October 23 Peace March Will Be More Important Than Ever

"Let us show the world that Hungary is the island of peace," said Prime Minister Viktor Orban, encouraging everyone to join this year’s October 23 Peace March. Organized for the eleventh time by the Civic Union Forum–Civic Union Public Foundation (COF–COKA), the event has drawn hundreds of thousands of Hungarians in its past ten editions. This will be the third Peace March since the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine war, making the show of support for the government’s pro-peace policy more crucial than ever.

Peace March (Photo: Balazs Ladoczki)

Peace Marches traditionally conclude with Viktor Orban’s address (Photo: Viktor Orban/Facebook)

The Third Peace March in the Shadow of War

The ninth Peace March took place on March 15, 2022, just two weeks before the parliamentary election. On Hungary’s national day commemorating the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence, Hungarians sent a clear message to both Brussels and the domestic left: they would not be drawn into any war, nor would they send weapons or troops to the front lines.

In his speech, Viktor Orban placed strong emphasis on the war in Ukraine:

Throughout our shared national memory, we have always wanted peace, freedom and concord. But these cannot remain mere wishes — peace, freedom, and unity all require strength,

Viktor Orban said following the Peace March.

The most recent Peace March was held in June 2024, ahead of the European Parliament elections, once again in the shadow of the Ukraine war. Hundreds of thousands marched to reaffirm Hungary’s pro-peace stance.

 As in 2022, the Russia-Ukraine war featured prominently in the Prime Minister’s message:

We can only stay out of this war if voters reinforce the government. Hungary can stay out of this war only if we achieve Europe’s greatest electoral victory,

Viktor Orban said in his speech concluding the 2024 Peace March.

What Peace Marches May Signal

Historically, Peace Marches have coincided with pivotal moments — often ahead of elections — and their vast crowds have forecast major victories for the governing parties. With another election just six months away, this year’s event carries particular weight. Thus, it is of utmost importance that

Hungarians once again send a clear message at the Peace March that they stand on the side of the government and peace.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told members of the Fighters' Club that his October 23 address was already taking shape — the ideas are forming in his head, soon to be set down on paper.

Viktor Orban will deliver his speech at 1 p.m. in conclusion of the Peace March.

In another message, the Prime Minister underscored:

Now more than ever, it is vital that we stand up for peace. On October 23, join the Peace March and let us show together that Hungary is the island of peace.

He added:

Let’s be there in as great numbers as possible.

The majority stands on the side of peace, and we will be more numerous than those attending Brussels' pro-war march,

 Viktor Orban wrote in another post.

Cover photo: Peace March (Photo: Balazs Ladoczki)