Hungary: Demonstrations planned in Budapest on May 20 and 21

Event

Approximately 5000 people are set to take part in a demonstration scheduled for Saturday, May 20, beginning in Erzsébet tér in District 5, and ending in District 14, Budapest. The protest will begin at 13:30 (local time) and will continue into the early evening. Demonstrators are protesting against the Government of Hungary's reconstruction of City Park in District 14.

Up to 10,000 individuals are anticipated to attend a demonstration on Sunday, April 21, to express support for the Central European University (CEU) in face of legislation that threatens to force the school's closure, signed into law on April 10. They are also denouncing a piece of legislation that would regulate NGOs that receive foreign funding. The protest is set to begin at Műegyetem rakpart, passing by Szabadság híd, Vámház körút, Múzeum körút, Károly körút, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, Alkotmány utca, ending at the parliament building. The protest will begin at approximately 17:00 and continue until nightfall.

Increased security is expected at all protest locations, and traffic disruptions are possible.

Context

Several protests have taken place in Hungary over the past two months, largely in response to the possible closure of the Central European University (CEU). The rallies have received support from opposition parties, including the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP), the Democratic Coalition (DK), Politics Can Be Different (LMP), Együtt (Together), and Momentum. Additionally, the protesters have gained international support from institutions, governments, and universities. More than 900 academics across the globe have condemned the bill.

The bill passed by the government stipulates that without a relevant inter-state agreement, no foreign higher education institution is allowed to operate in Hungary. However, CEU announced that they will not close down the university. The bill is seen by protesters (both Hungarians and foreigners) as an attack on independent educational institutions. The Constitutional Court is expected to decide on the constitutional validity of the bill.

CEU, an American-accredited university, is one of the smallest but most prestigious higher education institutions in Hungary. Comprised of 1440 students from over 100 countries, CEU was founded in 1991 by Hungarian-born American businessman and philanthropist George Soros. CEU's graduates are among the elite of Hungary.

Advice

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