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Guaranteeing the rights of the Hungarian minority living in Romania and the use of the Szekler flag were among the topics discussed in the first televised debate between the two remaining candidates in the Romanian presidential election: both Nicusor Dan, liberal candidate and independent mayor of Bucharest, and George Simion, ultra-nationalist candidate and President of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), sought to reassure their opponents with their responses.
In Thursday evening’s presidential debate broadcast by Euronews Romania, the candidates were asked what guarantees they would offer to the Hungarian minority living in Romania as head of state in the spirit of the country’s relations with its western neighbor, Hungary, to ensure that they can freely express their ethnic identity, and whether they would support the display of the Szekler flag at local cultural or sporting events.
Nicusor Dan said that Romania treats its national minorities, including Hungarians, in an exemplary manner, but in his opinion, the use of a “symbol of territorial autonomy” should not be allowed at official events.
George Simion expanded on this issue, stating that ethnic Hungarians are good citizens of Romania, but they must understand that those who sow discord between them and Romanians belong in the “trash can of history.” In his opinion, they do not want what is best for the Hungarian community, but want to follow the same path as “Emmanuel Macron and the Brussels globalists” instead of following the “healthy, conservative path” supported by the majority of the Hungarian people.
Romanians and Hungarians must stand united in the face of challenges. I respect Viktor Orbán, the president of Fidesz and the prime minister of Hungary, and that is why many elements of his policy—but not all—will become the policy of the Romanian state.”
“My message to those who live off the obsession with conflict between Hungarians and Romanians is that their time is up! Now is the time for a Europe of nations, and we will fight for our rights, because both Romanians and Hungarians are full citizens of the European Union,” said the presidential candidate, who considers himself a representative of the sovereigntist movement.
While Simion might seem like a sovereigntist, his politics differ sharply from those of leaders like Viktor Orbán or Giorgia Meloni. Unlike them, Simion’s nationalism often takes an openly antagonistic tone toward ethnic minorities—particularly Hungarians—rather than focusing primarily on defending national interests within the EU. His version of sovereigntism is more exclusionary and inflammatory, raising concerns that it could deepen ethnic tensions rather than simply affirm national identity.
Exercising his right to respond, his opponent reminded Simion, who began his public career in the stands of sports stadiums, that Romanian fan communities have chanted anti-Hungarian slogans at football matches on numerous occasions in recent years. “I would like to ask Mr. Simion if he was there,” Nicusor Dan inquired.
Simion did not answer the question, but reminded his opponent that in 2000, Dan himself had publicly taken a stand against the LGBT minority. He believed that in the changed situation, as potential presidents of Romania, both of them should pay attention to what they say and respect all their fellow citizens.
Romania’s 19 million voters will elect a new president on the 18th of May from among Simion and Dan, who have advanced to the second round.
Via MTI; Featured photo: Wikipedia