The grant of political and civil rights represents an indicator which shows the degree of confidence in the immigrating country. Out of the 31 countries assessed by the Migrant Integration Policy Index III (MIPEX III), 11 states, most in Central Europe, still have laws which deny immigrants key political liberties. Romania is on the 31st place, last when it comes to political participation.

The score obtained by our country is 8, thus unfavorable (1-20). Poland shares the same situation, scoring 13, the same as in MIPEX II. The Czech Republic has the same score. In the 21-40 range (somewhat unfavorable) there are 10 states, among which Austria, Canada and Hungary. The EU average is 44, score obtained by France regarding immigrant political participation.

The first countries are the Nordic ones: Norway which scored 94 in MIPEX III, and Finland on the second place with 87 points, being thus considered favorable. Ireland and Holland are on the third position with 79 points, the same as in the previous MIPEX. „In Europe, citizens outside of EU can run for office in local elections in 13 of the investigated countries, can vote at a local level in 19 countries, at a regional level in 7 and in 2 at a national level (Portugal, Great Britain)”, concludes the Migrant Integration Policy Index III.

Coming back to our country, is spite of the European tendencies, political participation is still limited. „In fields such as citizenship, political participation and education, Romania lacks some fundamental principles which are starting to become a norm in Europe; for instance, double citizenship, ius soli, right to vote and legal access to education”, shows the study.

The only European standard in the field is the Convention on the participation of foreigners in public life at local level (ETS no. 144), document of the European Council since 1992, which stipulates the immigrants’ right to associate politically and to vote in local elections after max. 5 years of residency. The number of immigrants to Romania does not represent a significant percentage to consider as part of the electorate in local elections. Still, given the fact that they live and benefit from facilities in the community, pay taxes and have political opinions like any citizen, the Romanian state should reconsider granting political rights at a local level for immigrants.

An overview of Romania regarding the scores obtained stresses the fact that political participation was very low, just 8% with respect to education, 20%, family reunion 65% or mobility on the labor market 68%.

Source: Migrant Integration Policy Index III - www.mipex.eu