Mass Rally in Budapest Bolsters Orbán Before Election

Mass Rally in Budapest Bolsters Orbán Before Election

Tens of thousands of Hungarians marched through Budapest on Thursday in a massive show of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as he faces one of the toughest elections of his 15-year rule.

The demonstration, dubbed a “peace march” by organisers, coincided with Hungary’s national holiday on 23 October, which commemorates the crushed 1956 anti-Soviet uprising. Waving Hungarian flags and banners reading “We don’t want to die for Ukraine,” marchers expressed backing for Orbán’s stance against Western involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Participants from across Hungary and neighbouring countries flooded central Budapest, crossing the Danube’s Margaret Bridge toward the parliament building. Many echoed Orbán’s message of protecting Hungary’s sovereignty and Christian values. “Orbán is the only leader who can defend our country from external threats,” said Babett Lugosi, one participant.

Orbán, widely regarded as the European Union’s closest ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly opposed military aid to Ukraine and called for an immediate ceasefire. His government maintains cordial ties with Moscow while clashing with Kyiv and EU leaders over sanctions and war policy.

Following the march, Orbán was expected to address supporters, aiming to rally his base as his ruling Fidesz party trails behind the emerging centre-right Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar. A former Fidesz insider, Magyar has gained traction with pledges to combat corruption and revive Hungary’s struggling economy, which has been hit by high inflation and stagnation.

Orbán’s allies organised Thursday’s march to showcase unity and strength ahead of the national election, set for six months from now. Buses brought in supporters from rural areas and Hungarian communities in Romania’s Transylvania region.

Meanwhile, Magyar’s supporters held a rival rally in central Budapest, underscoring the deepening political divide. Both events served as early tests of momentum in a high-stakes race that could reshape Hungary’s political future.

One participant, Sándor Kerekes, who travelled from Romania, said he joined to show solidarity. “It’s important to stand together for peace and unity among nations,” he said.