Budapest held its first annual Pride march since Orban was voted out in April, drawing large crowds despite record temperatures. Organizers said the turnout reflected a political shift in Hungary following Orban’s 16 years in power and the election victory of Péter Magyar’s Tisza party.

The earlier Orban government had tried to stop Pride events, with laws and constitutional changes aimed at restricting LGBTQ visibility and related rights. The result was a harshly contested environment for Pride, including major public disputes and criticism from rights groups and the European Union.

This year’s march took place after the ban was lifted and police authorized the event, and participants described the atmosphere as calmer and freer than during Orban’s rule. Many attendees said they felt safer in everyday life and hoped the new government would move toward expanding equal rights, including areas such as adoption and marriage.