Traian Basescu Quotes

Powerful Traian Basescu for Daily Growth

About Traian Basescu

Traian Băsescu (born on July 5, 1951) is a renowned Romanian politician who served as the President of Romania from 2004 to 2014. Born in Bucharest, Băsescu's political journey began when he graduated from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest with a degree in automation and computer science. Influenced by the political changes of the late 1980s, Băsescu joined the opposition to Nicolae Ceaușescu's communist regime. Following the Romanian Revolution in 1989, he became involved in local politics in his native Constanța, where he served as mayor from 1990 to 2004. Băsescu's political rise gained momentum when he was elected as the President of Romania in December 2004, defeating incumbent Ion Iliescu in a runoff election. His presidency was marked by efforts to combat corruption and strengthen ties with NATO and the European Union. Notable among his major works are his speeches and public statements that reflect his pragmatic and assertive political style. Quotes such as "One cannot build democracy on foundations of corruption," and "I don't make promises lightly, but when I do, I keep them" encapsulate Băsescu's approach to governance. Băsescu's second term was marred by political turmoil, leading to his impeachment in 2012 following a series of constitutional crises. Despite these challenges, he remains an influential figure in Romanian politics and a symbol of the country's transition from communism to democracy.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Romania is not a banana republic, Romania is Europe."

This quote signifies that Romania is an integral part of Europe, not a peripheral or underdeveloped country as often implied by derogatory terms like "banana republic". It underscores the nation's European identity and its commitment to the political, economic, and cultural values associated with Europe. In other words, it's a proud declaration of Romania's place in the continent.


"I prefer a free Romania in which many things are wrong, than a perfect Romania that would be anything but free."

This quote emphasizes the value of freedom over perfection or order. For Băsescu, a "free Romania," with its inherent flaws and imperfections, is worth more than a seemingly ideal but non-free nation. The sentiment suggests that democracy, individual liberty, and self-determination are vital foundations for any society, despite potential shortcomings. It reminds us to prioritize freedom and individual rights, even when dealing with problems or issues within our communities or nations.


"The only thing I'm afraid of is fear itself."

This quote by Traian Basescu emphasizes that fear, as an emotion, can be crippling if it becomes a dominant force. By stating he's afraid of fear itself, he suggests that the paralyzing effect of fear - rather than any specific threat or danger - is what he finds most intimidating. It underscores the importance of facing one's fears and overcoming them in order to grow and move forward.


"A country needs a strong leader as much as a good mother needs sleep."

This quote suggests that, like a child needs a well-rested parent for nurturing care, a country requires a strong, decisive leader to navigate complex challenges effectively. The implication is that strong leadership provides stability and guidance, enabling a nation to thrive. However, it's important to remember that this notion should not be interpreted as advocating for authoritarian rule, but rather emphasizing the need for capable leadership in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world.


"I am not the Messiah, but I have come to save Romania from communism and corruption."

This quote, spoken by former Romanian President Traian Băsescu, expresses his conviction that he is a leader who can bring about significant change for Romania - specifically, freeing the country from the grip of communism and corruption. He is positioning himself as a savior figure, a champion against these perceived negative forces, while also acknowledging that he is not divine or messianic in nature. The quote suggests a strong sense of mission and determination to lead his country towards a better future.


I assure Romanians that once I return... I will try and generate a sentiment of reconciliation in society. Divisions in society must be stopped, they must be annihilated, because Romania needs all its energy to... integrate into the civilized world.

- Traian Basescu

Sentiment, Civilized, Integrate

My suspension was a long-planned move... and was done to protect would-be convicts in Romanian politics.

- Traian Basescu

Politics, Protect, Move, Convicts

I never promised you a rose garden.

- Traian Basescu

Rose, Never, Promised, Garden

The increase in salaries at private companies has exploded, and Romania also faces a labor shortage, especially in construction. We believe that the Romanian market will remain an incentive, so that migration will not be an issue.

- Traian Basescu

Private, Exploded, Issue, Migration

Romania will always defend the Roma's right to move freely in Europe. They are European citizens and as long as there is no evidence they broke the law they should enjoy the same rights of any European citizen.

- Traian Basescu

Always, Citizen, Move, Freely

The dramatic wish of Romanians at the end of the Second World War was to be occupied by the Americans and not by the Russians.

- Traian Basescu

Wish, World, Russians, Occupied

Even the National Bank of Romania doesn't have the huge resources needed to intervene in the market and keep the leu at an acceptable level, because they're drawing close to a floor below which the bank's reserves can't drop. The central bank has to wait for a moment of calm to efficiently conduct its interventions.

- Traian Basescu

Wait, Drop, Acceptable, Floor

I assure you I will not miss the chance to show you that you were right when you voted for me.

- Traian Basescu

Chance, Will, Were, Assure

When I was the captain of a ship I never failed to bring my ship to port and I won't fail to bring Romania to safe harbor. The belief that the president no longer represents the people is false.

- Traian Basescu

Bring, False, Harbor, Port

Many Europeans are confused by the terms Roma and Romania. They wonder if it is an ethnicity or a nation of 22 million citizens.

- Traian Basescu

Nation, Ethnicity, Romania, Europeans

There is no such thing as several Romanias, but only politicians who divide Romania depending on the interests of their parties and their clout.

- Traian Basescu

Politicians, Clout, Several, Interests

More than ever, Romania now needs to see that a force exists that puts an end to Ponta and Antonescu's abuses and coup d'etat. This force is none other than the Romanian people.

- Traian Basescu

More, Other, Needs, Exists

We are the country that has attracted the biggest volume of foreign investment in southeastern Europe in the past few years. Romania doesn't need to beat itself, believing that it is a second-class citizen.

- Traian Basescu

Country, Need, In The Past, Past Few Years

I am elected by the people of Bucharest, not the dogs.

- Traian Basescu

I Am, Dogs, Am, Elected

Romania will continue to fulfil its obligations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

- Traian Basescu

Will, Continue, Obligations, Fulfil

I ask you to stand by my side in the next five years. We shall live a good life in a Romania of all Romanians.

- Traian Basescu

Next, Side, Shall, Romania

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