Hungarian Minority Leader Says Transylvania’s Autonomy Not A Means To Divide Romania

Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, Marko Bela said Romania has at least one and a half million ethnic-Hungarians and the Transylvania region is their too.

“We will not be second-rate citizens on our native territory!,” Marko Bela said.

He said Hungarian minorities are not allowed to use their native language in the Bucharest Parliament, even if Hungarian is spoken in the European Parliament. He also pleaded local authorities in Transylvania should be free to settle internal matters without interference from the administration in Bucharest.

“I don’t want to be misunderstood: is not my express intent to be able to speak Hungarian in the Parliament in Bucharest, although it would not be the end of the world, but I rather wish our daily issues and chores be settled here, locally and not out there (in Bucharest – e.n.). From Bucharest is not very clear which street has the biggest holes, which roads need rehabilitation, and yet they want to solve such problems there. Still, those who live here make better decisions, if let. This is what autonomy means!,” UDMR leader said.