Magyar's TISZA party recently garnered nearly 30% of the vote in the European Union elections, indicating growing political traction against the ruling Fidesz party.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Budapest to voice their opposition against the government's control of state media, which they claim operates as a propaganda network funded by taxpayers.

Demonstrators expressed their frustration with the state media, describing it as a 'factory of lies' and demanding independent public media.

Protesters criticized the lack of balanced media coverage, emphasizing the censorship of dissenting voices that limits access to diverse political information.

Many view the state media, particularly MTVA, as a mouthpiece for the government, rarely criticizing it while often attacking Orbán's opponents.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders estimates that Orbán's party controls about 80% of Hungary's media resources, raising serious concerns about press freedom.

In recent years, many independent and private media outlets in Hungary have either shut down or adopted a pro-government stance, further limiting media diversity.

The protest was organized by Péter Magyar, the leader of the TISZA party, who has emerged as a significant challenger to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

During the rally, Magyar called for the resignation of the public media director, highlighting the absence of opposition representation in public broadcasts.

Observers have expressed alarm over the consolidation of media control in Hungary, noting that Orbán's government has created a pro-government media empire through strategic buyouts.

Concerns about censorship were echoed by citizens like retired teacher Ágnes Gera, who highlighted the impact of limited access to alternative political information.

Magyar announced plans for another demonstration on October 23, coinciding with a national holiday that commemorates Hungary's 1956 revolution against Soviet rule.