Midlands North West MEP to march at banned Budapest Pride event

Maria Walsh, the former Rose of Tralee and current Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands North West, has said she will march in the banned Budapest Pride event this Saturday.

Ms Walsh, who is a a member of the European Parliament’s LGBTQI+ Intergroup, said she will be joining politicians from across Europe in protesting Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán’s laws which have classified Budapest Pride 2025 as a child safety concern.

In a statement today (Thursday) she said: "I am proud to be marching in Budapest Pride this weekend. In a year when Orbán has classified public displays of love within my own community as a child protection issue, we must all fight back.

"Hungary’s decision to ban Pride marches is a frightening step backwards for members of the LGBTQI+ community across Europe. The EU cannot now bend the knee to homophobic and power-hungry oppressors.

"I am angry and I have no intention of hiding this on Saturday. I’m angry on behalf of my Hungarian brothers and sisters, I’m angry at the erosion of human rights in the EU, and I am angry that we are not doing enough to stop Orbán and his pack of tyrants.

"Pride began as a protest, and it will return to its roots this weekend in the Hungarian capital."

She added that there were "real risks" involved in attending the event, and that she "would urge any Irish person intending on travelling" to be on high alert.

"Those marching face the possibility of arrest, a fine of up to €500 and imprisonment of up to one year under Hungarian law.

"I hope to have the full support of the European institutions and leaders behind me on Saturday - no matter what happens.

"I look forward to sharing my experience with my colleagues across the Parliament and Commission once I return to Brussels, in an effort to finally see meaningful action to put an end to Orbán and his cruel ways," Ms Walsh concluded.