Published: December 08 2023
The Hungarians living in Vojvodina, Serbia, are advocating for united representation in the Serbian government as they prepare for early elections on December 17. Maintaining a strong and united voice is essential for the Hungarian community, emphasized Bálint Pásztor, acting president of the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (VMSZ).
Importance of Representation and Voting
Bálint Pásztor highlighted the significance of having a strong representation in government and urged the Hungarian community to vote for the VMSZ, as it is the only Hungarian and Vojvodina list. The party aims to maintain their current five-member presence in the legislature, which is the minimum requirement to form a parliamentary group.
Benefits of Cooperation and Partnership
Pásztor emphasized the benefits of joint projects and collaborations between Hungary and Serbia, citing the Szeged-Subotica railway line as an example. He stressed that for such work and cooperation to continue, it is crucial for the Hungarian community in Vojvodina to participate in the elections and vote.
Potential Impact on Serbian Government Formation
Zoltán Lomnici Jr., a constitutional lawyer and consultant, stated that the VMSZ's strong ties with the ruling party in Serbia could potentially influence the outcome of the elections. Polls suggest that Aleksandar Vučić's party alone may not be able to form a government. Lomnici noted that if Vučić wins, Hungary will continue to prioritize their partnership with Serbia.
Implications for Serbia's EU Accession Negotiations
The VMSZ, as a minority party with good relations with the ruling party, could play a key role in Serbia's EU accession negotiations. The Serbian government's support for strategic investments and their interdependence with Hungary on energy issues make Serbia an important partner for Hungary.
Hungarian Minority Party Aims for United Representation in Serbian Government Via MTI, Featured image: Facebook/Dr. Pásztor Bálint
Questions & Answers
What is the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (VMSZ)? The Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (VMSZ) is a minority party representing the Hungarian community in Vojvodina, Serbia.
Why is it important for the Hungarians of Vojvodina to have representation in the Serbian government? The Hungarians of Vojvodina cannot afford to remain without a united and strong representation of their interests. Having representation in the Serbian government allows for joint projects and developments to be carried out between Hungary and Serbia. It also ensures that the Hungarian community's needs and concerns are heard and addressed.
When are the early elections taking place in Serbia? The early elections in Serbia are scheduled to take place on December 17.
Who can vote for the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (VMSZ)? Hungarians living in Vojvodina, both Hungarian citizens and Hungarian nationals, are eligible to vote for the VMSZ.
What is the minimum number of members required to form a parliamentary group in the legislature? The minimum target for the forthcoming elections is to reach five members in the legislature, as this is the minimum number of members required to form a parliamentary group.
Why is the situation of the VMSZ "special" from a minority perspective? The VMSZ has good relations with the current ruling party in Serbia, which makes its position unique. This could potentially have an impact on the elections, as polls suggest that the ruling party alone will not be able to form a government.
What are some examples of joint projects and developments between Hungary and Serbia? One example of a joint project mentioned is the Szeged-Subotica railway line. These collaborations and projects between the two countries are facilitated by the representation of the Hungarian community in the Serbian government.
Why is Serbia considered a "rational partner" for Hungary? Serbia supports a number of strategic investments and the two countries are interdependent on energy issues. This makes Serbia a logical and rational partner for Hungary. If Aleksandar Vučić wins again, the Hungarian government will continue to ensure the partnership in the future.
What is the role of the Hungarian government in ensuring the partnership with Serbia? The Hungarian government plays a role in maintaining the partnership with Serbia, especially if Aleksandar Vučić wins again. They will continue to support strategic investments and work towards maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.
