Slovak Mayor Praises Relocation of Roma Families from Košice to Hungary

The mayor of a village near Košice has praised a scheme relocating Roma residents to Hungary, saying those who participate have "a beautiful future ahead of them." The relocation program has drawn attention as some residents have refused to leave, highlighting divisions within the community over the initiative. The program involves Roma families from the Košice region — Slovakia's second-largest city in the east of the country — being moved across the border to Hungary. While local authorities appear to support the scheme, not all affected residents are willing to relocate, with some choosing to remain in Slovakia despite the encouragement from local officials. Slovakia has a significant Roma population, estimated at several hundred thousand people, many of whom live in impoverished settlements, particularly in eastern Slovakia. Roma communities frequently face social exclusion, high unemployment, and poor living conditions, and relocation programs — whether domestic or cross-border — have historically been controversial, raising questions about voluntariness, integration, and the long-term welfare of those involved.