Hungarian Protesters Demand PM Viktor Orban Resign Over Child Abuse Scandals

Thousands of Hungarians rallied in Budapest, calling for Prime Minister Viktor Orban to resign, citing his perceived inaction regarding numerous child abuse scandals that have plagued the country.

Orban, since returning to power in 2010, pledged to prioritize child protection. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. a series of high-profile child abuse cases have shaken his government in recent years, fueling public discontent.

The protests on Saturday were spearheaded by Peter Magyar, leader of the TISZA opposition party. The demonstrations were triggered by fresh allegations concerning a juvenile detention center on Szolo Street in Budapest. Security camera footage reportedly showed the center's director kicking a boy in the head.

In response to the incident, four staff members were taken into custody earlier in the week. The government also announced plans to place all child facilities under direct police supervision.

On Saturday, demonstrators marched through the city's cold streets behind a banner that read, "Protect the children!" They urged the government to take more decisive action against perpetrators of abuse. Some protesters carried soft toys and torches to show solidarity with victims in a physical abuse case dating back several years.

Adding to the pressure, Magyar released a previously unreleased official report from 2021 on Friday. The report revealed that over 20% of children in state-run care institutions had experienced abuse.

"We should be outraged at what is being done with the most vulnerable children," said Zsuzsa Sz.