Leader of Hungarian Party in Romania Emphasizes that EU Representation is Crucial

“We can only represent our community if we secure a place in the European Parliament; otherwise, our concerns may go unheard,” emphasized the President of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) during an interview on the M1 news channel.

Hunor Kelemen pointed out that the ruling coalition’s decision to hold both local and European elections simultaneously was aimed at mobilizing its own mayors and local representatives more effectively. He stressed that while local elections draw greater interest as they directly impact people’s daily lives, European politics often receive less attention.

To bridge this gap, he suggested that candidates or politicians discuss local issues during campaigns, thereby engaging citizens more effectively.

He highlighted a challenge for the RMDSZ: traditionally, they do not field candidates in areas where Hungarian communities are sparse. However, with the EP list being national, they must now mobilize in these regions to meet the five percent threshold required for representation in European decision-making.

Furthermore, Mr. Kelemen acknowledged the significant presence of the Romanian diaspora in countries like Spain, Italy, and Great Britain, emphasizing the need for increased mobilization efforts domestically to counterbalance their potential influence on turnout.

He also mentioned his party’s efforts in the European Parliament to advocate for the protection of local national minorities across the EU.

Kelemen stressed the importance of collaboration within the EU, noting that while some Member States have addressed minority rights, others lag behind.

In another interview on Kossuth Radio’s program Jó reggelt, Magyarország! (Good Morning, Hungary!), he discussed the broader implications of the upcoming elections in Romania, including parliamentary and presidential contests. The politician emphasized that these elections would shape the future for decades to come, particularly concerning administrative reforms.

Mr. Kelemen expressed concerns that without representation, Hungarian communities in Transylvania could face increased vulnerability in administrative restructuring.

Regarding proposed reforms to elevate economic-development regions to county status, he emphasized the RMDSZ’s stance: they support reforms that do not compromise Hungarian interests or leave them vulnerable to marginalization.

Mr. Kelemen also addressed the rise of the anti-Hungarian Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), characterizing them as a threat to both the Hungarian community and Romania as a whole. He likened AUR’s ideology to the anti-Hungarian sentiment of the 1930s, emphasizing the need to confront such ideologies in contemporary politics.