Hungarians in Romania seek "territorial autonomy"

Source: Beta

TARGU MURES -- About 5,000 ethnic Hungarians protested on Sunday in the Romanian town of Targu Mures, demanding territorial autonomy.

(Beta/AP)

This autonomy should be "based on ethnicity", while the demand concerns the Secuiesc region in Transylvania.
In this area ethnic Hungarians are a majority.

The rally was organized by the Hungarian People's Party of Transylvania whose leader, Toro Tibor, said this was "the year of autonomy" and that autonomy will become "concrete" in European regions inhabited by Hungarians.

Representatives of the Hungarian National Guard and the Jobbik formation also participated in the rally, as well as leaders of three more Hungarian parties and organizations.

However, the Democratic Union of Hungarians did not take part in the protest. This party has had MPs in the Romanian parliament for the past 22 years and has been a part of ruling coalitions for much of that time.

Vice President of the European Parliament Laszlo Tokes spoke at the rally to say that "Trianon wounds need to heal", and that it can be done "through autonomy". He also sought "solidarity" for this from Romanians.

Tokes strongly criticized Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta for his "divisive policies", while the crowd booed at the mention of the premier's name.

A similar reaction to Ponta was heard in Budapest, where members of the radical nationalist Jobbik gathered in front of a building where the Hungarian Socialist Party held its congress over the weekend.

Jobbik President Zoltan Balczo accused the Socialists of treason because they invited Ponta to Budapest, stating that the Romanian prime minister was "working against Hungarians in Romania".

Responding to the criticism, Ponta said that "populism, extremism and demagoguery harm both Romania and Hungary," and added that it was important to respect the rights of Hungarians in Romania and the rights of Romanians in Hungary.

Since 2005 representatives of Hungarian parties took part in all governments supported by President Traian Basescu, but have now found themselves in opposition for the first time.