Traian Băsescu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Traian Băsescu
Băsescu in 2013
5th President of Romania
In office 20 December 2004 – 21 December 2014
Prime Minister	Adrian Năstase Eugen Bejinariu (acting) Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu Emil Boc Cătălin Predoiu (acting) Mihai Răzvan Ungureanu Victor Ponta
Preceded by	Ion Iliescu
Succeeded by	Klaus Iohannis
Member of the European Parliament for Romania
In office 2 July 2019 – 15 July 2024
Member of the Senate for Bucharest
In office 20 December 2016 – 19 June 2019
Leader of the People's Movement Party
In office 27 March 2016 – 16 June 2018
Preceded by	Eugen Tomac
Succeeded by	Eugen Tomac
Leader of the Democratic Party
In office 19 May 2001 – 18 December 2004
Preceded by	Petre Roman
Succeeded by	Emil Boc
Mayor of Bucharest
In office 26 June 2000 – 20 December 2004
Preceded by	Viorel Lis
Succeeded by	Adriean Videanu
Minister of Transport
In office 17 April 1998 – 26 June 2000
Prime Minister	Radu Vasile Alexandru Athanasiu (Acting) Mugur Isărescu
Preceded by	Anton Ionescu
Succeeded by	Anca Boagiu
In office 12 December 1996 – 11 February 1998
Prime Minister	Victor Ciorbea
Preceded by	Aurel Novac
Succeeded by	Anton Ionescu
In office 30 April 1991 – 19 November 1992
Prime Minister	Petre Roman Theodor Stolojan
Preceded by	Doru Pană
Succeeded by	Paul Teodoru
Member of the Chamber of Deputies from Vaslui County
In office October 1992 – 14 November 2000
Personal details
Born	(1951-11-04) 4 November 1951 (age 73) Basarabi, Romania (now Murfatlar)
Citizenship	Romania Moldova (2016–17)
Political party	People's Movement Party (2015–present)
Other political affiliations	Romanian Communist Party (Before 1989) National Salvation Front (1989–1993) Democratic Party (1993–2004) Independent (2004–2014, PD/PDL membership suspended while president)
Spouse	Maria Andrușca ​ (m. 1975)​
Children	2, including Elena
Education	Mircea cel Bătrân Naval Academy
Signature
a. Suspended from 20 April 2007 – 23 May 2007 (Nicolae Văcăroiu as acting president) and from 10 July 2012 – 28 August 2012 (Crin Antonescu as acting president).

Traian Băsescu (born 4 November 1951) is a Romanian politician. He was the fifth president of Romania from 2004 to 2014. Before becoming president, Băsescu served as the Minister of Transport several times between 1991 and 2000. He was also the Mayor of Bucharest from 2000 to 2004. In 2001, he became the leader of the Democratic Party (PD).

During his time as leader of the Democratic Party, the party joined with the National Liberal Party (PNL) to form the Justice and Truth Alliance. In 2004, he ran for president and won. After becoming president, he stopped being a member of his political party, as Romanian law does not allow the president to be part of a party. He was re-elected in 2009.

In 2007, while he was president, Romania joined the European Union (EU). He is the only Romanian president to have been suspended by the parliament twice, in 2007 and 2012. After his presidency, Băsescu joined the People's Movement Party (PMP) in 2015. He was its president from 2016 to 2018. From 2019 to 2024, he served as a Member of the European Parliament for Romania.

Early Life and Family

Traian Băsescu was born in Basarabi, a town near Constanța, a large port city in Romania. His father, Dumitru, was an army officer. Traian Băsescu has a brother named Mircea. Traian Băsescu and his wife, Maria, have two daughters: Ioana and Elena. Elena also became a MEP.

Professional Career as a Sailor

Băsescu finished his studies at the Naval Institute in Constanța in 1976. He then became a merchant marine deck officer for Navrom, a state-owned shipping company in Romania. From 1981 to 1987, he was a captain on Romanian commercial ships.

During his career, some people questioned his connections to the Securitate. This was the security service of the communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu. Băsescu said his contact with the Securitate was very small, but some contact was necessary for people working abroad in important jobs. In 1984, he became captain of the Biruința, which was the biggest ship in Romania's commercial fleet at that time. In 1989, Băsescu moved to Belgium to lead the Navrom Agency in Antwerp.

One event in his career happened on 10 September 1981, in the French port of Rouen. A fire started near the Romanian tanker Argeș, which Băsescu was commanding. The fire spread on the Seine River and damaged other boats. French firefighters stopped the fire from reaching a nearby refinery.

