"Moments after Peter Magyar was sworn in, bringing an end to Viktor Orban's 16 years in power, the young musicians launched into the unofficial anthem of Roma in Hungary, leaving many MPs wiping away tears. It was an extraordinary moment one that fused the nationwide hope for change with the longstanding aspirations of the country's most marginalised community."
"Roma rights campaigners have seized the moment, calling on the new government to ensure that the symbolism of last weekendtranslates into real change. As Hungary which is home to one of the continent's largest proportions of Roma, at about 8% begins the post-Orban era, many across Europe are watching closely. There are encouraging signs, say observers."
"The new parliament includes a record number of Roma MPs: four in Magyar's Tisza party and one with the rightwing nationalist opposition, Fidesz. Roma artists featured prominently during the daylong inauguration. Never before have Roma been such an integral part of a nation at a state or national event as they were at the ceremonial opening of the new parliament, wrote Stephan Muller, an adviser on international affairs with the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma."
"A recent letter to Magyar, drafted by about 50 Roma professionals from various sectors in Hungary, urged the government to acknowledge the longstanding discrimination against Roma, take action to protect their rights, and ensure they have equal access to opportunities. We told them that the regime change can only be successful if they do it hand in hand with the Roma, said Aladar Horvath, one of Hungary's most prominent Romany rights campaigners and an architect of the letter."
After Peter Magyar was sworn in and Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule ended, Roma musicians performed the unofficial anthem of Roma in Hungary beneath Hungary’s parliament arches and frescoes. The moment combined national hopes for change with long-standing aspirations of a marginalized Roma community. Roma rights campaigners urged the new government to turn symbolism into concrete action. Hungary has one of Europe’s largest Roma populations, about 8%. Observers noted encouraging signs, including a record number of Roma MPs in the new parliament and prominent Roma artists during the inauguration. A letter from about 50 Roma professionals called for acknowledgment of discrimination, protection of rights, and equal access to opportunities, emphasizing that regime change must be done with Roma participation.
#roma-rights #hungary-politics #post-orban-transition #representation-in-parliament #anti-discrimination
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