Hungary’s parliament has given Viktor Orbán the tools to do what he has long threatened: ban Pride, silence dissent and strip political critics of their citizenship. A constitutional amendment passed on 14 April allows the government to label LGBTQ+ gatherings a threat to children and to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals deemed a risk to “national sovereignty”.
This is a purge disguised as law – another step in Orbán’s dismantling of democracy, where the constitution is degraded to a propaganda instrument. He calls it a “spring clean-up” to root out “bugs”, targeting LGBTQ+ people, journalists, critics, civil society and now, dual nationals. As one myself, I could be among the targets.
All of this is also a cynical political ploy to distract Hungarians from a deepening domestic crisis. With high inflation, a crumbling healthcare system and ailing railways, Orbán needs enemies more than ever. Hungary is acutely vulnerable to the collapse of global trade, which his ally in the White House has single-handedly brought about. The electoral system is seen as rigged, but elections are still scheduled for next spring – and Orbán’s party, Fidesz, is sliding in the polls.
Increasingly troubled at home, Orbán is looking abroad. In February he declared that the political climate in the west had become more favourable. The implication was clear: with Donald Trump back in power, the EU distracted and global authoritarianism on the rise, there are even fewer consequences facing a leader who wants to dismantle democracy.
This has long been much more than a Hungarian story. It is a European crisis – and a warning to every democracy. Take the case of Budapest Pride. For 30 years, Pride has been the largest recurring demonstration of human rights in Hungary – a vital expression of joy, resistance and visibility in the face of growing hostility. It has endured far-right attacks, harassment and vilification. But this year the march has in effect been banned. Organisers and participants have been threatened with facial recognition surveillance and fines of 200,000 Hungarian forints (£420).
Budapest Pride is no longer just a march. It is a frontline. A ban on Pride is unprecedented in the EU. It is a rupture with the most basic rights enshrined in Article 2 of the EU treaties: freedom of assembly, freedom from discrimination, the right to live and love without fear.
And yet the European Commission – the guardian of those very treaties – has so far offered nothing but the usual statements of concern. This sets a devastating precedent. It tells every member state that fundamental rights are optional – that governments can outlaw protest and strip people of EU citizenship without consequence.
Let’s be honest: the EU’s track record for enforcing the rule of law gives Orbán every reason to believe he can get away with it. Years of delay and half-measures have allowed him to tighten his grip with little resistance. While some EU funds have been suspended, most continue flowing. Article 7 proceedings – meant to sanction breaches of EU values – have stalled. There are no meaningful attempts to put them on the agenda, even though suspending Orbán’s voting rights could shield EU values and end his sabotaging of unanimous EU votes in support of Ukraine.
The European Commission and council remain hesitant, divided and timid. This is not just a moral failure – it is a strategic one. The EU may be the last functioning democratic project of global scale. And it is being tested. As democratic backsliding accelerates worldwide, Europe faces a simple question: can it defend its own values? Or will it fold? Because the truth is, an authoritarian turn can happen anywhere. If Pride can be banned in Budapest, it can be banned in Bratislava, Zagreb, Rome. If citizenship becomes a weapon here, it becomes a precedent everywhere.
So what should the EU do? Orbán is daring Brussels to look away. A European Commission that takes its role seriously would act immediately. It has the legal tools – what’s missing is the political courage.
Brussels is reportedly considering legal action “if necessary”, but it has yet to take interim steps to protect this year’s march, now just two months away. Its usual excuse – the need to avoid “political interference” – is no longer viable. Orbán is the one breaking the law – the one wiping his feet on the EU treaties.
There is also a tangible, immediate way to show solidarity: elected leaders from across Europe should publicly announce that they are joining us at Budapest Pride. We are immensely proud to already have pledges from members of the European parliament. Their presence is not symbolic – it is protective. They help guarantee that the march can take place in safety. When government power is being used to intimidate and suppress, a visible international presence can deter harassment and police overreach. This is not optics – it’s a line of defence.
This is not a political dispute between equals. This is one side dismantling rights, and the other asking Europe to uphold its own laws. Brussels’ engagement would not be a partisan act; it would be a defence of the very values it was created to protect.
If we don’t respond collectively, publicly and decisively, we will wake up to find the authoritarian turn complete. But we refuse to give up. The party I represent, Momentum, is constantly on the streets, protesting, organising, standing with those who will not be silenced. On 28 June, Budapest Pride will march. Orbán says he will stop it. We say, just try.
To every democratic leader, activist and ally in Europe: join us. March with us. Let us show together that the streets of a European capital will not surrender to fear.