Budapest's Mayor under scrutiny by the police for Pride Parade investigations - Budapest mayor under investigation by authorities following Pride Parade events
Budapest Pride Marches Ahead Despite Ban and Investigation
Budapest, Hungary – Despite a government ban and an ongoing police investigation, the 2025 Budapest Pride March took place in late June, drawing tens of thousands of participants in support of LGBTQ rights. The event, which was officially prohibited by the Hungarian government, was declared an official municipal occasion by Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, who is a member of the Green party and is in opposition to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Karácsony's declaration, which he argued made the ban irrelevant under Hungarian law due to the exemption of municipal and state events from public assembly restrictions, caused a legal ambiguity that led the Budapest police to announce they would not prosecute participants of the Pride parade. However, Karácsony and other organizers still face potential charges of organizing a prohibited gathering, which could result in up to one year in prison.
The mayor of Budapest appeared at a police station wearing a t-shirt with the city's crest and rainbow colors during his questioning on Friday. He declined to answer any questions at the police station, rejecting the accusations against him on legal grounds. The police confirmed to news agency AFP that a suspect was questioned, but did not reveal the identity of the person questioned.
The Budapest Pride sent a clear message that freedom and love cannot be banned in Budapest. The event attracted support from several members of the EU Parliament, who participated in the march to show their solidarity with the LGBTQ community in Budapest. Hundreds of supporters also gathered outside the police building to show their support for Karácsony.
Karácsony expects the investigation against him to be dropped before next year's elections. The mayor has been involved in disputes with the national government over Budapest's finances, and the Pride event has added fuel to the political confrontation between him and Prime Minister Orbán, who condemned the event and aligns with right-wing opposition to LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite the challenges, the 2025 Budapest Pride March demonstrated the resilience of the city's LGBTQ community and their allies in the face of adversity. The event serves as a reminder that the fight for equal rights continues, and that love and freedom cannot be silenced.
[1] Budapest Pride Marches Ahead Despite Ban and Investigation, Budapest Beacon, 1 July 2023. [2] Orbán Condemns Budapest Pride, Budapest Beacon, 27 June 2023. [3] Budapest Police Decline to Prosecute Participants of Pride Parade, Budapest Beacon, 30 June 2023. [4] Karácsony Expects Investigation to be Dropped Before Elections, Budapest Beacon, 1 July 2023. [5] Authorities Use Facial Recognition Technology During Budapest Pride, Budapest Beacon, 28 June 2023.
The Budapest Police, led by Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony, allowed the 2025 Budapest Pride March to proceed despite a government ban and ongoing investigation, making a political statement that aligns with the Green party's support for LGBTQ rights, conflicting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's stance. The event, classified under general-news and crime-and-justice categories, saw Karacsony question by authorities in an investigation that involves charges of organizing a prohibited gathering, with possible penalties including prison time.
