In March, the Hungarian parliament, dominated by Orbán’s right-conservative Fidesz party, passed new legislation allowing the police to ban Pride events under the pretext of "child protection". Authorities are also permitted to use facial recognition technology to identify participants.

But the mayor of Budapest is undeterred. In a video message, Karácsony declared that this year’s Pride would go ahead as an official municipal event. “As it is a city celebration of freedom, no authorisation from the authorities is required,” said Karácsony.

According to the mayor, the history of Budapest is rooted in freedom and solidarity. “In this city, there are no first- or second-class citizens. Here, we know that we can only be free together. Love cannot be banned, freedom cannot be banned, and Budapest Pride most certainly cannot be banned,” he stated.

Karácsony’s move is particularly notable as Prime Minister Orbán ramps up his anti-LGBTI rhetoric in the run-up to the 2026 elections. In April, he amended the constitution to legally define that Hungary recognises only “man and woman” as genders.

Orbán’s government has been campaigning for years against what it calls “gender and LGBT ideology”, which, according to Fidesz, is being imposed on Hungary “from Brussels”. In 2021, parliament passed a law banning the use of materials in schools that “promote” homosexuality or gender diversity.

According to the prime minister, Pride organisers “need not even bother” to try and hold the event this year. However, Budapest appears to be ignoring that message.

So far, the Hungarian government has not responded to the announcement.