Szeklerland Petition Calls for Territorial Autonomy
Hundreds of Demonstrators Gathered in Târgu Mureș to Demand Territorial Autonomy for Szeklerland
On Monday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Târgu Mureș to mark Szekler Freedom Day, where they started a petition demanding the territorial autonomy of Szeklerland. The event also featured a commemoration ceremony in Budapest, where Lőrinc Nacsa, Secretary of State for National Policy, emphasized the importance of perseverance.
Lőrinc Nacsa highlighted the significance of March as the month of freedom for Hungarians and praised the Szeklers for their contributions to the Hungarian nation. He expressed concerns about anti-Hungarian sentiments in Romania and criticized certain political forces in Hungary that he believes are not prioritizing national unity and sovereignty.
Katalin Szili, the Prime Minister’s special envoy, emphasized that only freedom will allow the Szekler identity to flourish. She pointed out how Szekler Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Szekler martyrs and the importance of preserving national identity.
During the event in Târgu Mureș, a petition was adopted demanding territorial autonomy for Szeklerland. The document, read out by Balázs Izsák, President of the Szekler National Council, emphasizes the Szeklers’ commitment to democracy and law in their quest for self-government.
The petition calls for the Romanian authorities to recognize the Szeklers’ right to manage the affairs of the region where they comprise the majority of the population. It stresses that this demand is not intended to undermine Romania’s territorial unity or the rights of other nationalities in the region.
Those who accepted the petition also called for Bucharest to engage in dialogue with the Szekler National Council and support their European citizens’ initiative on national regions. The participants protested against an administrative reform plan that they believe would negatively impact Szeklerland.
In his speech, László Tőkés, President of the Hungarian National Council of Transylvania, urged unity and emphasized the lessons to be learned from history. He highlighted the importance of fighting for freedom as a unifying cause that can bring Hungarians and Romanians together.
As the Szeklers continue their fight for autonomy, their determination and resilience serve as a testament to their commitment to preserving their national identity and securing a brighter future for Szeklerland.
