More than 100,000 demonstrators packed Budapest’s Heroes’ Square for a high-energy concert calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Viktor Orban after 16 years in power. The event, held two days before Hungary’s general elections, featured over 50 bands each performing one anti-government song during the seven-hour “system-breaking” show.

Youth-Led Protests Echo Historic Chants

The crowd, dominated by young attendees, erupted in chants like “Ruszkik haza!”—or “Russians go home!”—a slogan from Hungary’s 1956 anti-Soviet revolution. This cry highlights growing concerns over Orban’s deepening ties with Moscow. Organizers from the Civic Resistance Movement selected songs critical of the current regime to rally voters and signal the end of unchecked power.

Over 100,000 more followed the livestream online, underscoring widespread discontent, particularly among youth. A widening generational divide sees younger Hungarians rejecting Orban’s rule, while older voters remain supportive.

Voices from the Crowd

Helena Sugar, 19, attended for her favorite artists but emphasized the political urgency. “I listen to these performers every day. But now the most important thing here is the political goal,” she said. “It is important to show how many of us think this way, how many of us think that the time for this system is over, and it is time for us to change.”

Noel Ivan, 22, who moved to Austria for better opportunities, expressed hope for change. “I would like to move back and plan the future at home, which is currently hopeless and deeply sad,” he said. Though not conservative, Ivan plans to vote for the Tisza party to drive regime change.

Rising Opposition and Polling Surge

Orban’s Fidesz party faces declining support amid economic stagnation, corruption scandals, and a strong challenge from the center-right Tisza party led by Peter Magyar. Recent data from the 21 Research Centre shows 65% of voters under 30 back Tisza, compared to just 14% for Orban.

Popular acts like singer Azahriah, rappers Beton.Hofi and Krubi, and bands Quimby and Ivan and the Parasol performed. Benedek Szabo, frontman of Galaxisok, criticized Hungary’s Moscow alignment as “selling out EU allies to Russia.” “Everyone’s fed up, and everyone’s ready to finally change this system, to finally send a message,” he stated. “Not only today, but the day after tomorrow, that we’ve had enough, and we want to belong to Europe.” Galaxisok’s set included a track mourning lost opportunities under Orban’s leadership.