Start of Political Career

Before 1989, Băsescu was a member of the Romanian Communist Party. After the fall of Communism, he said he joined the party to help his career in the merchant navy. After the Romanian Revolution in 1989, Băsescu entered politics. He joined the large National Salvation Front (FSN) party.

Political Roles and Achievements

Minister of Transport Role

In April 1991, Traian Băsescu became the Minister of Transport in the government led by Petre Roman. He kept this job until November 1992. In 1992, the FSN party split into two groups. Băsescu joined the Democratic Party (PD). He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, which is part of the Romanian Parliament, in 1992 and again in 1996.

From November 1996 to June 2000, Băsescu was again Minister of Transport in different governments. During this time, he was involved in a controversy known as "The Fleet File Affair." This was about the sale of Romania's merchant ships. Some people believed the ships were sold for too little money. Prosecutors looked into the case, but it was not proven that he did anything wrong. The case was reopened later but eventually closed due to lack of evidence.

Mayor of Bucharest Achievements

In 2000, Băsescu was elected mayor of Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. He won by a small number of votes.

As mayor, he worked to reduce the number of stray dogs in the city. This campaign helped lower the number of dog bite injuries. He also worked to improve the city's water and lighting systems. He helped modernize the public transportation system.

However, his time as mayor had many disagreements with the government. The government tried to take away some of the mayor's powers. Băsescu said that city council members were causing problems. These conflicts sometimes delayed projects to improve the city's infrastructure.

Leading the Justice and Truth Alliance

In 2001, Băsescu became the leader of the Democratic Party (PD). In 2003, Băsescu worked to create an alliance between his party and the PNL. This new group was called the Justice and Truth Alliance. They worked together in elections and voted as a team in Parliament.

The Justice and Truth Alliance wanted to change the economy. They suggested a 16% flat tax, which means everyone pays the same percentage of their income in taxes. This replaced an older system where people paid different percentages based on how much they earned.

Presidential Campaigns

2004 Presidential Race

When Theodor Stolojan unexpectedly dropped out of the 2004 Romanian presidential election, Băsescu became the candidate for the Justice and Truth Alliance. His main opponent was Adrian Năstase, who was the Prime Minister at the time.

Băsescu won the election on 12 December, getting 51.23% of the votes. He won by talking about fighting corruption and changing the country. In a TV debate, he famously said that Romanians had to choose between two former members of the Communist Party.

2009 Presidential Race

Băsescu ran for a second term in the 2009 Romanian presidential election. He and his opponent, Mircea Geoană, had different ideas on how to deal with the economic crisis. Băsescu promised to cut government spending and help people in the countryside.

He presented himself as a champion for ordinary people against what he called the "corrupt political elite." He also wanted to reduce the number of lawmakers in Parliament. This idea was popular, and most people voted to reduce the number of lawmakers and change Parliament to have only one chamber.

In the first round of voting, Băsescu came in first. He won the second round against Geoană by a very small margin.

Presidency (2004–2014)

Presidential styles of Traian Băsescu
Reference style	Președintele (President)
Spoken style	Președintele (President)
Alternative style	Domnia Sa/Excelența Sa (His Excellency)

When Băsescu became president, he promised to make reforms and fight corruption. His victory was sometimes compared to the "Orange Revolution" in Ukraine because both involved reformist leaders. After taking office, he stopped being a member of his political party, as required by the Constitution.

He appointed Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu as prime minister. To form a government, their parties worked with other groups.

Domestic Policies and Reforms

In Romania, Băsescu often said he was fighting against corruption at high levels of government. In 2005, Romania helped resolve a situation where three Romanian journalists were held hostage in Iraq.

He also focused on helping people affected by widespread flooding in 2005, which left many Romanians without homes.

On 18 December 2006, Băsescu gave a speech to Parliament where he spoke against Romania's communist regime before 1989. Some members of the opposition tried to interrupt his speech.

Foreign Relations and Partnerships

Traian Băsescu with George W. Bush

Traian Băsescu in Afghanistan, June 2009

Băsescu always said that Romania joining the European Union was a top goal. He was president when Romania officially joined the EU on 1 January 2007.

He also worked to build a strong partnership with the United States. This meant keeping Romanian troops in Afghanistan and a smaller group in Iraq. Romania also agreed to let U.S. troops use a military base in Romania. Băsescu had strong ties with the President of the United States, who called him a friend.

In June 2006, Băsescu disagreed with Prime Minister Popescu-Tăriceanu about withdrawing Romanian troops from Iraq. However, the troops stayed after Băsescu held a meeting of the Supreme Defense Council, which voted for them to remain.

Băsescu also tried to improve Romania's relationship with Moldova. He often said he believed the two countries might unite in the future, either politically or within the European Union.

Romania ended its military mission in Iraq on 4 June 2009. The last Romanian soldiers left Iraq on 23 July.

