UDMR launches Frunda in the presidential race

Gyorgy Frunda on Saturday was designated UDMR (Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania) candidate in the presidential race, during the Council of Alliance Representatives (CRU) gathered in Targu Mures.

Most UDMR local organisations last Friday had stated that the Alliance should select its own candidate for Cotroceni seat, an option supported by all platforms of the Hungarian group, except for the civic one. Frunda’s opponent was UDMR honorary chairman Laszlo Tokes, supported by the Cluj organisation.

From the 94 votes cast, 59 were granted to Frunda, 34 to Tokes and one vote was cancelled. In his speech, the UDMR candidate reminded that, from the presidential candidates, “four are coming from the former FSN (National Salvation Fund)” and “none of them can take upon himself and pledge to solve the problems of national minorities.”

He believes that a candidate supported by the Hungarian community should “pledge to protect and support UDMR programme for four years,” and “bring Hungarians to ballots,” so as the Alliance may acquire over 7% of votes. Thus, the party headed by Marko Bela may receive more seats in Parliament and establish a base for negotiations in the second ballot.

Bela says there are little chances for a confrontation between Ion Iliescu and Corneliu Vadim Tudor in the last ballot, as PRM (Great Romania Party) leader cannot acquire more than 20%, so that “we may have the chance of a democratic candidate in the second ballot,” for whom the Alliance will negotiate support.