Tag Archives: Politics

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Montenegro and Representation

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Montenegro and Representation

The Council of Youth Initiatives in Montenegro urges authorities to prioritize authentic political representation for the Roma community in electoral reforms, aiming for a representative in the Montenegrin Assembly.

The EU’s annual report highlights the vulnerable status of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro, who face discrimination and hate crimes.

The Council emphasizes that authentic representation would enhance political participation and trust in institutions, and they propose a legal mechanism to ensure this representation based on electoral success.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Hungarian Speaking Roma

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Hungarian Speaking Roma

The article discusses the political preferences and behavior of Hungarian-speaking Roma in Slovakia, highlighting their low political activity compared to non-Roma citizens.

A study found that only 24% of Hungarian-speaking Roma identify as committed ethnic voters, with many leaning towards Slovak parties rather than Hungarian ethnic parties.

The popularity of Igor Matovič’s Slovakia Movement is rising among Hungarian-speaking Roma, indicating a shift in political allegiance that could impact the Hungarian ethnic party’s representation.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Tisza and Roma

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Tisza and Roma

Significant frustration has emerged within the Roma intellectual and civil sectors regarding the Tisza government’s Roma policies, with activists criticizing the exclusion of key representatives from the newly formed Roma Cultural Forum.

Kadét Ernő, head of the Roma Press Center, emphasizes the need for patience as the new government is still establishing its structure and addressing long-standing issues accumulated during the previous Fidesz administration.

There are concerns about the lack of Roma representation in government positions and the perceived inequity in state support for Roma organizations compared to non-Roma-led initiatives.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Slovakia and Roma

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Slovakia and Roma

The article discusses the ongoing challenges faced by Roma communities in Slovakia, emphasizing the need for better housing, water, education, and job opportunities to improve their situation.

Officials report significant investments in infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions, but some local leaders express skepticism about the effectiveness of these efforts, citing persistent issues like lack of sanitation and healthcare access.

The article effectively claims that these investments are for nothing.

There is a debate over the allocation of scholarships for Roma students, with differing opinions on whether support should be based on ethnicity or socio-economic status, highlighting the complexities of addressing poverty in diverse communities.

Greece News Western Europe

Greece, Politics, and Roma

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Greece, Politics, and Roma

Aphrodite Latinopoulou, president of ‘Voice of Reason’, faced a verbal attack from a group of Roma while waiting to travel in Tinos, Greece. The confrontation escalated after Latinopoulou defended her statements stating that Roma are criminals, are evading taxes, and using deragotary terms about them, leading to vulgar insults directed at her.

The Coast Guard intervened but did not take further action after asking the parties to cease the altercation; Latinopoulou later reported the incident to the police upon arrival.

Latinopoulou described the incident, stating that she was confronted by men who challenged her comments about criminal behavior among Roma, leading to a heated exchange.

She accused the coast guard of inaction during the incident and linked the altercation to broader governmental issues, expressing disdain for the current political climate in Greece.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Relocation – Continued

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Relocation – Continued

Two articles on the relocation of Roma from Slovakia to Hungary. One, in a half humouristic view, suggest to mayors with a “Roma problem” to buy houses for them in Hungary. It highlights that these actions are taken in view of upcoming election. In the second, Alexander Daško, the government’s plenipotentiary for Roma communities says there will be no large scale relocations.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Serbian Elections

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Serbian Elections

The Union of Roma in Serbia announced its independent participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections, centered around the Movement of Roma in Serbia, aimed at creating a fairer and more dignified society for all citizens.

The goal is to ensure that Roma have representatives in the National Assembly of Serbia after more than two decades, allowing their voices to be heard in legislative processes.

The Movement is intended to be inclusive, gathering a broad team of Roma and other citizens who believe in improving the position of the Roma community through work and knowledge.

Germany News Western Europe

Cologne and Deportation

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Cologne and Deportation

An article which severely condemns the Cologne city administration for preventing the deportation of Roma who have committed crimes and are required to leave the country. The article’s author says tht this must not go unpunished.

News Eastern Europe Serbia Slovenia

Slovenian Conference and Serbia

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Slovenian Conference and Serbia

The National Council of the Roma National Minority from Serbia participated in the Second International Roma Conference in Slovenia, focusing on the progress and challenges faced by the Roma community over the past 20 years.

Dalibor Nakić, the president of the council, highlighted advancements in education, political participation, and decision-making inclusion for Roma in Serbia, attributing these to collaboration with various institutions and organizations.

The conference included discussions on housing and local development, with a visit to the Pušča Roma settlement in Slovenia, recognized as a model for organized Roma communities with developed infrastructure.

All wishful thinking …

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Politics and Roma

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Politics and Roma

The SNS (Serbian Progressive Party)  and current party in power upporting Vučić is intensifying efforts to attract Roma voters in southern Serbia, opening new offices in Leskovac, a region historically associated with the SPS (Socialist Party of Serbia).

The absence of the Roma flag in Leskovac’s SNS office raises questions about the party’s approach to representing the Roma community and whether they are being used for political gain.

The shift in political power dynamics indicates that SNS is not only targeting opposition strongholds but is also encroaching on the traditional base of its coalition partner, SPS, suggesting a weakening of the latter’s influence.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Čingar

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Čingar

The scandal surrounding former Roma organization leader Sergiu Sava has led to calls for a complete restructuring of leadership within the community, as many believe the organization has not served their interests for years.

