The Two-Tailed Dog Party of Hungary organized its largest-ever protest on Saturday, drawing thousands to Heroes’ Square in Budapest to voice opposition against the controversial amendment to the Assembly Act.
The demonstration, dubbed the “Peace March,” featured participants dressed in grey, symbolizing their opposition to what they see as the government’s exclusionary policies. Though the march’s name suggested neutrality, the message was clear: the government’s actions undermine citizens’ rights to assembly and diversity.
Protesters marched behind a banner that, when viewed on a map, humorously resembled male genitalia and read “Illiberal Pride.” For many attendees, the protest was a stand against what they feel is the erosion of their freedoms. One marcher expressed the urgency of defending rights, particularly for future generations, saying, “I want my little brother, and future children, to grow up in a country where they can live freely and make their own choices.”
In contrast, government supporters gathered at Millenáris Park in Buda, protesting a speech made by Tisza Party MEP Kinga Kollár. Her remarks, criticizing the Hungarian government’s stance on EU funds, sparked strong reactions. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had compared her speech to Ferenc Gyurcsány’s infamous address at the Kremlin, leading to accusations from government officials that Kollár’s views were unacceptable.
At the counter-demonstration, government spokespersons, including Zsolt Bayer and Gergely Gulyás, condemned Kollár’s position, with Gulyás referring to her as a “traitor” and Bayer accusing her party’s leadership of being agents of Brussels.
