On March 15, 2024, Hungary’s pro-government civil umbrella group, the Civil Összefogás Fórum – Civil Összefogás Közhasznú Alapítvány (COÖF-COÖKA), will hold its signature “Peace March” in Budapest. The event coincides with the national holiday commemorating the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence. Organisers aim to attract a record crowd to demonstrate support for Hungary’s sovereignty, peace, and national unity, according to a press conference held by László Csizmadia, the organisation’s president.
Csizmadia announced that the march has been officially registered with local authorities. He emphasized the event’s purpose as a show of solidarity with Poland, highlighting the longstanding friendship between Hungarian and Polish civil communities. Encouraging “peace-loving” Hungarians to participate, he stated that the objective is to send a message to Europe affirming that Hungary is “on the right path.” This call to action comes in light of upcoming parliamentary elections, underscoring the political stakes involved.
Criticism of Foreign Policy and Election Oversight
A significant portion of Csizmadia’s address focused on Hungary’s foreign policy and its relationship with the European Union. He sharply criticized the EU’s handling of the ongoing war in Ukraine, asserting that Brussels has exacerbated the conflict through weapons deliveries and sanctions, rather than pursuing diplomatic solutions. Csizmadia claimed that EU leaders have lost their negotiating power and are contributing to increasing instability in Europe.
The president also directed his criticism towards the leadership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), suggesting that Secretary General Mark Rutte is undermining the alliance. He expressed concern over plans for a more centralized European military structure, which he believes could weaken NATO’s effectiveness.
The event is also positioned as a response to international oversight of Hungary’s elections. Speakers at the press conference expressed discontent with a recent report from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which they claim exhibited political bias by relying heavily on opposition figures and what they termed “foreign-funded” NGOs. Despite these criticisms, COÖF-COÖKA affirmed its commitment to fair and lawful elections, emphasizing that trust in the democratic process is contingent upon impartial and professional monitoring.
As the date approaches, the Peace March is expected to galvanize supporters and highlight the pro-government sentiment in Hungary. The event is not merely a celebration of national pride; it serves as a strategic mobilization for the ruling party as it navigates the complex political landscape ahead of the elections.
