High Stakes for the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians at the Upcoming Elections

Ahead of the early parliamentary elections on December 17, the Hungarian community in Vojvodina is awaiting the results, recognizing that these elections will play a key role in ensuring their representation at both the provincial and national levels.

Bálint Juhász, the provincial list leader of the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (VMSZ), stressed the stakes of the vote and the party’s commitment to Hungarian interests.

Juhász said that “the Hungarian community needs representation and the opportunity to assert its interests, and only the VMSZ can provide it.”

He emphasized that the party plays an important role as a bridge between the Hungarian and Serbian governments, contributing to historical reconciliation and economic development. Juhász acknowledged the Hungarian government’s support, which has enabled the renovation of many church institutions in Vojvodina, and underlined its impact on the well-being of the Hungarian community.

Regarding the paradigm shift in national policy since 2010, he noted:

Since 2010 it is good to be Hungarian in Vojvodina.”

Despite the challenges posed by the recent loss of István Pásztor, a key figure supporting the Hungarian community, Juhász expressed his determination to achieve results of which he could be proud.

“The stake is for the Hungarian community to show its strength, so that no one sees an opportunity to crush and destroy us,” he added.

Zoltán Lomnici Jr, constitutional lawyer and consultant at the Századvég Foundation, gave some insight into the significance of the autonomy aspirations of the VMSZ. He highlighted the Serbian state’s gesture towards minorities by abolishing the parliamentary threshold for minority parties, with only 5,000 signatures required to get on the list. Lomnici explained:

This is a clear gesture of the Serbian state towards minorities.”

Lomnici stressed that Serbia did not recognize autonomy as an obstacle, but as a motor of sovereignty. He stressed that the program of the Hungarians in Vojvodina “proves that they are making a significant contribution to Serbia’s development, and covers areas such as security, the fight against illegal migration, minority rights, EU accession, and sovereignty issues.”

There is no alternative for the VMSZ,”

he said.

Speaking about the popularity of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Lomnici noted that even international sources recognize him as the most stable politician in Serbia. He stressed the importance of the VMSZ’s electoral participation for the survival of Hungarians, saying that the party has a facilitating role in Serbia’s development, not a hindering one.

As the election date approaches, the Hungarian community in Vojvodina will continue to focus on securing strong representation that can effectively represent its interests and contribute to the wider development of the region.

Via MTI; Featured Image: Facebook / Juhász Bálint