promotion” in public, granting authorities the power to issue fines up to €500 and even pursue imprisonment and facial-recognition surveillance for participants.

In defiance of this, Budapest’s mayor, Gergely Karácsony, has designated the march a city event, thus arguing it falls outside the government’s prohibition.

While the Pride itself has no police authorisation, counter-protests arranged by the Hungarian far-right Our Homeland Movement do.

Commission looking on from the sidelines

Organisers said they expect Saturday’s parade to be the biggest in the event’s 30-year-long history.With some reports of von der Leyen telling her commissioners not to go, it was uncertain whether European executive would be represented at Saturday’s event in Budapest. The Commission refuted that such travel advisory was ever issued.

On Wednesday, the Commission president urged the Hungarian authorities to allow the Pride parade to go ahead. Orbán himself replied: “I urge the European Commission to refrain from interfering in the law enforcement affairs of Member States, where it has no role to play.”

A group of 17 EU countries has criticised the Hungarian government for its crackdown on the LGBTQ community.

Last week, Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib announced that she would be in Budapest for the pride. At a press conference in Budapest yesterday, Lahbib hinted that she would stay on the sidelines of the actual Pride while 70 European lawmakers walk the streets of the Hungarian capitals.

Parliament prepares for the worst

In preparation for the event, European Parliament MEPs and staff have been briefed on the security situation.

The European Parliament’s Budapest office will remain open as a diplomatic safe zone, with boosted security. MEPs were urged to carry diplomatic passports, use VPNs, delay posting on social media to avoid tracking, and only use their own cables when charging their devices.

Emergency contacts, encrypted messaging groups, and insurance information were distributed amid concerns over a volatile and rapidly shifting situation.

“This is something you might expect before protesting Erdoğan in Turkey, not in an EU country,” one MEP taking part in the Pride told Euractiv.

Officially scheduled to begin at 14:00, the procession will weave along the famous Andrássy Avenue, culminating in a celebration at Szabadság tér, a square commemorating Hungary’s liberation from communism.

(adm)

Now Canada Unites With UK, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and Finland as Hungary Enters the European Travel Caution Zone: What You Need to Know Before Planning Your Trip

Now Canada unites with the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and Finland in issuing coordinated travel warnings for Hungary as the country enters the European Travel Caution Zone due to escalating legal risks, government surveillance, and security threats surrounding a banned public march in Budapest. These nations have all updated their advisories to warn citizens about potential fines, facial recognition tracking, and the heightened danger posed by sanctioned far-right counter-demonstrations, urging travelers to stay vigilant or avoid central areas of the Hungarian capital altogether.

What began as a domestic crackdown is now drawing global attention, putting Hungary squarely in what officials are calling the European Travel Caution Zone.

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Western Nations Warn Citizens of Legal Risk in Budapest

At least seven governments have now updated their official travel guidance, warning citizens that attending the Pride march—prohibited by the Hungarian government—could result in fines of up to €500, surveillance, and even criminal repercussions.

The event, which was banned under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government, had long been scheduled as part of Budapest’s annual Pride celebration. The government claimed the ban was imposed to “protect children,” a justification widely criticized as a cover for restricting LGBTQ+ expression and freedom of assembly.

Despite the ban, organizers have refused to back down, announcing that the march will move forward as planned in central Budapest. Tens of thousands of attendees, including activists, tourists, and EU officials, are expected to participate—setting the stage for a confrontation between demonstrators, far-right groups, and Hungarian authorities.

What the Travel Advisories Actually Say

United Kingdom : The UK government was among the first to update its advisory, warning travelers that the march is considered illegal under Hungarian law . British nationals were told they could be identified using facial recognition technology , face fines, and be caught in unpredictable policing scenarios , especially with far-right counter-protests planned.

: The UK government was among the first to update its advisory, warning travelers that the march is considered . British nationals were told they could be , face fines, and be caught in , especially with far-right counter-protests planned. Netherlands : Dutch officials issued a similar warning, stressing the possibility of fines and urging participants to stay informed through embassy channels. They made clear that individuals assume personal responsibility if they join the march.

: Dutch officials issued a similar warning, stressing the and urging participants to stay informed through embassy channels. They made clear that if they join the march. Belgium : The Belgian government flagged not only the ban but also the high risk of conflict due to a planned counter-demonstration by the far-right Our Homeland party , which has been granted permission to use the same route as the march. Belgian citizens were urged to avoid confrontation zones and follow police guidance immediately in case of unrest.

