Video Ursula von der Leyen comes into direct confrontation with the Hungarian government, because of the forbidden LGBT / instant replica of Viktor Orban
Protest in the center of Budapest compared to the new law that prohibits LGBTQ+ Pride events and restricting the right to meet by Viktor Orban's government, on May 1, 2025. Photo: Denes Erdos / AP / Profimedia
“To the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary and beyond its borders: I will always be your ally,” said Ursula von der Leyen, in a video message.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, urged Hungary to allow Budapest Pride, a parade scheduled for this weekend, “without fear of criminal or administrative sanctions against the organizers or participants.”
The call represents the most direct intervention of Ursula von der Leyen in the new confrontation between the government of Viktor Orban and the European Commission, writes Euronews.
“To the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary and beyond its borders: I will always be your ally. You have every reason to be proud,” said the head of the commission, in a video message published on Wednesday night on social networks.
“Europe is stronger and richer because of you. I am on your side. Today and every day,” she added.
I call on the hungarian authrities to allow the budapest pride to go ahead.
Without Fear of any criminal or administrative sanctions against the organisers or participants.
To the lgbtiq+ community in hungary and beyond:
I Will Always Be Your Ally. pic.twitter.com/wz0gbfrz8c
– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 25, 2025
In an extremely controversial law adopted in the spring, the Budapest Parliament has banned public events considered to violate the law on children's protection, a law that strongly restricts the account and display in public information and sex change.
The text of law allows authorities to use facial recognition tools to identify people who organize and participate in prohibited events, which can lead to fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forint (485 euros). In the case of unpaid, the fines will be collected in the form of taxes.
Pursuant to the law, the police subsequently banned the Budapest Pride march, which attracts thousands of visitors to the city each year.
Budapest Liberal Mayor Gergely Karacsony, has adopted a provocative tone and announced the organization of an “Freedom Day” to bypass the prohibition.
“Budapest City Hall will organize the Budapest Pride march as a local event on June 28,” Kararacsony last week.
In her message, Von Der Leyen joined the cause, expressing her “full support and solidarity” towards the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary.
“In Europe, the march for your rights is a fundamental freedom. You have the right to love who you want and to be exactly who you are,” said the head of the European Commission.
“Our Union is one of equality and lack of discrimination. These are our fundamental values, consecrated in our treaties. They must be respected at any time, in all Member States,” added Ursula von der Leyen.
Viktor Orban responded almost immediately to its video message.
“Dear Mrs. President, I urge the European Commission to refrain from mixing in the law enforcement business of the Member States, where it has no role to play,” he said, in a message published on the social network X.
“I also ask the Commission to focus its efforts on the urgent challenges that the European Union faces – areas in which it has a clear role and responsibility and has made serious mistakes in recent years, such as the energy crisis and the erosion of European competitiveness,” wrote Orban.
Dear Madam President,
I urge the European Commission to Refrain from Interfering in the Law Enforcer Affair of Member States, where it no role to play.
I ALSO CALL ON THE COMMISSION TO FOCUS ITS EFFORTS ON THE PRESSING CHALLENGES FACING THE EUROPAN – GREAS WHERE IT… https://t.co/qhljofe6f
– Orbán Viktor (@pm_viktororban) June 25, 2025
The European Commission has not yet announced legal measures against Hungary because of Budapest Pride ban.
