Protesters rally against government’s culture bill in Budapest demonstration

Protesters rallied in downtown Budapest against the government’s new culture bill on Monday evening.

The crowd completely filled Madách Square, partially impeding traffic on Karoly ring road.

Addressing the protest organised by the Katona József Theatre, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony said the stage and culture as a whole belonged to the artists and the audience, not politicians.

“When we defend the freedom of theatres, we’re also defending the city’s freedom,” Karácsony said.

“This is our rightful act of self-defence.”

He said that even if the bill passed parliament, it would still be a “dictate” rather than a law.

The mayor said the bill was the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrat alliance’s attempt at revenge for “losing Budapest” in October’s municipal elections.

“The capital will protect its theatres, artists and its freedom,” the mayor said.