Swedish Politicians Stand Against Hungary’s Anti-Democratic Measures at Budapest Pride 2025
Swedish politicians protest Hungary's ban on Pride as tensions rise over democratic freedoms.
Key Points
- • Swedish politicians join Budapest Pride parade despite a government ban.
- • MP Alice Bah Kuhnke criticizes Hungary's government as undemocratic.
- • Over 35,000 participants expected at the parade without police approval.
- • Green Party urges Swedish government to support the Pride event.
Several Swedish politicians are in Budapest to participate in the Pride parade, despite a ban imposed by the Hungarian government. Prominent figures, including MP Alice Bah Kuhnke and MEP Ulrika Westerlund from the Green Party, have voiced their opposition to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, claiming that Hungary is no longer a democracy under his leadership. Kuhnke stated, "He [Orbán] has really realized a dictator's agenda," highlighting concerns about the growing authoritarianism in Hungary and its spread across several EU nations.
Despite lacking police approval due to the ban, the Pride event is set to attract over 35,000 attendees, reflecting resilience amongst the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Green Party leaders Amanda Lind and Daniel Helldén have urged the Swedish government to provide support for the event. Furthermore, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has discreetly recommended that EU officials refrain from attending the parade to avoid escalating tensions with the Hungarian government.