Protest in Hungary interrupted: police quickly stop anti-Orbán government demonstration
Another anti-government protest took place in Budapest on Tuesday, but it ended much sooner than previous demonstrations due to a significantly stronger police presence and swift action by the authorities.
Independent MP Ákos Hadházy and the Momentum Movement called on supporters to gather at Ferenciek Square. The original plan was to hold the protest on the Erzsébet Bridge, but the Kúria (Supreme Court) denied the request, citing traffic concerns and the disproportionate disruption of others’ rights and freedoms. As a result, protesters were forced to assemble nearby instead.
Interestingly, while the anti-government protest was banned, a pro-Fidesz demonstration organised by a government-friendly artist was allowed to go ahead at the foot of the Erzsébet Bridge.
Ahead of the gathering, the police issued a warning on their official website, reminding participants that stepping outside the legal framework of peaceful assembly could endanger their safety and would lead to police intervention—carried out lawfully, professionally, and proportionally.
According to Hadházy, the protest ban was politically motivated, pointing out that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Gergely Gulyás, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, had repeatedly criticised previous bridge blockades. Orbán had publicly stated that it was “not normal” for thousands of people to be stuck in traffic because of a few hundred demonstrators and warned that if courts made decisions against the government’s will, laws would be changed accordingly.
By 5 PM, Ferenciek Square was filled with demonstrators. The area was heavily guarded, and protesters were prevented from stepping onto the road. Police lined both sides of the street to ensure that traffic on Szabad Sajtó Road remained uninterrupted, while chants like “assembly is a basic right” and “filthy Fidesz” echoed through the square.
Later, some participants attempted to block Szabad Sajtó Road, but were stopped by more than 100 police officers. Pedestrians were redirected through the underpass, and eventually, a group of protesters sat down on the roadway of the Liberty Bridge. Police quickly surrounded them, requested identification, and began removing those who refused to get up. Officers lifted individuals off the ground one by one and cleared the bridge.
The police stated that this action was taken to ensure traffic safety. According to a Momentum representative, the party will cover any fines imposed on demonstrators.
Hadházy remained on the bridge for a while before returning to Ferenciek Square to thank supporters. Later on Facebook, he said the series of protests would continue on 1 May and added that it was important that many people attend the “peaceful but resolute” protest. He added that the police had not licensed the planned 1 May protest either, which he said created a new situation. Hadházy said he would launch an online vote on Wednesday to ask “what should be done at the next occasion”. He added, however, that stopping the series of protests would not be among the options.
According to the police, by around 7:30 PM, the Liberty Bridge had been reopened to traffic, and transportation on both Szabad Sajtó Road and the Erzsébet Bridge resumed without disruption.
Read here for more news about demonstrations in Hungary
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