Vula Tsetsi, Co-Chair of the European Green Party said:
"In Orbán’s Hungary, defending freedom comes at a price. Budapest Pride 2025 was one of the largest freedom marches in decades, and Mayor Gergely Karácsony did exactly what any democratic leader should: he protected the rights, dignity, and safety of his citizens. The European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council cannot remain silent when an elected mayor is punished for defending fundamental rights. This is not just about Pride, it is a test of whether the EU will stand for democracy. Defending freedom is not a crime.’
European Green Party Co-Chair Ciarán Cuffe added:
'The European Greens sent a strong delegation to the Budapest Pride 2025, and we continue to stand firmly with Green Mayor Karácsony and with everyone in Hungary who refuses to be silenced. Budapest Pride was a powerful demonstration that there is life beyond fear and repression. The Orbán regime's attempt to punish Gergely Karácsony without granting a trial underlines the authoritarian trajectory of Hungary under Orbán (Fidesz, Patriots.eu). European institutions must not look away when a member state criminalizes peaceful assembly and democratic leadership.’
Karácsony responded in a post on facebook stating that he will never accept that standing up for freedom, expressing an opinion, or loving freely is treated as a crime.
Karácsony’s party, Dialogue - The Greens' Party (Párbeszéd - A Zöldek Pártja), joined the European Green Party in 2023.
In the media
CNN, Hungarian prosecutors charge Budapest mayor over role in banned LGBTQ+ march, 28 January 2026
