Hungarian Socialist Party President Apologises For 2004 Referendum

  • 17 Jan 2013 8:00 AM
Hungarian Socialist Party President  Apologises For 2004 Referendum
Socialist Party president Attila Mesterházy yesterday apologised for the party’s stance against extending citizenship to Hungarians living in other countries in a 2004 referendum. Speaking in Cluj, where the party executive held a special meeting, he said “that was an erroneous political decision, therefore I would like to apologise to all whom we have offended”.

He said the apology had to be made despite the fact that the question in the referendum was poorly worded and that the issue arose at the wrong time.

Mesterházy made it clear that his party does not intend to interfere in the domestic political affairs of countries which determine the life of ethnic Hungarians abroad.

The Socialist executive approved a new national strategy, saying this is the beginning of a new chapter for the Hungarian left wing.

In outlining the policy strategy, Mesterházy said domestic disputes should not be “exported” to regions beyond the borders – “contrary to Fidesz practice” – and that there should be no discrimination among democratic organisations representing ethnic Hungarians abroad.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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