: The Belgian government flagged not only the ban but also the due to a planned counter-demonstration by the , which has been granted permission to use the same route as the march. Belgian citizens were urged to and follow police guidance immediately in case of unrest. France : France’s foreign ministry warned travelers that Hungarian police are equipped with smart surveillance cameras , and participants may be penalized post-event. They reiterated that the Pride event is prohibited and that the local environment could become unstable.

: France’s foreign ministry warned travelers that Hungarian police are equipped with , and participants may be penalized post-event. They reiterated that the Pride event is and that the local environment could become unstable. Germany and Finland : Both countries joined in with updates urging caution. Their advisories underscored the presence of politically charged demonstrations and the likelihood of counter-protests , advising travelers to stay well clear of central Budapest during the march.

: Both countries joined in with updates urging caution. Their advisories underscored the presence of and the , advising travelers to stay well clear of central Budapest during the march. Canada: Canada’s warning echoed the others, highlighting the risk of fines, facial recognition monitoring, and legal consequences. Canadian travelers were urged to stay alert, avoid protest zones, and register with consular services while in the country.

Rising Threats from the Far-Right

One of the most concerning developments is the involvement of Hungary’s far-right Our Homeland party, which has officially called on supporters to block key bridges and intersections in Budapest to disrupt the Pride event. Unlike the Pride march, which was banned, the far-right protest was granted a police permit, creating a deeply concerning overlap of opposing crowds.

Authorities fear the situation could spiral quickly if confrontations erupt. The Belgian advisory explicitly warned of “possible violence” and recommended participants distance themselves from any far-right presence.

Even Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán suggested that while police might not forcibly disperse the march, attendees would “have to face the legal consequences” for participating in an event deemed illegal by his administration.

EU Officials Still Set to March

Despite the heightened risks, over 70 Members of the European Parliament and the European Commissioner for Equality are expected to attend the march in defiance of the ban. Their participation reflects growing international criticism of Hungary’s clampdown on civil liberties and LGBTQ+ rights.

On Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Hungary to reverse the ban, calling it “a violation of the fundamental values of the European Union.” She emphasized that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be protected, even when governments disagree with the message.

What Travelers Should Do Now

If you’re planning a trip to Hungary this weekend or in the coming days, here are essential tips before you go:

Stay Informed : Check your government’s travel advisory for real-time updates.

: Check your government’s travel advisory for real-time updates. Avoid Central Budapest : Especially near bridges and planned protest areas.

: Especially near bridges and planned protest areas. Don’t Assume It’s Safe to Observe : Even as a bystander, being in the area could subject you to legal action or surveillance.

: Even as a bystander, being in the area could subject you to legal action or surveillance. Register with Your Embassy : Many embassies offer alerts via SMS or social media during crisis situations.

: Many embassies offer alerts via SMS or social media during crisis situations. Reconsider Non-Essential Travel: Especially if your itinerary overlaps with the protest zone or public squares where counter-demonstrations are expected.

Now Canada unites with the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and Finland in issuing coordinated travel warnings for Hungary as rising legal threats, surveillance concerns, and far-right counter-protests push the country into the European Travel Caution Zone. Travelers are being urged to avoid central Budapest amid fears of fines and escalating security risks.

A Wider Reflection on Travel and Freedom

This isn’t just about one march. What’s happening in Hungary is becoming a litmus test for freedom of movement, civil liberties, and human rights in the heart of Europe. The coordinated travel warnings are not only a signal to travelers, but also a statement of political concern from the international community.

So if you’re heading to Hungary, go with your eyes wide open. The country may now sit squarely in the European Travel Caution Zone, but the message from the global community is clear: the world is watching what happens next.

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“He must have been in a fight last night,” Sorcha goes.

And – yeah, no – she’s talking about my brother slash half-brother, Brett.

I’m there, “Why do you say he was in a fight?”

And she goes, “Oh my God, didn’t you see the bruises on his neck when he came home this morning?”

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Seriously, sometimes it’s like she was never young at all.

I’m there, “Sorcha, they’re not bruises – as in, they’re not, like, bruises bruises?”

She looks at me blankly.

I’m there, “Sorcha, they’re hickeys.”

She’s like, “Hickeys? He’s 50 years old, Ross.”

And I go, “I don’t know what to tell you, Sorcha. The dude’s going through something. A midlife crisis. And half the women in Leggs of Lower Leeson Street.”

She’s like, “He has to go, Ross.”

And I’m there, “He won’t go. You heard what he told his wife. He’s staying until the old dear, you know–”

I can’t bring myself to say the words “croaks it”.

She goes, “No, I mean he can’t stay here any more.”

I’m like, “What?”

“He’s out drinking every night, hopping from one woman to the next, coming home at all hours – or not at all.”

