Call from Magyar

Budapest: Thousands protest again against Orbán

(Bild: AFP/APA/ATTILA KISBENEDEK)

The Hungarian opposition politician Péter Magyar and vice-chairman of the "Respect and Freedom" (TISZA) party has once again called for a protest against the right-wing nationalist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government on Friday evening. Once again, he was able to mobilize thousands.

In front of the Ministry of the Interior in Budapest, Magyar called for a reform of the Child Protection Act and a significant increase in funding for child protection.

Interior Minister "should retire"
The 43-year-old also called for those politically responsible for the paedophilia scandals to be brought to justice. In this context, he called for the resignation of Interior Minister Sándor Pintér, who should retire, Magyar was quoted as saying by the online portal "Telex.hu".

Many came to the demonstration in Budapest.(Bild: AFP/APA/ATTILA KISBENEDEK)

Peter Magyar (center) is the new star of the Hungarian opposition.(Bild: AFP/APA/ATTILA KISBENEDEK)

The opposition politician accused the Orbán government of mendaciously presenting itself as "pro-family" and "pro-children". Magyar called on Orbán to apologize to the victims of the pedophilia scandals or resign.

Wage increase promised
As vice-chairman of the "Respect and Freedom" party (TISZA), Magyar also promised a pay rise for all employees in the health and social services as well as for employees in the field of child protection should TISZA come into government.