Thousands of Hungarian judges, court employees, and supporters marched to the Ministry of Justice in Budapest, demanding stronger judicial independence, the right to express dissent, and higher salaries. The protest was sparked by a controversial agreement linking salary increases to judicial reforms, which many judges say was signed under pressure and without proper consultation.
Critics argue that the government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, is undermining judicial autonomy by pressuring the National Judicial Council, an institution meant to operate independently. Organizers emphasized the judiciary’s role as a co-equal branch of government, not a passive instrument of executive power.
Protesters highlighted ongoing concerns, including lack of transparency in legislation affecting the courts and the erosion of internal dialogue between the government and judicial bodies. Although government officials claim the judiciary remains constitutionally independent, many judges believe current trends pose serious threats to democratic norms.