Through no fault of their own, Slovak Roma have become a key topic in campaigns for both communal and parliamentary elections. As if nothing else matters, debates revolve around pro and against Roma arguments and whether there are more citizens who support the Roma and understand their precarious situation or whether those who simply hate them are in majority.

The Roma have become involuntary “hostages” of election campaigns. Some political parties opt for anti-Roma approach, perhaps because they are not able to come up with good solutions and good programs based on knowledge and clarity. Roma undoubtedly feel like being pushed between two mill stones in every election. Either politicians rouse the whole nation against Roma or they buy out Romani votes. But in neither case can the Roma benefit. When they support a party that other voters do not want to win, the majority blames them.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for 10 June and anti-Roma sentiments have again become prominent.

Many bring in “new” ideas of how not to look at the real problem of the society. Politicians, instead of looking at how they have failed the Roma in the past, point their finger at the Roma in a bid to win more votes. Anna Belousovova, the vice-chair of the Slovak National Party (SNS), decided to bet on the anti-Roma card lately, proposing that crime statistics should include ethnic and national background of perpetrators.

The Roma are the most vulnerable group in the country in times of high unemployment and social hardship. Therefore they become very easy target for political parties bidding for parliamentary seats. But actions of some political actors depicts their immorality. So, what is their point? Well-being of society and peaceful co-existence which is the inevitable factor for good functioning of society? Or is their only target to get into parliament? Hunger for power does not take into consideration the well-being of the society. Prejudice against the Roma and other minorities is on the rise. Some politicians think this gives wind into their “voting sails.”

Today’s Europe, with such sentiments, strikingly resembles the pre-war Europe. Actually, should such political parties, the ones promoting intolerance, have the right to put up their candidates for parliamentary seats, from which they can then rule to our society? How this kind of society will evolve? A society in which ruling parties support intolerance among citizens? In these difficult times, when the financial crisis influences lives of millions, it is very easy to arouse hatred against scapegoats. In Slovakia, the Roma are increasingly seen as culprits.

Statistics on crime and ethnicity will only pour oil onto the fire. Fortunately, such ideas have triggered reactions from human rights organizations. Read them here.

– Mária Hušová

Elections to the Higher Territorial Units (VUCs), which took place on 14th of November in Slovakia, showed this year again that Roma turn out to vote in great numbers. It is hard to judge whether this is good or bad as everyone votes freely and it is their civil right to do so. General participation of voters was very low but it is not surprising at all for this kind of elections. But yet, what annoyed and appalled many was a high turnout of Romani voters. However, as I know from several former elections, a Romani voter is disciplined- no matter whether he or she is bought out or is led by rationality and votes for a better program, which may offer a better future to his or her family. To be honest, what is being voted for is, in fact, a lesser evil as no one has yet introduced a program that can solve problems and fulfill needs of the Roma.

Roma like better communal elections into parish councils. They consider these elections a matter of course, as in regard to the quality of their lives; a parish council is the determinant institution. Through communal elections they had often managed to place a Romani candidate several times into a mayor’s seat or even representatives’ posts. In some communes with a majority of non-Roma inhabitants, Romani candidates were able to take 60% - 99% of representatives’ seats.

VUC elections are very foreign to Roma. What they mean to them is politicians sitting in far away offices, often even up to hundreds of kilometres from their commune or town. But Roma had shown a higher interest in proportion to the majority in the last elections. For the first time in the history of VUC elections, at least one Romani candidate was elected. One representatives’ seat in prešovská župa in east Sloavkia (Župa is a territorial division of units in Slovakia. Župan is a district governor.) belongs to Miroslav Daňo, a businessman from Vranov district.

Since the Velvet Revolution and the first democratic elections, Roma have had several chances for pushing their representatives into important political positions but that never materialized before. It seems to be too late now but at least it finally happened. The achievement is not a župan’s post but at least one Roma representative in VUC introduces motivation for further intention to succeed. Mr. Daňo is a man who has not been among Roma activist and politicians, and really, we do not know much about him. But he was a candidate of a new political party, The Party of Roma Coalition (SRK). Alone he will not be able to vote through much, but at least there is a chance for finding new ways in the scope of possible cooperation for achieving at least some targets. The new party made a goal already at the beginning and thereby showed that it may be a party which Roma should take a notice of and believe that it can be as trustworthy as any non-Roma party.

I say this because many Roma unfortunately still live in a belief that only non-Roma are specialists and only non-Roma can achieve something. It is some kind of a leftover negation which has been pushed into their head for a few centuries… There were whispers about the formation of a new party already before its actual birth. I knew that the founders were preparing themselves for great matters and it looked like something new was really about to come. It appears like they really contrived to achieve what other Roma parties never yet gained- to get a seat at VUC. It is only one župa, but still. Other Roma parties which have existed until now did not reach these posts. Not because they would not have good candidates but because Roma, even if interested in elections, were doubtful about the potentials of a Romani candidate.

