Viktor Orbán and political elite gather for annual Kötcse picnic

The Kötcse picnic, organized by the Civil Hungary Foundation, serves as a traditional annual gathering for the Hungarian political and intellectual elite. Held since 2004, the event typically takes place in September at the Dobozy mansion in the village of Kötcse. The gathering is characterized by roundtable discussions and lectures, traditionally concluding with a speech by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Historically, the event has been a platform for Fidesz leadership to outline political strategies. Notable past attendees have included high-ranking ministers and members of the national intelligentsia. The significance of the Kötcse speeches has been highlighted by political figures such as Gergely Gulyás, who described the gathering as a modern equivalent to historical intellectual forums, aimed at addressing the nation's present and future challenges.

While the event is traditionally a closed-door meeting without live broadcasts, recent iterations have seen exceptions, such as the live streaming of Orbán’s address in 2025.