The Mikó case, mentioned in the EP debate on Romania
The court ruling that neglected the basic principles of the rule of law, questioned the right to property of the historical Hungarian churches and set in motion the renationalization of the Székely Mikó High School in Sfântu Gheorghe was mentioned once again Wednesday afternoon at the plenary session of the European Parliament.
Concerning the case that burdens the members of the Hungarian minority in Romania, DAHR’s MEP Csaba Sógor said that the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania has shown a consequent political and moral dedication to its representative role in the past 20 years. Mentioning the Mikó case, the MEP talked about the deficiencies of the country’s legal system with regard to the restitution of private and community properties. Proposing a solution to the issue, the MEP called upon decision makers to impose the Copenhagen Criteria on member states not only before but also after accession, since their compulsory nature does not lapse after becoming a full right member of the Union.
Here follows the MEP’s speech:
“I am a member of DAHR, the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania. This alliance did not change its name or programme in the last 20 years. Neither did we attend the referendum. I do not desire to adhere to this debate, but, with regard to the rule of law and the independence of the judicial system, I would like to call attention to the situation of the restitution of private and church properties. The Mikó School is older than Romania. It has been renationalized. We protested in public and the Prime Minister asked the Supreme Judicial Council to investigate whether the remarks made there could be considered as exercising pressure on justice. Many of us minoritarians ask what the solution may be in the case of Romania. The solution would be to make the Copenhagen Criteria compulsory even after accession. Thank You!”
In his written remarks to the debate about the political situation in Romania, DAHR’s MEP Gyula Winkler said that the 1,5 million strong Hungarian minority in Romania is the EU’s largest minority and is committed to European values and principles, as well as to the rule of law. He added that DAHR is the legitimate representative of the community and has just left behind a very difficult period, just like all the other parties in the country. “The divide in the society, the suspension of the president and the institutional and political crisis has put our Alliance in front of very difficult decisions. Meanwhile, my community’s main objective that is rooted in its history and culture, the restitution of the properties nationalized during the communist era was faced hit by a heavy blow” – said Winkler.
DAHR’s MEP also spoke about the 30 000 strong protest in Sf. Gheorghe on the 1st of September against the renationalization of the Székely Mikó High School that was restituted in 2002. “The court ruling, which clearly neglects the principles of the rule of law questioned our community’s and churches’ right to their properties” – stated Winkler.
DAHR’s MEP also expressed his belief that Romania needs real judicial reform and profound modifications to its constitution. “This is the only way that this summer’s conflicts regarding the institutions of the state can be solved” – closed his statement Winkler.
At the debate, which did not result in the adoption of a resolution, Commissioner Viviane Reding presented the European Commission’s point of view. She answered the MEPs’ questions, among others MEP Csaba Sógor’s question about the Copenhagen Criteria as well. The debate was initiated by the EPP Group.
Here follows the MEP’s speech:
“I am a member of DAHR, the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania. This alliance did not change its name or programme in the last 20 years. Neither did we attend the referendum. I do not desire to adhere to this debate, but, with regard to the rule of law and the independence of the judicial system, I would like to call attention to the situation of the restitution of private and church properties. The Mikó School is older than Romania. It has been renationalized. We protested in public and the Prime Minister asked the Supreme Judicial Council to investigate whether the remarks made there could be considered as exercising pressure on justice. Many of us minoritarians ask what the solution may be in the case of Romania. The solution would be to make the Copenhagen Criteria compulsory even after accession. Thank You!”
In his written remarks to the debate about the political situation in Romania, DAHR’s MEP Gyula Winkler said that the 1,5 million strong Hungarian minority in Romania is the EU’s largest minority and is committed to European values and principles, as well as to the rule of law. He added that DAHR is the legitimate representative of the community and has just left behind a very difficult period, just like all the other parties in the country. “The divide in the society, the suspension of the president and the institutional and political crisis has put our Alliance in front of very difficult decisions. Meanwhile, my community’s main objective that is rooted in its history and culture, the restitution of the properties nationalized during the communist era was faced hit by a heavy blow” – said Winkler.
DAHR’s MEP also spoke about the 30 000 strong protest in Sf. Gheorghe on the 1st of September against the renationalization of the Székely Mikó High School that was restituted in 2002. “The court ruling, which clearly neglects the principles of the rule of law questioned our community’s and churches’ right to their properties” – stated Winkler.
DAHR’s MEP also expressed his belief that Romania needs real judicial reform and profound modifications to its constitution. “This is the only way that this summer’s conflicts regarding the institutions of the state can be solved” – closed his statement Winkler.
At the debate, which did not result in the adoption of a resolution, Commissioner Viviane Reding presented the European Commission’s point of view. She answered the MEPs’ questions, among others MEP Csaba Sógor’s question about the Copenhagen Criteria as well. The debate was initiated by the EPP Group.
