Hungarian opposition

Thousands of Hungarians gathered in central Budapest on Saturday in a satirical protest against the Hungarian government’s recent legislative move to prohibit the annual Pride march.

Dressed uniformly in grey and carrying placards that mocked the government’s stance, demonstrators rallied under the slogan “Let’s All Be the Same,” in what organisers described as an ironic show of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s campaign against diversity.

The demonstration was organised by the Two-Tailed Dog Party, a satirical political movement that has increasingly gained public attention. The event was staged in response to a new law passed by Hungary’s National Assembly in March, which bans LGBTQ+ Pride events on the basis that they may be “harmful to children.” The legislation was supported by Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party, which holds a parliamentary majority.

At Heroes’ Square, the crowd of demonstrators—clad entirely in grey—carried banners with slogans such as “Being uniform is cool” and “Listen to your heart, death to colours.” The rhetoric was intentionally exaggerated, employing irony to criticise what they describe as an erosion of civil liberties.

“I would strip them [LGBTQ+ people] of their right to assembly, because they are all criminals,” one demonstrator, Samuel Tar, said with clear sarcasm, echoing the tone of the protest. “They would like to express themselves, which is very harmful. Only I should be allowed to express myself, no one else.”

Organisers said the aim of the event was to draw attention to what they view as the government’s efforts to eliminate diversity in Hungarian society. “Every problem in the world stems from diversity and individualism,” the party declared in a statement, continuing the satirical tone that characterises its political messaging.

Founded nearly twenty years ago, the Two-Tailed Dog Party was initially viewed as a fringe organisation. However, it has become an increasingly visible actor in Hungarian politics. Its leader, Gergely Kovács, won a mayoral seat in Budapest in 2023, defeating a Fidesz candidate in what had previously been a party stronghold. While the party currently has no representation in Parliament, it has positioned itself as a counterpoint to Hungary’s increasingly centralised political landscape.

The rally follows a series of protests held since the passage of the new law, which has drawn criticism from domestic and international rights groups. Orbán’s government has defended the ban as part of a broader campaign to uphold what it terms “traditional family values.” However, opponents argue that it represents a pattern of diminishing civil liberties and political pluralism.

Orbán, who has been in power since 2010, is preparing for a general election in 2026. Recent polls suggest that his support may be waning, with a consolidated opposition beginning to gain traction. Political analysts suggest that social issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights, may be used by Fidesz to galvanise its conservative base ahead of the vote.

The government’s latest measures come amid wider concerns over Hungary’s democratic credentials. The European Commission has maintained ongoing scrutiny of rule-of-law developments in the country, including the independence of the judiciary, media pluralism, and the state of civil society.

Despite the satirical nature of Saturday’s protest, the underlying message was serious. The demonstration highlighted dissatisfaction with the government’s priorities, pointing to broader social issues such as high inflation, a housing shortage, and deficiencies in public services.

While it remains uncertain whether the Two-Tailed Dog Party can convert its visibility into parliamentary seats in the upcoming elections, its ability to mobilise public sentiment—particularly among younger, urban voters—appears to be growing. The party presents itself as a voice of reason in a polarised political environment, using satire to challenge dominant narratives.

As Hungary moves closer to the 2026 elections, the government’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of assembly is likely to remain a flashpoint. Whether satirical protest movements such as the Two-Tailed Dog Party can translate public performance into electoral influence will be a key dynamic to observe in the coming months.