28th Pride March held in Budapest

“We must stand together for every group that is a target of power,” he said. “Mutual solidarity is indispensable,” he said in the City Park after the parade.

“We live in a country that is not free enough,” the mayor said, “not only for the LGBTQ community, but also for other, too.” He accused the government of trying to hide real problems by stoking “hatred”.

Quoting Pope Francis, Karacsony spoke of Budapest as being “a city of bridges” connecting people. “Let’s keep Budapest free…” he said.

Marchers walked from Vajdahunyad Castle in the City Park through Heroes’ Square, Andrassy Street, Oktogon, Terez korut, Kiraly Street, then back along Andrassy Street to return to Vajdahunyad Castle. US ambassador David Pressman was among the marchers.

The parade was accompanied eight floats, including those of the opposition Socialist, Momentum, Parbeszed-Greens and Two-tailed Dog parties, and participants danced and waved rainbow flags.

At one point, the march was disrupted by counter-protesters who held up banners with the words: “Crime cannot be an object of pride!” and “Let’s stop the corruption of our children!”