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In Budapest, protesters gathered at Vvam Square on Sunday afternoon and marched silently over the Freedom Bridge.
The demonstration was a symbolic act against the bill that critics say was designed to silence dissent and restrict access to press and NGOs.
“Our job is not subversion, it is construction. It is not crime, it is defense. It is not betrayal, it is not service,” emphasized Ahan Politician Director Viktor Schraki.
“The government believes it’s dangerous to speak for those who are not being heard. They are working to ensure that everyone in Hungary lives in a healthy environment,” said EnikőTóth, the organization’s campaign director.
Tóth said the bill’s purpose is unmistakable. It involves signing petitions, making small donations, volunteering, regulating, threatening and silencing organizations and citizens that support civil society.
The Transparency Bill could vote by mid-June. If you pass, it may be effective in 3 days.
Euronows spoke to the protesters in protest.
“They don’t care, they’re working on other things. They’re working to make it impossible for everyone. This arrogance of power, hundreds of billions of forints must be protected at any cost – I think that’s all,” the old man said.
“These protests are good to maintain our spirit,” the young girl said. “We don’t lose a bit of our own hope. We strengthen it. So even if there’s no concrete consequences of the demonstrations, and even if regulations change quickly because of that, we’re still worth strengthening each other here,” she explained.
The march ended at St. Gerreld Square. There, Ahan activists placed a large sign-style display featuring portraits of government politicians at the construction barriers surrounding the now-renovated Gerreld Hotel.
The hotel is currently owned by BDPST ZRT.
The silent protest will continue on Monday and Tuesday with further demonstrations planned in other parts of Hungary.