We do not know yet how Mr. Daňo managed to persuade the Romani voter. But Gejza Adam, a representative of SRK, stated for the media that the party did not have money for an election campaign but it reached out to its voters with a program focusing on economic and social development. SRK candidates covered the campaign cost with their own money. They talked about the importance of well-structured strategy for gaining voters with programs, in scope of which problems of Roma would be solved already before the party had even been established. This means to be at the voters’ disposal if he or she needs help. Let’s hope that the new Romani party will achieve much more and that once it will even reach for parliamentary seats. The party has Roma as well as non-Roma members in its line, aspiring to talk to every voter. During the party’s first elections, its members agreed with other Roma parties on the fact that mutual cooperation will be inevitable.

Much was said in the media about buying out Romani votes. Some were outraged about Roma deciding about VUC elections again. But who does not vote goes against oneself. The majority of citizens are disgusted with the contemporary political situation where politicians are only arguing about who is “going to be by the feed-tank.” But actually, voters give politicians their vote with their absence, in a way of letting them influence that tiny bit of voters who decided to vote. So, in the end, anger of those people is absolutely misplaced. Of course, there are rumors about buying out Romani votes and about manipulation. But this has always been done. Various Roma communities and families attended the last elections and “people” from various parties kept bringing them alcohol and piles of sweets for their children. The majority of Roma accepted “gifts” but in the end they voted according to their beliefs or according to what their associates or relatives would vote for. They also voted according to whether they heard from representatives what they at least wanted to hear. Poverty, unemployment and despair forces people to hope also in what they suspect is just cajolery- forgotten after elections.

But why a Romani citizen does not vote for one of their own? Why he or she does not vote for a Romani party or candidates? Why he or she does not give a chance to their own people but until now always to non-Roma parties or candidates? Except that he or she does not believe in the expertness and impact of a Romani politician yet, the answer might also be that as society itself, the Roma people too need more time to be able to orientate themselves in their civil freedom and be able to apply for their well-being. Maybe they will comprehend it soon. And if there is a suitable Romani party around, they might shift history of the Slovak Roma in parliamentary elections with a great determining step ahead.

Roma realized 20 years ago that the Velvet Revolution was also their opportunity for “freedom.”

From every side we hear of how prominent figures experienced the historically significant revolution. Their testimonies are important. But what about the experience of ordinary Roma from villages? Those, who were forced to assimilate, not allowed to use their mother language and to present their culture. Those, who were awaiting a rescue from the eternal damnation like a miracle.

How does Michal Hušo from Ondašovské Matiašovce in east Slovakia, a former member of VPN (Public against Violence), remember days of the revolution?

“It was something new. We had no idea what might come out of it. Majority of Roma were confused … we didn’t even know what democracy actually is. We didn’t know what this democracy could mean to us and what impact it would have on our lives. We feared that the protests would be harshly suppressed, and awaited another seizure of the country by Russia. When I recollect the first moments of the Gentle Revolution’s birth, it’s still alive in front of my eyes. It’s impossible to forget. Almost all Roma watched all TV news attentively. When seeing shots from Prague and Bratislava, we were scared that it’s the beginning of a civil war … many Roma were crying when they saw those shots. They were afraid of what awaits them and their children. A man always fears what he doesn’t understand. I was sitting in front of the TV with my family and despite that fear we all felt that something good is about to start and we rejoiced. It’s hard to describe it in words. It’s an amazing feeling. Those, who understood at least a bit what was happening and knew what it means to fight for freedom and what that freedom is, those were happy. I understood the meaning of democracy from tribunal speeches which I carefully watched on television.”

“So then we, all Roma men, got together. Roma seized an opportunity to be a part of the revolution and so Romani organizations were quickly formed in regional towns. It was incredible how quickly we were able to organize and network ourselves while all living in different towns and villages. Buses were taking us to various meeting points where we learned what was actually happening. We learned that it was the most important and positive turnover in our lives. So, we followed Bratislava and formed a VPN. Finally we could influence public issues. VPN was respecting us like its equal partners. It was precisely at that time when our so called Roma leaders like Gejza Adam, Ladislav Fýzik, or Mr. Patkolo started shaping out. But the most important personality and leader was Ján Kompuš. Unfortunately he’s not alive anymore and our chance had left with him. He was our hope to have a Romani member also in a parliament. However, I still hope that this will materialize once.”

“The Communist Party had a majority of non-Roma in our village Ondašovské Matiašovce. Like in many other villages, we Roma were not allowed to express ourselves freely. And therefore we perceived VPN as an incredible opportunity to take their power and not let them to make decisions about us anymore. That was the reason why I felt brave enough to join VPN at that time. We roused more and more Roma to action. For the first time in my life I believed and knew that this is the act which one is waiting even his whole life for. It’s the right thing with a sense of life. It’s the thing that plucks you out of the “robotized” crowd. Roma, in the scope of VPN, aimed for being able to take action in public service and to candidate for parliament. Simply, to decide their own case.”

