Romania’s Parliament has for the second time without changes accepted the so-called “Trianon law” declaring June 4th, the day of the signing of the Treaty of Trianon, a national holiday.
The motion was accepted on Tuesday by 175 votes to 23, with 85 abstentions in the Chamber of Deputies, and is now awaiting the signature of Romania’s President Claus Iohannis to take effect.
The parliament first approved the bill in May, but Iohannis decided to refer it to the country’s constitutional court on the grounds that it contravenes the fundamental law on several points, including the equal handling of the country’s citizens. Moreover, in his view, it goes against the principle of the separation of powers, as a result, it is more of a political statement than a law. The judiciary body rejected the complaints of Iohannis in July and established that the law fulfills every law-making criteria.
The president is now forced to promulgate the new regulation submitted by the opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD) but also supported by most other Romanian parties.
According to the legislation, the government and local authorities must ensure that the national flag of Romania is hoisted in public places on the anniversary of the peace treaty. Furthermore, events are to be held on June 4th to promote the significance of the Treaty of Trianon and national public media must also report on scientific, educational, and cultural events that raise awareness of the importance of the historic event.
Thus, the day when 100 years ago, Hungary lost 72 percent of its territory and 64 percent of its population to its neighboring countries including Romania, will be a national holiday. This effects the 1.2 million Hungarians who live in the country as a minority and for whom June 4th is widely considered to be one of the most tragic days in the history of Hungary.
Featured photo by György Varga/MTI
