Tens of thousands protest against Orban's policies in Budapest – video
Viktor Orban (Photo: EPA)

on September 21, tens of thousands of people protested in Budapest, accusing the prime minister Viktor Orban in spending taxpayers' money on manipulative campaigns. About this reports AFP.

According to organizers, about 50,000 protesters gathered on Heroes' Square in Budapest. There is no official data from the authorities on the number of protesters.

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A zebra-shaped balloon was launched over the rally as a symbol of the luxurious lifestyle of the ruling elite after zebras have been spotted next to the country residence of the Orban family.

The protesters accused Orban of spending taxpayer money on campaigns aimed at misleading voters and inciting hatred in an attempt to gain political advantage.

The publication notes that since returning to power in 2010, Orban has been conducting large-scale information campaigns that cost millions of euros of taxpayers' money.

According to critics, these attacks often target political opponents and reinforce Orban's statements, such as protests against Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU.

At the same time, the government claims that its "information campaigns" are based on "facts and are necessary to raise public awareness" of important issues.

  • on March 14, 2025, Zelenskyy announced that the decision on Ukraine's membership in the EU only one country – Hungary – is blocking it. Addressing foreign policy and security issues requires the support of all the bloc's member states.
  • on June 26, Orban announced the results of the propaganda national survey Voks2025 on Ukraine's accession to the EU. He said that the vast majority of Hungarians voted against it.