Thousands Rally in Budapest Backing PM Orban Amidst Tensions

Budapest, Oct 23 (AP) Thousands gathered in Budapest on Thursday in a demonstration of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orban, ahead of what promises to be the most challenging parliamentary elections in his 15 years of leadership. The event, labeled a “peace march” by its organizers, coincided with Hungary's national holiday on Oct. 23, which marks a failed 1956 anti-Soviet revolt crushed by the Red Army.

Protesters chanted pro-Orban slogans, echoing his warning that Hungary risks becoming directly involved in Russia's conflict with Ukraine. A prominent banner at the march read: “We don't want to die for Ukraine.” Participants waved flags representing various towns and villages across the nation as they traversed the Margaret Bridge over the Danube, set against the backdrop of Hungary's grand neo-Gothic parliament building.

Babett Lugosi, one of the marchers, expressed her belief that “national consciousness and Christianity” are under threat, asserting that Orban is uniquely positioned to defend Hungary's interests from external threats. “It's crucial that Europe and Hungary maintain their stability, and I'm convinced we face threats from multiple directions. We must demonstrate our sovereignty,” she stated.

Orban, considered one of the closest allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin within the EU, has persistently criticized Western support for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Unlike nearly all other EU leaders, he has maintained cordial relations with Moscow while taking a combative stance toward Kyiv. Orban has advocated for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict, though he has not clarified the implications for Ukraine's territorial integrity or European security amid ongoing Russian aggression.

In the aftermath of the march, Orban was scheduled to address his supporters. Concurrently, Péter Magyar, Orban's principal political rival, and his center-right Tisza party planned a rally in central Budapest—a dual-purpose anti-government protest and a demonstration of backing for Magyar.

The competing gatherings served as a gauge of each politician's campaign momentum as the elections approach. Orban, who has led since 2010, is trailing in the polls behind Magyar Tisza. With six months until the elections, Orban is striving to energize his base amid persistent inflation, a stagnating economy, and increasing corruption allegations plaguing his government, while Magyar's party's popularity continues to rise.

Magyar, a 44-year-old lawyer and former Fidesz insider, has concentrated his campaign efforts on rural areas, traditionally Fidesz strongholds. Having concluded an 80-day national tour of town hall meetings, he is gaining traction. On Thursday, buses used to transport participants from Hungary and neighboring countries lined the pro-government march's route.

Sandor Kerekes, a marcher from Fantanele in Romania's Transylvania region, remarked on the importance of uniting with like-minded individuals. He anticipated Orban's speech would emphasize “togetherness, peace, and harmony for all nations.”

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