The Party of European Socialists (PES) along with the S&D Group, Rainbow Rose and other progressive organisations marched together at the LGBTIQ+ Pride parade in Budapest to support the LGBTIQ+ community against the repeated attacks by Orbán’s government.
Since the start of the modern Pride movement with the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, demonstrations all over the world have fought and succeeded in the struggle for equality, self-determination and justice. However, this year in Hungary, the road to pride was once again paved with resistance and repression from Orbán’s government who banned the Budapest Pride.
Nonetheless, as has always been the case, the PES LGBTIQ+ network Rainbow Rose stood firmly with the community and the thousands of citizens taking to the streets — not only to defend civil rights, but also to uphold the fundamental European values of freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to privacy.
On 28 June, despite legal threats and political pressure, a strong delegation from across our political family, led by PES Vice-President Kati Piri, marched proudly to celebrate freedom, speak out against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTIQ+ community and the people of Hungary.
PES Vice-President Kati Piri said:
“The PES will always stand on the side of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. What we are witnessing with Orbán’s government is an attack on democratic pillars and on all the rights we fought so hard to obtain – this includes LGBTIQ+ rights.
We strongly condemn Orbán’s continued violations, this time by restricting one of the most fundamental democratic rights — the right to peaceful assembly.
Viktor Orbán’s government is using state power to stigmatise and silence the LGBTIQ+ community, dressing up discrimination under the guise of ‘child protection’. This is nothing less than institutionalised homophobia and transphobia – and it has no place in the European Union.
We strongly condemn the Orbán government’s continued attacks on the Rule of Law, and we stand with all those in Hungary who refuse to be silenced.”
Rainbow Rose President, Dajana Bakic said:
“When governments ban Pride or criminalise our queer visibility, they are not protecting “values”—they are protecting their power. And this ban isn’t just about one country – it’s part of a global threat of extremist forces trying to dismantle democracy itself. That is why it was crucial that Rainbow Rose and our PES family were in Budapest pride as a counterforce to system of oppression that seek to marginalize, silence, and erase us.
Our solidarity with the LGBTIQ community and Hungarian people will never be in question, as we are committed to advancing LGBTIQ rights across Europe and to build societies that are safe and fair for all. This Budapest pride was a historical moment and to march alongside 200.000 people gives inspiration and hope.
Our fight continues as Pride must persist—not only in the streets of tolerant cities but especially where it is threatened, attacked, or outlawed. We will show up, take action and celebrate our queer communities.”
This year’s Pride in Budapest served as a powerful reminder that progress must always be defended. As we marched down the streets in Budapest, the Party of European Socialists (PES) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting those fighting for love, dignity and equality in Hungary and across Europe. Our commitment is clear: no matter the resistance, we will keep moving forward.
The PES and the S&D Group have gathered over 50 representatives, among them 30 MEPs, to march in solidarity with Hungarian citizens. Our PES family gathering organised before the Budapest Pride march welcomed over 150 attendees, among them 15 MPs, one senator, and 15 mayors, local and regional councilors. Socialists from all over the EU came to stand up for democracy and LGBTIQ+ rights in Hungary and beyond.
