Brussels/Budapest, 28 January 2026Renew Europe strongly condemns the prosecution of Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest, for his role in allowing a peaceful Pride event to take place in the Hungarian capital last year. Renew Europe President MEP Valérie Hayer, who participated in the march last year, said:“Criminalising an elected mayor for defending freedom of assembly and equal rights is another attempt to turn Hungary away from Europe, towards Moscow. Peaceful Pride marches are not a threat to public order, they are an expression of dignity, visibility and basic democratic European values. MEP Fabienne Keller (L’Europe Ensemble, France), also present at the march with a number of Renew Europe MEPs, added:“Renew Europe stands in full solidarity with Mayor Karácsony, with Budapest Pride, and with all Hungarians who continue to defend freedom, equality and democracy. We will continue to oppose the systematic erosion of the rule of law in Hungary and support those who refuse to be silenced.