European Green Party co-chair Ciarán Cuffe expressed support for Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, who faces criminal charges for organizing the city’s Pride parade in defiance of Hungarian law. Despite a ban imposed by Hungary’s right-wing nationalist government, the parade took place on June 28, 2025.
Karacsony, who described himself as a “proud defendant,” highlighted the importance of standing up for freedom despite facing legal consequences. The event saw an impressive turnout of around 200,000 participants, including Cuffe, who described the experience as empowering given the restrictions on freedom of expression in Hungary.
The Budapest Chief Prosecutor’s Office charged Karacsony for organizing an unauthorized assembly, in violation of a prohibition order issued by the police. The government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, had passed legislation banning Pride events and granting authorities the power to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees.
Karacsony attempted to circumvent the ban by registering the march as a municipal event, arguing that it did not require a permit. However, police deemed it unlawful under child protection laws. Despite the prosecution’s recommendation of a fine without trial, Karacsony insisted on facing court proceedings to defend the principles of freedom and resistance against unjust laws.
Cuffe condemned laws restricting freedom of assembly and expression, emphasizing that the Budapest Pride march symbolized not only advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights but also for democracy. The European Green Party stands firmly behind Karacsony, viewing him as a key figure in combating far-right ideologies in Europe. As Hungary prepares for upcoming elections in April, the support for Karacsony’s stance on civil liberties remains a focal point in the political landscape.