Published on
In Budapest, protesters gathered on Fővám Square Sunday afternoon before marching silently across the Freedom Bridge.
The demonstration was a symbolic act against a draft law that critics say is designed to silence dissent and restrict access to the press and NGOs.
“Our work is not subversion, but construction. It is not offence, but defence. Not betrayal, but service,” stressed Viktor Szalóki, political director of aHang.
“The government thinks it is dangerous to speak up for those who are not being heard. That I am working to ensure that everyone in Hungary lives in a healthy environment,” said Enikő Tóth, the organisation’s campaign director.
Tóth said the bill’s purpose is unmistakable: to regulate, intimidate and silence any organisation or citizen who supports civil society — whether by signing a petition, making a small donation, or volunteering.
The transparency bill could go to a vote by mid-June. If passed, it could take effect three days afterwards.
Euronews spoke to demonstrators at the protest.
“Those in power don’t care, they are working on other things. They are working to make everyone impossible. This arrogance of power, that thousands of billions of forints have to be protected at any cost – I think that’s what it’s all about,” said an elderly man.
“These protests are good to keep our spirits up”, said a young girl. “We don’t lose a little of our own hope, we strengthen it. In other words, even if there are no concrete consequences of the demonstration, so that a regulation is immediately changed because of it, we still reinforce each other a little here that it is still worth holding on,” she explained.
The march concluded at St. Gellért Square, where activists from aHang placed a large billboard-style display featuring portraits of government politicians on the construction barrier surrounding the Gellért Hotel, which is currently being renovated.
The hotel is now owned by BDPST Zrt., a company linked to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s son in law István Tiborcz.
The silent protests will continue Monday and Tuesday, with further demonstrations planned in other parts of Hungary.