Hungary: Public sector workers plan to protest in Budapest July 31

Event

Health workers and other public sector employees are planning to protest in central Budapest July 31 to denounce government health policies and demand increased pay, among other issues. Participants will gather at 10:00 on Heroes' Square (Hosok Tere) in District 14; the gathering is scheduled to disperse by 13:00.

Authorities will likely deploy additional police to monitor and facilitate the demonstration, though it is likely to pass off without incident. Nevertheless, the presence of large crowds and associated security measures could prompt localized traffic and public transport disruption until the demonstration has concluded. Current COVID-19 measures in Hungary place restrictions on large gatherings. Police could intervene if demonstrators are deemed to be in violation of these restrictions, though violence is unlikely.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Allow extra time for travel in the vicinity.