Tens of thousands of Hungarians, approximately 50,000, took to the streets in Budapest to protest against the government's use of taxpayer-funded media campaigns, which critics say are aimed at misleading voters and promoting nationalist messages.

These protests were sparked by opposition criticism of Viktor Orbán's government for using national surveys and multimedia campaigns since 2010 to manipulate public opinion, including controversial stances like opposition to Ukraine's EU accession.

The government defends these information campaigns as necessary efforts to raise awareness on key issues, claiming they are based on factual information.

Orbán and his supporters argue that these campaigns give the population a platform to express their views, denying accusations that they are merely propaganda.

Protest imagery included symbolic elements like a zebra balloon representing the opulence of Hungary's ruling elite, linked to the Orban family's countryside estate.

Organizers, including a theater troupe, are calling for a referendum to ban government-funded campaigns that are misleading, incite hatred, or distract, requiring at least 200,000 signatures and approval from the national electoral authority.

The protest movement reflects widespread concern about the impact of government propaganda on society, with demands for a referendum to restrict misleading or hateful state-funded advertising.

This movement highlights fears over excessive government spending on propaganda, with previous campaigns costing millions, such as a 27.7 million euro expenditure on a campaign related to Ukraine's EU membership.

Critics argue that Orbán's multimedia campaigns, costing millions of euros since 2010, are designed to mislead voters, target opponents, and promote nationalist sentiments.

Opposition figures, including the conservative Tisza party led by Peter Magyar, deny plans for tax hikes and accuse Orbán of spreading false information to maintain power.

The protests and campaigns underscore ongoing tensions over government spending and influence, with Hungarians questioning the true intent behind the extensive propaganda efforts.