An anti-war "Peace March", involving tens of thousands of people, began in Budapest at the call of the ruling Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union party. It was organized in support of the policy of the Hungarian government, which continues to refuse to provide military aid to Ukraine, despite threats and blackmail from Volodymyr Zelensky.
A large column of demonstrators is moving along the central streets of the city towards "Lajos Kossuth" Square, where a rally is planned in front of the National Parliament building. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is scheduled to speak.
The organizers have promised a record number of people to attend this year's "Peace March", and these forecasts seem quite realistic. Last year, a similar event attracted 80 000 people in Budapest.
The participants in the march carried national flags and banners with anti-war slogans and demands that Brussels not send European soldiers to Ukraine. Other slogans protested against the Ukrainian oil blockade and Kiev's refusal to resume work on the "Druzhba" oil pipeline. Along with the flags, signs with the names of the cities that sent delegations to Budapest were visible above the heads of the people.
On the eve of the Peace March, Orbán said that the country must unite to oppose Zelensky's threats and blackmail. "Hungary cannot be blackmailed; it must not be threatened!", the prime minister stressed, inviting everyone to attend the rally.
This year, these events are attracting particular attention, as They are being held before the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12. The “Peace March“ and the rally in support of the government are also dedicated to Hungary's national holiday, the Day of the Revolution of 1848, which is celebrated on March 15.