Romanian Village Mayor Sued for Flying Szekler Flag
The ongoing controversy surrounding the display of the Szekler flag in the municipality of Ghindari in Mures County has led to a legal battle between the prefect of the county, Ciprian Dobre, and the mayor of the municipality, Imre Vass.
The dispute began when Prefect Dobre filed a lawsuit against Mayor Vass for displaying the Szekler flag in a public square. The prefect argued that the flag, which represents Szeklerland, a region with strong Hungarian cultural ties, is not legally permitted to be displayed in public spaces. Dobre cited Romanian laws on the display of national symbols, stating that only official flags such as the Romanian national flag and coat of arms are allowed.
In response, Mayor Vass defended the display of the Szekler flag, arguing that it was not an administrative act but rather a gesture by a group of citizens. He also pointed out that obstructing the use of national symbols goes against the Romanian Constitution and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.
The legal dispute has garnered attention from the Szekler National Council, with President Balázs Izsák offering moral and political support to Mayor Vass. The organization has even pledged to place 20 similar Szekler flags in different municipalities of Szeklerland in solidarity.
As the legal battle continues, it raises important questions about cultural expression, minority rights, and governmental authority in multi-ethnic regions like Mures County. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the autonomy aspirations of the Szekler community and relations between different ethnic groups in Romania.
