Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, stated in an official declaration on Saturday that his government does not wish to influence in any way the presidential elections in Romania, in a clear change of tone from his speech just a day before.
On Friday, in Tihany, Orbán publicly praised the position of AUR leader, George Simion, in the Romanian presidential debate, stating that he „fully agrees” with his call for a Europe of nations and Christian values. The Hungarian Prime Minister implicitly suggested sympathy towards Simion’s candidacy.
Just 24 hours later, Orbán officially distanced himself from any involvement in the electoral campaign in Romania. "We do not interfere in the current electoral campaign for the presidency of Romania," he wrote on Facebook, after a phone discussion with the president of UDMR, Kelemen Hunor.
"At the same time, the Government of Hungary considers the position of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania essential; in national policy matters, the interests of the Hungarian community in Transylvania represent the direction to follow.
Regardless of who leads Romania, we collaborate to support the life and continuity of the Hungarian community in Transylvania," assures Viktor Orbán.
The statement comes after a strong reaction from UDMR, which condemned any closeness to George Simion. The president of the Union, Kelemen Hunor, posted a video message on Facebook warning that the possible election of the AUR leader to Cotroceni would be a catastrophe for the Hungarian community.
"Simion is neither Christian nor sovereignist. He is anti-Hungarian," said Kelemen Hunor, recalling the incidents at Valea Uzului and the aggressive campaigns of AUR against the language and symbols of minorities.
UDMR clearly urges voters to stop George Simion and to vote for Nicușor Dan on May 18.
"Let's stop Simion! Let's vote for Nicușor Dan!" said Kelemen Hunor.
This is the first time the leadership of UDMR publicly opposes Viktor Orbán since his return to power in 2010.
Political and ethnic tensions between the AUR leader and the Hungarian community have been steadily increasing in recent years, and the firm message conveyed by UDMR could decisively influence the vote in Szeklerland and other regions inhabited by Hungarians.