“Whether I’m satisfied with the contemporary situation? I can vote liberally. Nobody stuffs an already filled election ticket into my hands anymore. Roma can travel and work in countries which they only dreamt about before. We didn’t have in shops what we have there today. Also healthcare has reached a much better level. There are more doctors available and we can choose among them. Our children can study at better schools and they can also study at universities. This didn’t exist during Communism. The communists decided who would study what or wouldn’t study. Roma were allowed to study only workers’ professions. Based on that fact our lives evolved. But unfortunately democracy also brought what we didn’t expect and what we weren’t ready for: unemployment and racism which violates our lives. I’m also not happy with the fact that our state sells itself out. There are very few Slovak products on the market while masses of low quality products are being imported - especially from China. The number of available jobs is going down and wages are lower whereas prices are going up. Even though it’s not flawless these days and it’s neither what we’ve been dreaming of, it’s always better than Communism. We have our freedom and our privacy. No one can violate my rights and if they do so, I want to believe that our legal system will righteously punish them.”

“Surely I wanted to achieve something during my youth but joining the Communist Party was the only way leading to a success. I based a music band during my military service years. But the Communist Party was a necessity if we wanted to play. They said that I’m a great soldier and if I’m willing to be a good communist also, I can achieve a lot in the army. I didn’t take the Communist Party very seriously but it was necessary to obey it.”

And how does the younger generation recollect the revolution?

“At that time I was … well, I couldn’t tell the difference between socialism and democracy yet. As the situation had progressed after the revolution, only then I understood in how unbelievable isolation we had lived. We had no idea about living in other countries. I wouldn’t want communism to return. I have two children and I want their dreams to come true; I want them to be what they want to be,” said Ľuba Bajzová from Topoľovka, a village in east Slovakia. “The school assigned me to become only a glass cutter. My daughter studies Sales Management today …”

“How do I remember revolution? I was thirteen at that time and I cried from fear when we were all watching what was actually happening. It came out of the blue. For us, ordinary people living our everyday routine, it was unexpected as we did not know about everything that preceded the revolution. We were sitting tense at the table with our ears widely open and our eyes glued to the TV screen. Even though I was scared that a war was about to start, after all those speeches I also comprehended that something better should be waiting for us. But I was dosed up with the ideals of socialism from school and therefore I was unable to understand what meant “that better something.” If you have no opportunity to compare things, you also cannot tell the difference between them. The same fear I experienced once again - when the terrorists attacked Americas twin towers. America has always been some kind of supervisor of human rights. I feared that all those rights we have been fighting for thanks to the Velvet Revolution, would also crumble down and be gone.”

“But I’ll get back to the revolution. I carry the last communist election in my mind. They were mandatory and as my father has always been the ideal I looked up to, I wanted him to take me to elections. I was curious. The chairman of MNV [Municipal National Bureau] was waiting for all voters in front of the election station with voting tickets in his hand. He gave one to my father and then he threw that ticket into a ballot box. My father explained to me before that every voter marks the name of a desired candidate or a party on the ticket. But when we were leaving the election station I alerted him that he did not mark any name on the ticket. My father replied that the name was already pre-marked on every ticket. When we passed the chairman, my father continued explaining that it is not allowed to vote anyone else except the Communist Party. If he wrote something else there, he would have ended up in prison. And he added that I should not tell anyone what he just told me. Later he explained that once I am eighteen I would be allowed to vote also. Luckily, when I started voting, I did it liberally and I filled the voting ticket myself. However, I will not forget the last communist elections. I would not want to experience them again. I cannot imagine what kind of life I would have now if the revolution had not come. Instead of journalism, social work and leading positions in prestigious companies I would sit behind a sewing machine with the highest possible education reached at an apprentice training school. I would not even know that I could reach much more in life. To be able to succeed in something one has not even been dreaming of is the most important about the Velvet Revolution … because we did not even know what we could possibly dream of.”

“It is true that the revolution has brought also many risks like homelessness …and nowadays thanks to unemployment a plummet of middle class Romani families into total poverty. But freedom is something what you once try and you never let it go. As we were watching broadcasting shots from the revolution, it was not easy to decide which side it was right or safe to join. I immensely respect those who were not afraid to go out into the streets. I think that during that evening some of our Roma were contemplating going to our local DK (Cultural House) and thereby support happenings in Prague and Bratislava.”

“Even though there is democracy, it is not correct that a party which used to breach all human rights, imprison without reasons, bully and persecute citizens still competes for their votes. It is absurd that a party which was overthrown for not behaving democratically, locking away democracy and presenting it as a demagogy of an idealistic socialism can compete for citizens’ votes. It looks like a democratic hypocrisy to me. It is as a mocking laughter at those people who were imprisoned and who criticized communistic tyranny often for a price of their lives. It would be appropriate to finally finalize the meaning of the Velvet Revolution to an end after twenty years.”

– Mária Hušová