Fidesz stages rule‑of‑law protest in Hungary as Orbán stays away

The governing Fidesz party organised a demonstration in Budapest calling for the protection of the rule of law. Former president János Áder addressed the crowd, reigniting debate over the appropriateness of a former head of state speaking on a partisan issue. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had promoted the rally, did not appear, citing a desire not to divert attention to himself.

Critics argued the protest was a political ploy to revive the party’s relevance after electoral setbacks. The event featured slogans demanding the resignation of MP Peter Magyar and denouncing the ruling coalition’s constitutional changes. Within parliament, Fidesz lawmakers discussed whether to withdraw from parliamentary sessions in protest of recent constitutional amendments, but the majority voted to continue participation.

Commentators noted the demonstration highlighted internal tensions in Hungary’s ruling party and raised questions about its future strategy in a parliament where it holds a two‑thirds majority.