Tens of thousands march in Budapest against Orban

During a protest in downtown Budapest led by a lawyer who used to be close to Viktor Orban’s government, tens of thousands demonstrated against the Hungarian Prime Minister on Saturday. The lawyer recently launched a political movement with the aim of challenging Orban’s leadership. Protesters marched to parliament in the warm spring weather, chanting slogans like “we are not scared” and “Orban resign!”

Many demonstrators wore the red-white-green national colors or carried the national flag, symbols that Orban’s party has appropriated for the past 20 years. “These are the national colors of Hungary, not the government’s,” said 24-year-old Lejla, who traveled from Sopron to join the protest.

The protest march was led by Peter Magyar, 43, who was once married to Orban’s former justice minister Judit Varga and is now planning to establish his own political party. Three protesters explained to Reuters that Magyar’s insider knowledge of the government and his close ties to Orban’s administration motivated them to support his movement.

“We had known that there is corruption, but he says it as an insider and confirmed it for us,” said Zsuzsanna Szigeti, a 46-year-old healthcare worker draped in a Hungarian flag. She expressed concerns about the education and healthcare systems and emphasized her hope for change. Magyar gained public attention in February when he made critical remarks about the inner workings of the government, specifically accusing Antal Rogan, the minister overseeing Orban’s office, of running a propaganda machine.

Magyar also released a recording of a conversation with his ex-wife, Varga, where she detailed an attempt by a senior aide to Orban’s cabinet chief to interfere in a corruption case. Prosecutors are now investigating these allegations. This investigation comes at a crucial time for Orban, as he faces European parliamentary elections in June and has already had two key political allies resign due to a sex abuse scandal back in February.

According to a poll by Median published by news weekly HVG in mid-March, 68% of voters are aware of Magyar’s political ambitions, and 13% of those individuals expressed a likelihood of supporting his party. The growing support for Magyar’s movement suggests a shift in public sentiment and a potential challenge to Orban’s long-standing leadership. The ongoing protests and investigations into government corruption indicate a turbulent political climate in Hungary as the country prepares for upcoming elections.

Overall, the protest in Budapest signifies a mounting opposition against Orban’s administration, with a diverse range of citizens expressing concerns about corruption, healthcare, and education systems. Magyar’s political movement has garnered significant attention, tapping into public dissatisfaction with the current government and offering a potential alternative for those seeking change. The widespread support for the protest march and the growing interest in Magyar’s party highlight the deepening divisions within Hungarian society and the potential for a shift in political dynamics.

As tensions rise and public discontent grows, Orban’s government must navigate a challenging landscape of opposition and scrutiny. The upcoming European parliamentary elections will serve as a critical test for Orban’s leadership and the resilience of his political base. Amidst these developments, Hungary faces a period of uncertainty and change, with citizens mobilizing for reform and accountability in their government.

Overall, the protest march and the emergence of Magyar’s political movement signal a turning point in Hungarian politics, with significant implications for the future direction of the country and the fate of Orban’s government.