In response to posts and statements that have appeared in the public sphere and on social media, in which the political views of certain organizations or individuals are being presented as the position of the entire Romanian national minority in the Republic of Serbia, the National Council considers it its responsibility to respond clearly.
Every political party, organization and individual has the full democratic and constitutional right to support any political party or electoral list of their choice. The National Council does not dispute this right, nor does it interfere in the political views or choices of any citizen.
However, the political position of a single party or group of individuals cannot and must not be presented as the political position of the entire Romanian national minority. In particular, we consider it irresponsible and socially harmful to attempt to create the impression in the public that “Romanians”, as a national community, have collectively supported a particular political option.
The fact that a particular political organization brings together a limited number of members belonging to the Romanian minority does not give it the right to present its political views regarding support for the so-called “student list” as the decision or position of all Romanians in Serbia.
The Romanian national minority is not a political party, it is not an electoral list, and it is not a unified voting bloc. Its members are citizens of the Republic of Serbia with different political views and beliefs, and each of them has the right to freely and independently decide whether and to whom they wish to give their political support.
Within the scope of its legally defined responsibilities, the National Council protects the rights and interests of all members of the Romanian national minority, regardless of their political views or affiliations. For this reason, we consider any attempt to politically appropriate the entire national community, as well as the creation of divisions based on which political option an individual supports, to be unacceptable.
Romanians are equal and loyal citizens of the Republic of Serbia who exercise their constitutional rights and, through their work and activities, contribute to the progress of society as a whole.
National affiliation does not determine one's political views. Every citizen has the right to make their own political choice, but no one has the right to make or present that choice on behalf of the entire Romanian national community.
NATIONAL COUNCIL
OF THE ROMANIAN NATIONAL MINORITY