Becali's Religious Procession Follows Bucharest Pride, Igniting Public Debate

Bucharest: A Religious Procession Follows Pride Parade, Sparking Public Debate Bucharest, Romania – On June 8th, 2025, a noteworthy event unfolded in Bucharest, Romania. Gigi Becali, a prominent Romanian businessman, led a procession of priests through the city streets. This march followed the Bucharest Pride parade, which took place on the same route the previous day. The juxtaposition of these two events has sparked significant public discussion. The video footage shows Becali and the priests carrying a large cross, chanting religious hymns. The atmosphere is solemn and devout. Many onlookers can be seen observing the procession. One onlooker commented, "Ne întoarcem cumva în Evul Mediu??" (Are we somehow returning to the Middle Ages??), reflecting the surprise and varied reactions to the event. The event raises questions about religious freedom, public expression, and the relationship between different segments of Romanian society. The contrasting nature of the two parades—one celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and the other a religious procession—highlights the complexities of social and political dynamics in contemporary Romania. The symbolic act of sanctifying the route of the Pride parade after its conclusion offers a rich ground for discussion and analysis. While the event is locally focused, its symbolic significance and the public figure involved could make it of interest to international audiences, particularly those interested in social and political issues in Eastern Europe.