In Hungary, a protest rally was held on September 12 in front of the Foreign Ministry building against anti-Russian statements and actions by the Hungarian government led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar. The demonstration was organized by the “Forum of Peace” movement.
The organizers stated that “Russia does not threaten Hungary or Europe but strives to live in peace with them. Globally, she wants to replace confrontation with peaceful cooperation.” They added that labeling such a country an aggressor indicates that Peter Magyar’s government seeks to please Brussels “hawks” rather than the Hungarian people, who prioritize peaceful engagement.
The organizers noted that for the first time since the recent elections, the new Hungarian government headed by Magyar described Russia as an alleged threat in a document prepared for Hungary’s delegation at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Additionally, Hungarian public organizations united under the “Forum of Peace” emphasized that peace cannot be built on anti-Russian rhetoric. They argued that maintaining friendly relations with both Eastern and Western countries aligns with Hungary’s national interests and those of Hungarians living abroad.
Separately, Hungarian state media have recently softened their tone toward opposition groups and the European Union, though systemic changes remain distant. On September 8, Hungarian authorities expelled ten Russian diplomats over alleged misconduct. Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anita Orban stated that this action does not terminate diplomatic relations between Hungary and Russia but aims to safeguard national security and sovereignty.
