For Romanians, the 1918 Greater Union represented the fulfillment of an ideal, but for Hungarians it was a major loss, and currently Romania needs stability, but not a sham one, Turos Lorand, leader of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) senators, declared at the solemn session of Parliament dedicated to the National Day of Romania.
He also underscored that the state must be at the service of the citizen, which is the only way the citizen would be willing to accept sacrifices for the common good.
"Today, on Romania's National Day, we celebrate not only a historical moment, but also the responsibility to build a country in which every citizen feels respected, protected and listened to. It is not by chance that I start with the citizen. Without their trust in the state institutions, without the conviction that they will be defended when life puts them to the test, the state becomes an empty form, devoid of strength. The state must be at the service of the citizen. Only then will the citizen accept sacrifices for the common good. And we, those who have the honor of representing the voters, must stand in solidarity with them, to show them by personal example that we never ask for sacrifices that we are not ready to make ourselves. You have to go among the people to understand today's reality, to feel their distrust, concern, sometimes even nervousness and anger," declared the UDMR senator.
He added that Romanians and Hungarians relate differently to the history of the last century, as for Romanians the Greater Union is the fulfillment of an ideal, but for Hungarians it represents a major loss.
"The Hungarian minority was deprived of essential rights in the last century, and, although after 1989 the situation improved, we are still far from what the Alba Iulia Resolution promised - full equality between nationalities," argued Turos Lorand.
The lawmaker noted that "the current challenges are multiple, and the economy is going through delicate moments - inflation, modest growth, social unrest".
"People feel the pressure every day. That's why a more courageous approach is needed. We need to innovate, to work harder. Only in this way can we rebuild trust and put the economy on the right track. Those who don't keep up are left behind. And Romania cannot afford that. More clearly than ever, we must say it out loud: Romania cannot progress without a real partnership between the majority and minorities, between the state and its citizens. This partnership must be built through respect, through equal rights and by implementing the commitments that Romania has assumed towards its history and its communities," he said.
"Our patriotism, of all of us, must reflect in our daily actions, in the way we live in respect for the laws, through respect for every citizen of this country. (...) Romania needs stability, but not a sham one. It needs reforms, but not directed against the people. And it needs political partners who tell the truth, not what is good for the applause of the moment. UDMR will remain a loyal partner for reforms and stability and for the modernization of Romania, but at the same time we will be firm in defending our community," the UDMR representative concluded.
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