'Peace March' in Budapest on 15 March

  • 18 Feb 2026 5:11 AM
'Peace March' in Budapest on 15 March
The pro-government Civil Union Forum (CÖF) and its associated Civil Union Foundation (CÖKA) have officially announced a "Peace March" (Békemenet) to be held on the March 15 national holiday. The organization’s leader, László Csizmadia, confirmed on Tuesday that the police have been notified of the plans for the demonstration, which traditionally draws hundreds of thousands of supporters of the Orbán administration.

Sovereignty and National Memory

Speaking at a press conference, Csizmadia emphasized the historical parallels between the 1848–49 Revolution and the current political climate.

"On the anniversary of the 1848-49 revolution and freedom fight... we must remember that Hungary has always stood up for its sovereignty and independence," he stated.

The organizers are positioning the march as a defense of national autonomy against perceived "imperialist" pressure from the European Union and Brussels, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine and migration policies.

The 2026 Election Context

The timing of the march is significant, as it falls in the final weeks of the campaign for the April 2026 parliamentary elections.

A "Show of Strength": Organizers aim for a turnout of "hitherto unseen proportions" to demonstrate the unity and mobilization capacity of the pro-government base.

The "Peace" Narrative: The march will lean heavily into the government’s "pro-peace" messaging, which contrasts its stance with what it describes as the "pro-war" stance of the domestic opposition and Western allies.

The Challenge: Recent polling suggests a highly competitive race between the ruling Fidesz party and the Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar. The Peace March is seen as a crucial tool for Fidesz to reinvigorate its voters ahead of what many analysts call the most uncertain election in 15 years.

Event Details and Logistics

While the full route and start time are expected to be finalized in the coming days, the event traditionally concludes at a major symbolic location, such as Kossuth Square or the National Museum, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is expected to deliver his keynote national holiday address.

Historically, Peace Marches involve:

International Participation: Supporters often travel from ethnic Hungarian communities in neighboring countries (Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia) via organized bus routes.

The "Intellectual National Defense": CÖF-CÖKA leaders, including spokesperson Zoltán Lomnici Jr., have suggested the march will also serve to "fend off intervention attempts" from foreign NGOs and political entities.
 

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