She’s just described me between the years 2003 and 2013. I’m wondering is it Brett she’s upset about, or is she having flashbacks to the first decade of our marriage?

“I’m going to pack up all of his stuff today,” she goes, “and leave it in the front gorden. And if it’s still there in an hour, I’m pouring paraffin over it and putting a match to the lot.”

Yeah, no, she’s definitely having flashbacks.

I’m there, “Fine, I’ll tell him to go.”

She’s like, “When?”

I’m there, “We’re supposed to be going to see the old dear today. I’ll tell him when we’re on the way there.”

I think you and I have this, like, understanding – like we’re psychically conjoined — Brett

So – yeah, no – I wake the dude up and 20 minutes later we’re in the cor on the way to the nursing home. I’m trying to find a way to break the bad news to him but the dude won’t let me get a word in edgeways.

He’s going, “Meeting you was the meridian moment that separated my old and new lives. I define everything in my life now as happening Before Ross or After Ross.”

Of course, I’m a sucker for a compliment and probably have been since the day in January 1999 when Gerry Thornley wrote, in the pages of this very newspaper, “I’ve seen the future. It’s called Ross O’Carroll-Kelly.”

I’m like, “Dude, I’m loving this. And I’m tempted to ask you to say more things. But the truth is – and this is Sorcha talking, by the way–”

“I feel like I’ve known you all my life,” he goes. “Do you know what I mean?”

I’m there, “It definitely feels like you’ve been here a long time all right. On which point–”

He goes, “I think you and I have this, like, understanding – like we’re psychically conjoined.”

Anyway, we get to the nursing home and in we trot. The old dear greets me in her usual way.

She’s like, “Did you bring me a bottle of Tanqueray?”

And I’m there, “No, because you’re not on one of your famous dry meditation retreats. You’re in an actual nursing home.”

“Oh, yes,” she goes. “Of course I am,” and then she looks at Brett and says the most incredible thing. “Who is this person, Ross?”

Brett’s like, “What?”

She goes, “Are you a doctor?”

He’s there, “No, I’m your son.”

She’s like, “Oh, Jesus – am I seeing double now?”

I’m there, “No, he’s, like, your other son?”

“Other son?” she goes. “I have no other son.”

The dude looks hurt.

He’s like, “You do, Fionnuala. I’m your other son. I’m Brett.”

She goes, “Bread? You’re saying I have a son called Bread?”

He’s there, “Brett! I was adopted in the States. We reconnected a few years ago – remember?”

“Bread?”

“Brett!”

“Ross, I have no idea who this person is or what he’s talking about.”

I look at Brett and the dude looks crushed – a bit like me back in the day when Declan Kidney left me out of the Ireland schools team, having seen the future and decided that it wasn’t called Ross O’Carroll-Kelly.

Unlike me, though, he doesn’t argue his case with a lot of finger-pointing and shouts of, “You’re going to regret this for the rest of your life! Focking Cork!”

No, the dude just turns and runs out of there in pretty much tears.

I stare at the old dear and I remember her saying that the reason she kept the two of us aport was because she thought I’d corrupt him.

I’m there, “You did that on purpose – because you want him to go home to the States.”

She doesn’t say shit – just looks straight through me.

I’m there, “I’m going to see is he okay.”

As I’m leaving, she’s like, “Bring gin next time or don’t come at all.”

What’s the point in all of us getting together and saying nice things about her when she’s dead? Let’s do it while she’s still with us — Brett

I find Brett sitting at the end of the corridor with his head in his hands.

I’m there, “Dude, she has good days and bad days. There’s times when she doesn’t even recognise me.”

Then he says something that, in a way, shocks me?

He’s like, “She’s close to the end, Ross.”

I’m there, “No way. She’s got years left in her. That’s as plain as the love bites on your neck. You should probably think about getting a tetanus, by the way.”

“Ross,” he goes, “trust me. I saw it with my dad. You know, I was thinking, we should arrange, like, a living funeral for her.”

I’m there, “What’s that? As in, like, what pacifically?”

He’s like, “We do them in the States all the time. It’s, like, what’s the point in all of us getting together and saying nice things about her when she’s dead? Let’s do it while she’s still with us.”

I’m there, “So it’s, like, a roast – except you say, like, nice shit about the person?”

He goes, “That’s kind of it. We have to get all of her friends together.”

I’m like, “She doesn’t really have any friends. Just people she worked alongside to stop various things coming to the southside or to move various things to the northside.”

He goes, “Can you draw up a list of names for me?”

I’m there, “Dude, I still say she’s got years left.”

He’s like, “Ross, let me say goodbye to her in this way – and then I’ll happily go home.”