Former president of UDMR, Marko Béla, says that the Union’s alignment with Viktor Orbán’s party was a strategic mistake.
In an interview given to Digi24, he argues that UDMR should have maintained relationships with all democratic political forces in Hungary, not just with the ruling party.
“UDMR tied too closely to Fidesz”
Marko Béla believes that the Union's policy in recent years has limited its ability to maintain balanced relationships internationally.
He states that UDMR "engaged in a very special relationship" with the ruling Fidesz party, without cultivating ties with other formations in Hungary. In his opinion, this orientation is not a healthy one in the long term.
“We need to be equidistant regarding the political life in Hungary and have as close relationships as possible with all democratic parties, not just those in power,” said the former UDMR leader.
Marko Béla's statements come in the context where the leader of UDMR, Kelemen Hunor, explicitly expressed support for Viktor Orbán in the Hungarian elections, stating that he is the "best option", and according to the polls he mentioned, "over 90% of Hungarians in Romania" would vote for the Fidesz party.
“We should not get involved in Hungarian politics”
The former leader of the Union emphasizes that the organization should avoid direct involvement in political disputes in Budapest.
Instead, he says, the interest of the Hungarian community in Romania is to keep communication channels open with all relevant parties, regardless of who is in power.
“We should not involve ourselves in Hungary's political issues. We need, at all times, the support of all political parties,” explained Marko Béla.
UDMR called to rethink its strategy
In this context, the former president of UDMR believes that the party must conduct a serious internal analysis and adjust its direction.
He speaks of the need for "a change" in how the Union has related to Hungary in recent years and says it must be clearly established where mistakes were made.
Marko Béla warns that he is not sure if the current leadership realizes the extent of the error: the closeness to a single party in Hungary could have long-term consequences for UDMR's positioning.
Criticism of Hungary's political direction
The former UDMR leader commented on the developments in Hungary, where, he says, after 16 years of Viktor Orbán's rule, significant dissatisfaction has accumulated.
He criticizes especially the orientation towards the European Union, which he describes as one of isolation and, in some cases, accompanied by pro-Russian rhetoric.
Marko Béla emphasizes that this direction goes against the interests of Hungarians in Romania, who need to continue Western integration and strengthen ties with the EU.
Marko Béla is one of the prominent figures of UDMR. He led the Union for 18 years until he handed over the leadership to Kelemen Hunor. He was a senator in Romania from 1990 to 2016 and a deputy prime minister in several governments. Additionally, he is a writer and translator, a member of the Writers' Unions in Romania and Hungary.