Roma und die Zeitenwende in Ungarn
Roma and the New Era for Hungary

Summary/Abstract: The new era for Hungary as envisaged by the new Government would also require the implementation of a different policy for its Roma citizens who are estimated to number up to 900,000 people. This would include that antigypsyism be addressed and that the deep divide between Roma and ethnic Hungarians be overcome. On a symbolic level, Péter Magyar and TISZA have sent out the first important signals that Roma are an integral and important part of Hungary. However, there is also criticism that no representative of the minority has been entrusted with responsibility in the government. Péter Magyar and TISZA emphasise that they would not pursue “specific policies for Roma”. They argued that there are no issues that specifically affect only Roma; rather, the needs of Roma should be taken into account in all relevant policy areas. Whilst this approach has its merits, it carries significant risks if it reduces the situation of the Roma to a “social issue” and overlooks the need to fight racism, as the chapter on “Equal Opportunities for Roma” in the TISZA party manifesto demonstrates, which makes no mention of the need to combat antigypsyism.

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