Hrádek nad Nisou, Czech Republic: Roma discuss the political future and welfare reform, Tancoš announces a new Romani party
On Friday, 21 February, approximately 40 Romani women and men met in a cinema in Hrádek nad Nisou to discuss the current situation of Romani people in the Czech Republic. The main subjects covered were employment, the equal position of Roma in society, and the upcoming welfare reform.
One of the organizers of the meeting, Miroslav Tancoš, announced that he plans to set up a new Romani-profiled political party. Those attending emphasized that they did not claim to speak for all Roma, but said that as active citizens they feel a responsibility to look for solutions to these problems.
The Romani community members criticized the current bill to reform welfare which, in their view, does not count on people who have worse access to the labor market. “We appreciate the attempt by the Government to reform the system of social welfare benefits, but we want the changes to aid all of the needy equally, not for them to just become a political tool,” one person said during the discussion.
According to Štefan Gorol, the key is to link welfare reform to the labor market: “If I am demanding something of others, then I must offer them something in return. If the Government wants to lower welfare benefits, it must simultaneously guarantee work to all, irrespective of their skin color.”
Miroslav Tancoš announced at the conference that he plans to start a new Romani-profiled political party. “I don’t want this to be my personal project, but a project for us all. I’m offering my experience and I’m calling on the rest of you to join me if you feel that you can be better representatives,” he declared.
Tancoš previously led the Romani Democratic Social Party (RDSS) and then the Romani Democratic Party (RDS). The latter was set up in August 2013, shortly before elections to the Chamber of Deputies.
The RDS advocated for support for the construction of social housing, the creation of new firms, and employment, emphasizing work over the passive drawing of welfare benefits. It was dissolved by a decision of the Supreme Administrative Court in December 2023 for having repeatedly failed to submit financial reports.
Tancoš also announced that on 18 March he will lead a delegation to meet with Labor and Social Affairs Minister Marian Jurečka. “I have been allowed to lead a delegation to the Government. I will choose 13-14 people who are brave enough to join me and who know how to formulate our requirements,” Tancoš told news server ROMEA TV, adding that they hope to submit an official document summarizing what it is that the Roma require of the ministry.
One of the problems discussed was collections proceedings and indebtedness, which those present said they believe prevent many Romani people from finding stable work. “If the Roma get out of debt, they will go to work and they will not be dependent on social welfare benefits. When they work, they will contribute money to the state coffers. That will also change the majority society’s view of them,” one speech made from the audience said.
The discussion also touched on the overall engagement of Romani people in politics and public affairs. “If anybody here knows how to do this better, then they should show us how. Criticizing is not enough,” said one of those in attendance, adding that Romani people have to become more active.
According to those in attendance, it is essential for the younger generation to educate themselves and take advantage of their knowledge not just for their own personal benefit, but also for the development of the Romani community.
