Political representation and empowerment of roma in Slovenia: A case for national reserved representation

Abstract

Some democratic societies use reserved representation mechanisms to address the under-representation of marginalised minority groups. We analyse the case of Slovenian Roma - a marginalised minority group afforded limited representational rights by the state. Drawing on the theoretical framework of reserved representation and minority rights, we argue that extending reserved representational rights for Roma to the national level would correct a fundamental institutional design oversight. It would constitute a significant step towards recognising Roma as a minority and an equal political actor in Slovenia and create an opportunity for political empowerment of the community and allow Roma to begin to address their socio-economic marginalisation.