Hungary: Protest planned in Budapest on May 8

Event

Left-wing activists have organized a peaceful protest in Budapest's Kossuth Square to be held on Monday, May 8, during the swearing-in ceremony of President Janos Ader. The protest is due to start at 13:00 (local time). A reinforced security presence is to be expected and transportation disruptions are likely. Further protests are probable in the coming days and weeks.

Context

President Ader was re-elected for a second term in March. In April, he signed controversial legislation stipulating that without a relevant inter-state agreement, no foreign higher education institution is allowed to operate in Hungary; the law is considered by protestors as an attack on independent educational institutions, and has resulted in large peaceful protests in the capital since the beginning of April. The recent protests have been the largest seen in the country since 2014.

Advice

Individuals in Budapest are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, to anticipate localized transportation disruptions, and to monitor the situation.