The #Pfizergate ruling is an important breakthrough on transparency. But the fact that it was the NYT (!) & not @europarl.europa.eu or the European public sphere holding the EU executive accountable also shows that a *lot* of work still lies ahead

I voiced these concerns to vdL over 4 yrs ago👇

Orbán sees the world is tilting his way—and he’s accelerating the crackdown.

My op-ed on his latest assault on rights in Hungary, banning Budapest Pride & threatening to strip critics of citizenship👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Our friends from the US fighting Trump’s assault on democracy are warmly welcome too

Come to Budapest, stand in solidarity with Pride attendees who are targeted with facial recognition & fines—see with your own eyes where the US is heading towards

@aoc.bsky.social
euobserver.com/eu-political...

Yesterday, an EU member state banned Pride events 🏳️‍🌈, threatening to use facial recognition & 500€ fines to target attendees.

We need more than deep concerns.

We need EU leaders across the continent to book their tickets to Budapest & join us on June 28

www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...

Momentum representatives @ the Hungarian Parliament👇

Orban & co. have just *banned* Budapest Pride 🏳️‍🌈 threatening to fine participants 500€

In 2025. In an EU country.

They’re NOT getting away with this. We’ll be there anyway & you should too

#SeeYouAtBudapestPride

euobserver.com/eu-political...

🚨 The Orban gov’t has just submitted a bill to ban Budapest Pride & impose fines on organizers & participants

We’ll be there anyway

NOW is the time to show your support. My call to EU leaders👇—announce you’ll be there with us on June 28 🏳️‍🌈

#SeeYouAtBudapestPride

🗞️ euobserver.com/eu-political...

Viktor Orbán says he’ll ban Budapest Pride. We won’t let that happen. This year, we’ll march in greater numbers than ever 🏳️‍🌈

My message to European leaders: stand with us. Announce that you’re coming to Budapest.

#SeeYouAtBudapestPride

Read the op-ed 🗞️ euobserver.com/eu-political...

Today, I swore in as Member of Parliament. I pledge to amplify the voices of all those who are overlooked and oppressed by Orban’s regime. As a liberal woman, this space feels like another planet — but the more they try to silence us, the louder we will become.

Orbán distanced himself from Novák & tried to shift blame. But nothing happens in Hungary without his approval; it was his appointee & close ally who granted the shameful pardon & his government member who countersigned it

Along with Novák & Varga, his hideous regime needs to go

Child protection has always just been a smokescreen for Orban & co. The "child protection law" was recent legislation banning the depiction of homosexuality to minors, echoing Russian law. Bookstores are restricted from selling works like “Heartstopper,” unless wrapped in plastic

Novák was the host of the Budapest Demographic Summit, bringing together hard right influencers like Italy PM Meloni or Jordan Peterson. She's been travelling the globe, discussing "the protection of traditional values & families" with Ron DeSantis & even Elon Musk

The scandal cut to the heart of the Orbán regime's ideological core & also dents their international efforts to forge a political alliance based on (as they say) family values

"FAMILY FRIENDLY HUNGARY" is the regime's self-proclaimed brand & Novák was the brand ambassador

Former Justice Minister Judit Varga, who countersigned the pardon decision, also resigned— showing the gravity of the scandal. She was poised to lead Fidesz' list for the European Parliament elections.

Katalin Novák, President of the Republic & close Orbán-ally was forced to resign in disgrace—for pardoning the accomplice of a convicted pedophile

She was crafting Orbán's international network & image as "protector of family values"

The scandal that shook Hungary to its core👇

Orban blocking Ukraine’s EU accession is serving Putin’s interests only.

www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...

The “surveys” are truly Orwellian. See this on “migration & terrorism”👇

At one point, an opposition politician asked the National Election Office to consider them for referenda (as a test) & even the Orban loyalist body ruled that they are inadequate.

Orban’s propaganda machine has picked the new enemy for the political season—Commission President von der Leyen, depicted as a Soros-stooge

These billboards will soon spread the country, saying—
“Let’s not dance to THEIR tune”

The EU has to wake up & respond to this disinformation deluge.

Quick 🧵

This is a point that often goes missing.👇 Orban, the champion of sovereignty looked anything but sovereign in the ring of his new authoritarian friends. And that makes the EU’s problem even more dire.

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...