BUDAPEST,  (Reuters) – Thousands of Hungarians thronged the streets of Budapest yesterday in the fourth and largest protest in a week against what they see as the increasingly authoritarian rule of right-wing nationalist Viktor Orban.

Braving sub-zero temperatures, setting off flares and waving Hungarian and European Union flags, about 10,000 demonstrators walked from historic Heroes’ Square towards parliament and then state TV in a march dubbed “Merry Xmas Mr. Prime Minister.” The march was largely peaceful until police fired tear gas at protesters jostling outside the TV station late at night. Footage showed people crouching and blinded by the gas.

The demonstration was organised by opposition parties, students, and trade unions to demand a free media, withdrawal of a labour law increasing overtime, and an independent judiciary. “All I want for Xmas is democracy,” read one banner. Hundreds of police in riot gear shepherded what was one of the biggest demonstrations Orban has faced since he rose to power in 2010 and began wielding his large parliamentary majority to pressure courts, media and non-government groups.(Reuters)…[+]