Large crowds gathered in Hungary’s capital on Saturday as tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets to protest what they describe as long-standing failures in the country’s child protection system. The demonstration placed renewed political pressure on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, with protesters demanding his resignation and deeper institutional reform.
The march began in central Pest and continued across the Danube toward the historic Buda Castle area, where key government offices are located. The protest was organized by opposition leader Péter Magyar, head of the centrist TISZA party, who has emerged as a leading challenger ahead of Hungary’s expected parliamentary elections in spring 2026.
Public outrage intensified earlier this week following the release of verified surveillance footage from a state-operated juvenile detention facility in Budapest. The video showed a senior staff member physically assaulting a child detainee, triggering widespread condemnation. Shortly after the footage became public, the facility’s acting director stepped down.
In response, the government announced emergency measures placing all juvenile correctional institutions under direct police supervision. Prosecutors confirmed that multiple employees connected to the facility have been detained, while investigators continue to examine allegations involving organized abuse, financial crimes, and human trafficking linked to former administrators.
Demonstrators marched in freezing temperatures carrying banners calling for child protection and justice. Many held candles, soft toys, and signs symbolizing solidarity with victims. Participants ranged from pensioners to teenagers, reflecting broad public concern. Several attendees said the issue went beyond a single incident and pointed to what they view as systemic neglect.
During the rally, Magyar addressed the crowd, urging national leadership to accept responsibility. He referenced a government-commissioned report from earlier years that, according to his claims, documented widespread abuse within state care institutions. Government officials have disputed the interpretation of the report’s findings.
Prime Minister Orbán has publicly denounced abuse within state facilities, calling such acts criminal and unacceptable. He has stated that offenders will face legal consequences and emphasized that reforms are underway. Despite these assurances, opposition figures argue that past scandals were addressed only after public exposure rather than proactive oversight.
The controversy follows an earlier child protection scandal that led to the resignation of Hungary’s president in 2024 over a controversial pardon case. That episode significantly eroded public trust and continues to shape political discourse.
With elections approaching, the latest developments have intensified scrutiny of the ruling government. Recent opinion polls suggest a tightening race between the long-dominant Fidesz party and the opposition TISZA movement, although analysts note challenges in accurately measuring public sentiment.
Saturday’s protest marked one of the largest demonstrations in recent months and underscored growing demands for transparency, accountability, and reform in Hungary’s child welfare system.
