4.8% of respondents with party preferences would vote for the RMDSZ if the EP elections were held next weekend.Continue reading
Hunor Kelemen, leader of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), conveyed strong confidence in the party’s performance in both the European Parliament (EP) and local elections.
According to Maszol‘s and Origo‘s reports, exit polls have cast a favorable light on the RMDSZ’s prospects in the EP elections, with forecasts indicating a vote share exceeding the crucial 5% threshold. Hunor Kelemen, buoyed by these early indications, anticipates the retention of approximately 200 mayoral seats, a figure consistent with the party’s success in the previous election cycle.
Expressing gratitude to voters and campaign workers alike, he emphasized the pivotal role of their support and mobilization efforts in shaping the electoral landscape.
As the ballots are tallied, Mr. Kelemen urged patience, emphasizing the importance of meticulous vote counting to ensure every voice is heard. The official results, eagerly awaited by supporters and stakeholders, will illuminate the RMDSZ’s standing in the EU legislature. Turning to the local elections, the politician voiced expectations of the RMDSZ maintaining its current offices, underscoring the strategic importance of key mandates such as the mayoral post in Târgu Mures.
Additionally, he expressed hope for the preservation of the party’s four county council presidencies.
Kronikaonline.ro reports that Romania witnessed robust civic engagement, with over 18 million eligible citizens casting their votes across nearly 19,000 polling stations. Despite challenges and instances of divisive rhetoric in certain regions, Hungarian voter turnout remained notably strong, potentially fueled by the perceived significance of both local governance and EP representation. Mr. Kelemen noted with appreciation the considerable voter participation, even in areas where mayoral races were uncontested, attributing this to the broader political implications of the EP elections.
However, he voiced concern over the emergence of rhetoric from certain Romanian parties aimed at marginalizing the Hungarian minority, particularly through slogans advocating the expulsion of Hungarians from institutional positions.
He lamented the continued political exploitation of ethnic divides and criticized alliances with extremist nationalist groups, viewing such maneuvers as detrimental to societal cohesion and minority rights.
Despite these challenges, Kelemen remained resolute in his optimism for the RMDSZ’s enduring relevance and impact. This optimism, rooted in a deep commitment to minority representation and European integration, serves as a beacon of hope amid the complex political landscape of Romania.
Via Origo, maszol.ro, kronikaonline.ro; Featured Image: Pixabay
