Brussels – Kata Tüttö, President of the European Committee of the Regions, expressed disappointment that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen did not attend Saturday’s Pride event in Budapest, which was subject to a local prohibition. Tüttö stated that von der Leyen’s presence would have sent a powerful message of solidarity and security.
“It would have been a strong signal for safety – and a powerful demonstration of the European Union’s commitment to stand personally with its citizens” Tüttö commented. Numerous politicians from across Europe did travel to the Hungarian capital to participate in the event, despite the ban.
Tüttö highlighted the significance of this showing of support, noting that the attendance offered a layer of protection for Hungarian participants, prompting additional security measures from local authorities. She emphasized that the vast majority of the tens of thousands of demonstrators were Hungarian citizens advocating for their rights and freedoms. “The support of our European friends strengthens this struggle” she added.
The substantial turnout at the demonstration, Tüttö believes, may signal growing domestic pressure on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government. Orbán’s administration was responsible for the ban on the Pride event. “History shows us the pattern of how autocrats behave when they see their power waning – they become increasingly restrictive” she observed. “The system of Viktor Orbán could collapse soon”.
