Political Participation and Interest Articulation of Roma in Romania
Publisher: ECMI Volume: 25 pages, pdf Description: Romania houses a vibrant Romani community which has seized the opportunity to develop organising structures of representation since the collapse of communism. The state too has responded to the needs and interests of Roma who make up at least 3% of the Romanian population. The case study of Romania presents some interesting legislative innovations which are unique to this state and impact directly on how Roma mobilise and organise themselves politically, and articulate their interests through organising structures of representation. These include a guaranteed seat in parliament for all national minorities as well as the ability of minority non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to secure parliamentary representation.