50,000 March in Budapest, German Chancelor Denounces Democratic Decline

Viktor Orban has ruled Hungary for 15 years, is his time up?

James Orban

Apr 03, 2025

Transcript

BACKGROUND:

The future Chancellor Frederich Merz has called on European countries to uphold the democratic values of the EU, a thinly veiled rebuke of Viktor Orban’s regime which has governed Hungary for the last decade and a half. While condemnation of Hungary’s back-sliding and calls for “peace” is not new, this is the first time an EU leader has directly condemned the actions of the Hungarian Prime Minister.

In late March according to France24, tens of thousands protested in Budapest. As the people marched they waved Hungarian flags and flags in support of the LGBTQ community. The direct condemnation from the future German chancelor brings another layer of support to the Hungarian people who are tiredd of Orban’s government.

A Shadow Army?

On March 15th, Hungary’s national day Viktor ORban gave a spech in pledged to crack down on what he alleges to be “a shadow army” off oreign funded NGOs, media organizations, and other similar groups. Such a move comes on the heels of USAID being defunded by US President Donald Trump.

On the final weekend in March 50,000 people braved the cold in Budapest to march against the authoritarian measures. or years, media outlets in Hungary have come under threat from the Orban government. First it was Klub Radio, then it was Nepszabadsag - now emboldened by Trump’s victory Orban is seeking to go after even more media organizations.

Frederich Marz, the most likely next Chancellor of Germany, said in a speech on Monday that those in the European Union who violate its principles should have voting rights suspended and funds from Brussels cut. Funding from Brussels is one of the mechanisms by which Viktor Orban is able to appease Hungarians in the countryside by funding social programs such as the famous $50,000 “baby bonus” child benefit.

One thing is for certain - Hungarians are growing tired of Orban. Since the EU elections in 2024 there have been protests on a regular basis. The protests last weekend are only the latest in a string of demonstrations meant to show the country and indeed the world that Hungarians do not wish to live under an authoritarian government.

Note from the Editor:

I am still working out how to formulate the audio vs text component o this newsletter. For now, the text portion will be supplemental and add more context if needed. It will not be a 1:1 transcription.

—

European Dream is a podcast and newsletter aiming to share stories from Central/Eastern Europe.

The Visegrad Dispatch

50,000 March in Budapest, German Chancelor Denounces Democratic Decline

BACKGROUND:

A Shadow Army?

Note from the Editor:

Discussion about this episode