Torches thronged gently down stately Andrassy Avenue today, protesting in support of Fidesz in their latest battle with the European Commission, who earlier this week demanded a return of media pluralism, judiciary independence, and constitutional balance in Hungary. ‘Freedom from external oppression’, ‘Let our country be’, and ‘Don’t forget your euros when you leave’ spread the signage, while nearby flame-wielding participants took advantage of the opportunity to window shop Frey Willie and Louis Vuitton.

Some participants, clearly confused, carried torches coloured red, white, and green. A few mistakenly waved the Hungarian Democratic Republic flag, failing to remember that this march called for the version containing the crown.