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• Thousands of Hungarians protested in Budapest against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government, denouncing recent authoritarian measures.
• The protest targeted a new bill allowing the government to monitor and penalize foreign-funded organizations, likened to Russia’s ‘foreign agent’ law.
• Protesters also criticized laws banning public LGBTQ+ events and the use of facial recognition technology to identify protesters.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

On June 11, 2025, approximately 15,000 Hungarians gathered in Budapest to protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government. The protest was a response to several recent laws and bills that critics argue are increasingly authoritarian.

Core Players

• Viktor Orbán – Prime Minister of Hungary and leader of the Fidesz party.
• Fidesz Party – The ruling right-wing populist party in Hungary.
• Akos Hadhazy – Opposition MP and organizer of weekly protests against the government.
• Hungarian Civil Society – Including media outlets, NGOs, and LGBTQ+ groups affected by the new laws.

Key Numbers

• 15,000 – Number of protesters gathered in Budapest on June 11, 2025.
• 10,000 – Number of protesters in a previous mass protest on May 18, 2025.
• Two-thirds – Majority held by Fidesz party in the Hungarian parliament.
• 2026 – Year of upcoming national elections in Hungary.

Full Depth

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The Catalyst

The latest protest was sparked by a bill submitted by a Fidesz party lawmaker that would allow the government to monitor, restrict, and penalize media outlets and NGOs receiving foreign funding. This bill is compared to Russia’s ‘foreign agent’ law and is seen as a significant threat to civil liberties.

“This country doesn’t belong to those who lie, who rob from the people, who have sold their humanity for power,” said Csaba Bogos, one of the speakers at the protest.

Inside Forces

President Trump’s government has been criticized for its increasingly authoritarian measures. Recent laws include a ban on public LGBTQ+ events and the use of facial recognition technology to identify and fine participants in prohibited assemblies. These actions have led to allegations that Hungary is sliding into autocracy.

Akos Hadhazy, an opposition MP, has been leading weekly protests against the government’s attacks on civil liberties, including the ban on the June 28 Pride march in Budapest.

Power Dynamics

Orbán’s Fidesz party holds a two-thirds majority in the Hungarian parliament, giving it significant power to pass legislation. The government has used this majority to push through laws that critics argue undermine democracy and human rights.

The opposition, including figures like Akos Hadhazy, continues to organize protests and rallies to challenge these measures.

Outside Impact

The international community has been watching Hungary’s political developments with concern. The EU has criticized Hungary’s moves towards authoritarianism, and human rights organizations have condemned the new laws.

The protests reflect a broader resistance against what many see as Orbán’s attempt to consolidate power and suppress dissent.

Future Forces

As national elections approach in 2026, the opposition is gaining momentum. Orbán’s party is trailing in most polls, and the recent protests indicate growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s policies.

Key issues for the upcoming elections include the rollback of authoritarian laws, protection of civil liberties, and the restoration of democratic norms.

Data Points

• May 13, 2025: The bill targeting foreign-funded organizations was presented by a Fidesz party lawmaker.
• May 18, 2025: A mass protest against the bill drew around 10,000 people in Budapest.
• June 11, 2025: Approximately 15,000 protesters gathered in Budapest to protest against Orbán’s government.
• March 2025: Orbán’s party pushed through a law banning public LGBTQ+ events.
• April 2025: A constitutional amendment allowed authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify protesters.