The Szekler Autonomy Initiatives
The Szekler Autonomy Initiatives

Author(s): Edina-Ildikó Ţipţer
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Scientia Kiadó
Keywords: Szekler autonomy initiatives; Yash Ghai
Summary/Abstract: The aim of the present paper is to assess the feasibility of the Szekler autonomy initiatives between 1989 and 2009 based on the nine criteria of Yash Ghai. The conflict arose between the Romanian majority and a Hungarian minority group, the Szeklers, who claim back their right to territorial autonomy in order to preserve their national and cultural identity in a region where they represent the majority of the inhabitants. The conceptual framework in which the paper is embedded is represented by the autonomy concept and the nine criteria of Yash Ghai. By analysing the autonomy bills, statutes, and memoranda, I have reached to the conclusion that not all the criteria are entirely fulfilled. Consequently, my assessment is that even though the autonomy project has undergone significant progress throughout the years, that was not enough for complete success and further improvements are needed. However, with the correction of the weaknesses I specified and paying more attention to the unfulfilled criteria, the chances of success can appreciably increase.

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