Some official estimates placed attendance at as much as 400,000, making it by far the largest demonstration in Hungary in recent decades. The peaceful march occupied a large area of the city centre, starting from Heroes’ Square, passing by Saint Stephen’s Basilica and arriving in Kossuth Square. By the time Kossuth Square was full, the rear of the march was still at the Oktogon intersection (a distance of approximately 2.5 km, or just over 1.5 miles).

Demonstrators considered it important to show that they stand behind the Government in its efforts to restructure the country, in the face of a barrage of ill-informed and politically biased international criticism – both in the media and subsequently the European Parliament.

Péter Szijjártó, the Prime Minister's spokesman, thanked participants for their support after the march, saying:

‘We are delighted that, by participating in one of the country’s largest ever demonstrations, people have proven the continued solidity of the overwhelming consensus arrived at in 2010: a consensus for the renewal and restructuring of Hungary.’

Source: kormany.hu