Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban is poised to address the nation in response to a child sexual abuse scandal that has sent shockwaves across the country.

Widespread outrage erupted following the revelation that a former official, convicted of concealing sexual crimes at a state-operated children’s home, had been granted clemency. Thousands gathered at Budapest’s iconic Heroes’ Square on Friday, standing in solidarity with the victims of abuse.

The controversial pardon led to mass protests and prompted several high-profile resignations. President Katalin Novak, who approved the pardon, and two key figures within Prime Minister Orban’s ruling Fidesz party stepped down last week. This scandal poses a significant challenge to Orban’s conservative leadership, marking the most substantial threat since his return to power in 2010.

Orban’s government, which has consistently emphasized family values in its policies, is now on the defensive, grappling with the fallout from a scandal that has captivated the nation over the past week.

Later on Saturday, the prime minister is scheduled to deliver his annual state of the nation address, during which he is anticipated to reaffirm his leadership and reassure his supporters. It is expected that he will assert that his government has undertaken more initiatives to safeguard children than any previous administration and emphasize that accountability remains a priority — illustrated by the resignation of officials when mistakes are made.

During Friday’s protests, Heroes’ Square witnessed an influx of tens of thousands of individuals participating in the demonstration named “there are monsters out there.” The event deliberately excluded political parties, as it aimed to showcase the strength of primarily young Hungarians united against child abuse and neglect, advocating for social solidarity.

Last week, Katalin Novak resigned from her position as president and offered an apology for what she acknowledged as “a mistake” in granting the pardon. The resignations were triggered by the public disclosure, courtesy of Hungarian media, of the names of 25 individuals pardoned by Ms. Novak in April of the previous year.