In an unexpected twist, the parade has been rebranded as Budapest Pride Freedom by the city's liberal mayor, Gergely Karacsony, emphasizing Hungary's liberation from Soviet rule in 1991. Amid pressure from organizers and grassroots supporters, tens of thousands—over 50,000 individuals—are anticipated to participate, including a significant delegation from the European Parliament.

Now, Orban and his ruling Fidesz party find themselves at a crossroads: to enforce their controversial ban and face backlash or to allow the historically massive Pride event to unfold, risking political credibility. The eyes of both supporters and critics are closely watching this evolving situation, highlighting the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights within Hungary.