Hungary Lessons

Revolting against oppression and seeking freedom is ingrained in human nature, something that a repressive regime finds out sooner or later.

- 

Change is the only constant and therefore it is difficult to hold people under sway for an indefinite period of time through aggressive measures. This is exactly what is happening in Far-Right controlled Hungary as was revealed in the government ban on Hungary’s annual Pride Parade 28 June when over 200,000 people marched through its capital, Budapest, far more than have taken part in previous such events. The punitive measure backfired. Prime Minister Viktor Orban had warned people a day before the event to stay away from the banned parade, threatening “clear legal consequences” for anyone taking part. Government warnings, however, only turned what is usually a low-key event attended by a few thousand LGBTQ+ activists and their friends, into a mass rally against Orban's government. This is what happens when empty threats are issued against the public without a plan. It helps in consolidating opposition.