Disagreements with Prime Minister Tăriceanu

Traian Băsescu and Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu in October 2005

Băsescu was popular because of his direct style. He promised to be an active president. After he became president, he left the Democratic Party (PD) as required by law. However, he stayed very involved in politics. Other leaders sometimes said he went beyond his constitutional role as president.

Over time, his relationship with Prime Minister Popescu-Tăriceanu became difficult. This disagreement became a major part of Romanian politics after 2004. Under the Romanian Constitution, the president chooses the prime minister but cannot fire them.

A public disagreement happened when a presidential adviser said that Prime Minister Tăriceanu had given Băsescu a "scandalous" note. Băsescu said the note suggested a partnership with powerful business groups, which he found unacceptable. Tăriceanu said this was an attempt to hide other issues.

Parliamentary Impeachment Votes

In early 2007, members of the opposition parties tried to remove Băsescu from office. They said he acted against the Constitution. One of the main reasons was his support for the Justice Minister, who was investigating corruption cases involving politicians.

Băsescu and his supporters said his actions were meant to fight corruption and powerful business interests. The Constitutional Court of Romania did not find clear evidence that he broke the Constitution. However, the Parliament voted to suspend Băsescu on 19 April 2007.

Traian Băsescu speaking in front of his supporters during an anti-impeachment protest in Bucharest, 2012

After the vote, a national referendum was held on 19 May 2007 to let the public decide if he should be removed. Many people supported Băsescu in rallies. He decided not to resign, saying he wanted to limit political instability. Most people who voted in the referendum supported Băsescu, and he returned to office on 24 May.

Băsescu was suspended by Parliament a second time on 6 July 2012. Another referendum was held on 29 July 2012. Most people who voted rejected his leadership. However, not enough people voted for the referendum to be valid. The Romanian Constitutional Court then said the referendum was not valid, and Băsescu was reinstated as president.

After returning to office, Băsescu kept a lower profile. In December 2012, new elections gave the USL party a large majority in Parliament. This reduced Băsescu's power, and he had to nominate Victor Ponta from the PSD to form the new government.

After the Presidency (2014–Present)

On 9 October 2015, Băsescu joined the People's Movement Party (PMP). He was elected president of the party later that month.

In 2016, Băsescu wanted to run for mayor of Bucharest again. However, he decided not to run, and the PMP nominated another candidate.

In the 2016 elections, Băsescu won a seat as a senator for Bucharest. He resigned from PMP leadership in 2018 but was elected honorary president of the party.

Involvement in Moldovan Politics

In June 2016, the President of Moldova gave Băsescu and his wife Moldovan citizenship. This citizenship was later taken away in January 2017. Băsescu was also elected honorary president of the National Unity Party (PUN) in Moldova.

2020 Local Elections

Băsescu ran for mayor of Bucharest again in the 2020 Romanian local elections. He came in third place.

Relationship with the Press

Băsescu was often criticized by the media. He sometimes used strong words to describe journalists who were critical of him.

On 19 May 2007, during his suspension referendum, Băsescu took a journalist's phone. He was recorded saying an inappropriate phrase about the journalist in a private conversation with his wife. His spokesman later said they regretted that a private comment became public. The Romanian National Council for Combating Discrimination said the phrase was discriminatory and issued a warning to Băsescu.

Honours and Awards

Foreign Honours Received

•  Azerbaijan: Recipient of the Heydar Aliyev Order (2011)
•  Estonia: Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana (2011)
•  Finland: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2008)
•  Italy: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2011)
•  Latvia: Commander Grand Cross with Chain of the Order of the Three Stars (2011)
•  Malta: Honorary Companion of Honour with Collar National Order of Merit (2010)
•  Moldova:
  • Recipient of the Order of the Republic (2010)
  • Recipient of the Order of the Stephen the Great (2015)
•  Monaco: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles (2009)
•  Poland: Knight of the Order of the White Eagle (2009)
•  Serbia: Grand Cross of the Order of the Republic of Serbia (2013)
•  Sovereign Military Order of Malta: Collar of the Order pro Merito Melitensi (2008)
•  Spain: Knight of the Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (2007)
•  Sweden: Knight of the Royal Order of the Seraphim (2008)

Electoral History

Mayor of Bucharest Elections

Presidential Elections

Images for kids

• 

  Traian Basescu with U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers during a visit to The Pentagon on March 9, 2005.

• 

  Traian Băsescu with Lech Kaczyński in February 2007

• 

  Romanian President Traian Băsescu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, before NATO summit, in Bucharest, on 4 April 2008

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  Traian Băsescu and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the EPP summit of 2012

See also

In Spanish: Traian Băsescu para niños