By Way of Introduction

This book provides a concise and systematic display of all the important events which took place during the last four years (1992 - 1996) in Kolozsvár, as reflected in the local Hungarian- and Romanian-language press. The articles focus on the very essence and have been arranged chronologically with the strictest objectivity. The excerpts are provided with notes in square brackets whenever extra information is necessary for thorough understanding. To achieve scientific objectivity, we have impartially included even those opinions which are less than impartial. They may not be true to reality, but they certainly give additional information essential to having a well-informed view about the journalism of this period.
Between 1992 - 1996 - the first phase of the Funar-epoch as it has recently come to pass - one could witness several events which affected the whole country. Therefore, this volume in a way reflects a view of Romania, as seen from Kolozsvár.
Despite the stated objectivity, the facts speak for themselves and therefore the events presented do bring forth our subjective intention: to shed light on the problems of the Hungarian population of this once rich town, and the nationalistic incitement against them. However, we tried to avoid narrow-mindedness, to look exclusively for the "anti-Hungarian". By no means was our intention to give an anti-Romanian look to the readers because we also give space to the democratic, pro-Europe and pro-Hungarian voices coming from the Romanian side.
We think it will not be at the expense of objectivity to say that unfortunately this book is only the first volume. We started writing the second one the day Gheorghe Funar was re-elected mayor of Kolozsvár.

To whom is this book in fact addressed?

1. Those who have themselves experienced this period, but have no comprehensive view of the events. Therefore our intention is to synthesise.
2. We have also targeted those who have only heard about the existence of a mayor named Funar - infamous for doing strange things in the town - but have only a vague idea of what exactly is going on.
3. The former category includes those Hungarians from Hungary and foreigners who take interest in the happenings of Kolozsvár, yet have no specific knowledge about them.
4. However scientific this work may be, the editors dare submit that it is also an interesting read since it covers the enfoldment of such exciting events as the conflict surrounding the King Mátyás statue, excavations in Main Square, details of the campaign to raise the (Avram Iancu, gen. Antonescu, etc.) statue, the well-known struggles on behalf of Hungarian-language schools and institutions right to post native-language signs. The book is intended not just for those hungry for the facts but interested in a good "novel".
5. Last but not least, this book is a reference work. Through the comprehensive picture it gives about this period, it will certainly help future historians in their scientific evaluation.

The book contains an index of names and one of topics, which can be readily accessed by referring to the numbers preceding each excerpt. Since some of the names appear in several versions in the various newspapers, we tried to unify them. If not possible, we highlighted the various forms in the index. Gh. Funar's name does not appear in the index because almost every news item concerns him.
Explanation of names is provided in the texts themselves.
The editors would like to thank to László Hámos, Emese Latkóczy and Anikó Schwartz for greatly facilitating our work.

Sándor Balázs, Róbert Schwartz