Community members allege that leadership positions have been filled through favoritism and corruption, with claims of bribes and lack of accountability for financial mismanagement.

There is a strong demand for educated leaders who can effectively represent the Roma community and address their needs, as the current leadership is criticized for being unqualified and disconnected from the community’s issues.

Kosovo News Eastern Europe

Kosovo Politics

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Kosovo Politics

Albert Kinoli, a member of the United Roma Party of Kosovo, and Rasim Demiri, president of the Bosniak VAKAT party, expect to meet with Prime Minister Albin Kurti about forming institutions soon.

Kinoli expressed readiness to participate in the formation of Kosovo’s institutions and to vote for the president, emphasizing the urgency of establishing these institutions.

A constitutive session of the Kosovo Assembly is scheduled for tomorrow following the elections held on June 7.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Serbia and Roma Voters

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Serbia and Roma Voters

Serbian opposition figure Božo Drašković made derogatory comments about Roma in Serbia, accusing them of being corrupt and selling their dignity for money.

The article criticizes the racist attitudes of the current protesters who claim to uphold European values while showing contempt for minority communities. Here they take a pro-government attitude, and amalgamate the protesters with political opposition figures.

The article highlights the failure of media hosts to condemn Drašković’s remarks, indicating, according to the article,  a broader issue of racism and discrimination against the Roma community. Well, except that even Roma say that their votes have been bought, and this by the government …

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Rudolf Huliak

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Rudolf Huliak

Minister of Tourism and Sports Rudolf Huliak has been advocating for the employment of Roma in Slovakia instead of accepting economic migrants for several months. He argues that Slovakia should focus on utilizing its domestic workforce and creating job opportunities for its own citizens.

Huliak questions the superiority of Indian migrants over Slovak Roma, emphasizing the need to employ local citizens rather than bringing in foreign workers. He also holds derogatody views about Roma and their willingness to work.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgarian Elections

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Bulgarian Elections

Boyko Borisov, leader of GERB, predicts that the Roma community will overwhelmingly support the Progressive Bulgaria party in the upcoming presidential elections, citing their influence over the voting process.

He expresses skepticism about the ability of other political parties to compete fairly under the current voting system, which he claims is controlled by the Ministry of Interior. Borisov criticizes the current government budget, calling it deceptive and suggesting that the administration is artificially lowering revenue projections despite high inflation leading to increased tax income.

Would be nicer if he were using ‘Roma’ instead of “цигани” in some of these articles, and not be so dismissive as to assume that all Roma will vote en block for his party.

  • Борисов за президентския вот: Ромският вот ще е изцяло за Прогресивна България. In: Flagman. 19.07.2026. https://www.flagman.bg/article/386096
News Eastern Europe Serbia

Serbian Elections

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Serbian Elections

The Roma Party announced its decision to participate in upcoming elections and is open to discussions with opposition parties for potential collaboration if there is mutual political will.

Party President Srđan Šajn emphasized their goal is not to divide the opposition but to create a broad front to defeat the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and promote a free-thinking Serbia.

Šajn criticized the SNS for not disclosing their presidential candidate and future government composition, suggesting that their allies are expected to follow orders without independent thought.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Roma in Montenegro

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Roma in Montenegro

Ivan Radulović emphasizes the need to correct the position of the Roma and Egyptian communities in Montenegro before implementing guaranteed parliamentary mandates for minority representatives.

He argues that while guaranteed mandates are necessary, they should not replace affirmative action but rather complement it, ensuring fairness in existing measures.

The call for a lower electoral threshold for Roma and Egyptians has been ongoing for over a decade, but reforms to electoral laws are currently stalled, raising concerns about genuine representation in parliament.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Slovak Funding Cuts

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Slovak Funding Cuts

Over 1,600 people may lose their jobs due to insufficient funding for the Slovak Local Civic and Preventive Services (MOaPS) project, which primarily employs Roma individuals.

The project, which has been successful in maintaining order and employment in communities since its inception in 2014, is facing potential termination as current contracts expire.

Critics, including opposition leaders, accuse the government of failing to prioritize funding for essential community services while allocating funds to questionable projects.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Serbia and Roma

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Serbia and Roma

The Commissioner for Equality, Milan Antonijević, suspended the procedure against Dragan J. Vučićević for discrimination against the Roma minority, following a complaint from Initiative A11 regarding Vučićević’s statements about Roma stealing copper wires.

Roma leaders express disappointment over the decision, arguing that a mere warning is insufficient and sends a dangerous message that discrimination and hate speech are tolerated.

Critics highlight the need for stronger institutional responses to racism and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens, including the Roma community.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Roma Settlement

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Roma Settlement

Representatives from the Office for Nationalities visited a Roma settlement in Dolga Vas to discuss the challenges faced by the Roma community and share best practices for their inclusion and empowerment.

Roma councilor Nataša Horvat highlighted the responsibilities and challenges of representing the Roma community, emphasizing the need for perseverance and courage in creating positive change. The discussions underscored the importance of mutual respect, collaboration, and honest dialogue in achieving sustainable changes for the community.

Frankly, with the small number of Roma in the country, this problem could have been solved earlier…

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