2010.07.04. 10:28
Roma leader plans to run for Budapest Mayor
<p>Budapest, July 2 (MTI) - Head of the Civic Roma Group Istvan Makai said on Saturday he would run as a contender for the post of Budapest mayor in the autumn local government elections.</p>
Addressing a gathering of about 300 people, Makai said his organisation will field candidates in all Budapest districts and will campaign to represent "a joint future for Roma and non-Roma".
Makai, who is also head of the Roma Self-Government in Budapest, said he was determined to remove the tensions and hatred that has recently developed in Hungarian society.
Referring to the centre-right Fidesz party s sweeping election victory in April, Makai said he would follow in the footsteps of the "new era".
He said that the only way to promote Roma integration was to encourage a middle class to develop through job stimulation, high quality education and more opportunities instead of social benefits for the Roma.
