Misplaced Pages

#602397

87-648: On 12 July 2016, former President Traian Băsescu announced that UNPR would merge with his People's Movement Party (PMP) on 20 July 2016, but the process failed and Gabriel Oprea reorganised the party in June 2018. At the PMP congress in March 2021, PMP members formally denounced and dissolved their former union with UNPR. In 2009, parliamentarians from PSD, PNL, and other parliamentary organizations left their political parties to support President Traian Băsescu . Thus, they formed

174-567: A Cluj-Napoca meeting with his supporters he claimed that he "was the one to stop doubtful privatisations," implicitly accusing rival Social-Democrats of underhand practices while in power. He vowed to fight against the Parliament, which blocked his bid to install the Croitoru cabinet , and the "media moguls". In the campaign for the first round, his favourite campaign theme was reducing the number of lawmakers. This theme proved popular, with

261-509: A 369 m (3,972 sq ft) apartment from the state in a nationalized house downtown Bucharest for the equivalent of US$ 19,000. A scandal followed, as the request to buy the house was approved by the Mayor's Office, at a time when Băsescu was mayor. He explained that he had filed an application in October 2002 with the specialized state agency (not to the Mayor's office, which was not

348-520: A conflict with Russia". Furthermore, Dan Voiculescu , a member of the opposition, accused the president of influence peddling, producing a note by Băsescu to a minister, which, as Voiculescu claimed, was a request to support selling cheap energy to the ALRO company, in which PDL leader Theodor Stolojan was a stockholder. The note said: "Minister Seres, I ask you to analyze this letter and take measures according to Government’s interests and, if possible, with

435-484: A consequence, on 10 January 2002, the central government decided to dissolve the council, yet it later annulled that decision. These conflicts led to the blocking or delay of several infrastructure loans, financed by the European Investment Bank (BEI) for municipal heating and road networks, and to the blocking the city's ability to borrow and finance reconstruction. In February 2003, Băsescu bought

522-601: A director of a firm that was receiving the goods transported by Băsescu by ship, said on Antena 3 TV that without payment of a bribe, Băsescu refused to bring the goods in the country. Băsescu entered politics after the 1989 Romanian Revolution , as a member of the large National Salvation Front (FSN) party. In April 1991, he became Minister of Transport in Petre Roman 's Cabinet, and continued to hold this position during Theodor Stolojan 's "Cabinet of technocrats" between September 1991 and November 1992. In 1992, after

609-463: A hostage crisis in Iraq involving three Romanian journalists and their guide. In 2005, he also focused on pressing the government to provide relief to thousands of Romanians left homeless by widespread flooding throughout the spring and summer. On 18 December 2006, Băsescu delivered a speech to Parliament (broadcast live on TV) in which he condemned Romania's pre-1989 communist regime . Some members of

696-534: A humanitarian crisis". Băsescu has been vocal in calling for a regional approach to security in the Black Sea basin, which he noted remained susceptible to trans-border security threats such as drug and human trafficking. Băsescu alleged "that Russia might have been involved in his suspension," citing his pro-Western foreign policy as a reason. Băsescu has tried to improve Romania's relations with Moldova . Furthermore, he has expressed his belief several times in

783-726: A majority, PNL and PD formed a coalition with the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania and the Humanist Party , which later changed its name to the Conservative Party (PC). While the platform of the former has been generally in line with that of the Justice and Truth Alliance, the latter (PC) was needed in the coalition in order to obtain more than 50% of the seats in Parliament, because, apart from

870-594: A meeting with a businessman at the Government Palace. In response, the Prime Minister declared that the matter was just an attempt to hide "what is going on at Cotroceni and around it," and publicly accused Băsescu of facilitating contracts to companies "close to him". According to the Prime Minister, the newly appointed PD Transportation Minister told a businessman: "The President sent me to take care of you." He also stated that Băsescu wanted to put

957-642: A nature as to distract the public attention from his own deed," a presidential communiqué stated. Dinu Patriciu , an influential businessman and PNL member, stated on a public TV station that, in his opinion, Tăriceanu's note was a "friendly gesture, a sign of normality". Patriciu also said that in a discussion with Băsescu in October 2005, he was advised to invest in any country in the Black Sea basin except Russia. According to Patriciu, Băsescu said " ... because we must do so that Russians invest in Romania, in order to have them hostages, because we certainly will have

SECTION 10

#1732802276603

1044-596: A notary, and Elena (born 1980), a Romanian former MEP . Băsescu graduated from the Naval Institute of Constanța in 1976 and became a merchant marine deck officer at Navrom, the Romanian state-owned shipping company. Between 1981 and 1987, he served as captain on Romanian commercial ships. Throughout his career, questions have been raised about Băsescu's links to the Securitate , the security services of

1131-497: A retired army officer, whilst his mother, Elena (1929–2010) was an ordinary peasant or homemaker who died of breast cancer. His brother, Mircea (born 1953) was charged with influence peddling (in exchange for € 250,000, he promised freedom to his godson Florin Anghel, an underworld member); Mircea was sentenced to four years in prison only after his brother's mandate ended. Băsescu and his wife Maria have two daughters: Ioana (born 1977),

1218-407: A rhetorical remark: "You know what Romania's greatest curse is right now? It's that Romanians have to choose between two former Communist Party members." During the 2004 presidential campaign, before a TV interview with Adrian Năstase, Băsescu gave him a paper and told him: "Put it in your pocket and read it when you are away!" Similarly, in June 2006, at the oath-taking ceremony of Radu Stroe as

1305-405: A significant wealth tax and fair progressive taxation. UNPR's platform also includes support for the decentralization of Romania and the introduction of mandatory military service for all Romanian citizens aged 18 to 35. The president acts as the union's governing body; he represents the party in political conversations and parliament. The president has large powers in the union and is helped by

1392-543: A top priority, and he was president when the country acceded on 1 January 2007. Both the president and the government of Prime Minister Popescu-Tăriceanu focused on Romania's planned accession to the EU, which remained a central component in Romania's foreign policy. In addition, Băsescu has focused on a strong strategic partnership with the United States, a relationship which, during the 2004 presidential campaign, he called

1479-521: The Justice and Truth Alliance ( Romanian : Alianța Dreptate și Adevăr ), ran common candidates in local and national elections, and agreed to vote as a bloc in Parliament. As chairman of PD, he became a co-chairman of the Justice and Truth Alliance alongside the then PNL chairman Theodor Stolojan. In 2003, Stolojan, who was the Justice and Truth candidate for president of Romania in 2004, stepped down as PNL chairman and Justice and Truth co-chairman, and

1566-644: The PNL (with 51 senators and 101 deputies), and the PC (with 8 senators and 13 deputies). In July 2016, the UNPR merged with the PMP . The merger was revoked in June 2018 and officially denounced by the PMP at their latest congress in March 2021. After the merger with the PMP was revoked and the party was reinstated. Notes : Victor Ponta was a member of PSD , but was endorsed by an electoral alliance consisting of

1653-607: The PSD , the UNPR, and the PC . Notes : Social Democratic Union (USD) members: PSD (12 MEPs), PC (2 MEPs), and UNPR. Traian B%C4%83sescu Traian Băsescu ( Romanian pronunciation: [traˈjan bəˈsesku] ; born 4 November 1951) is a Romanian conservative politician who served as the fifth president of Romania from 2004 to 2014. Prior to his presidency, Băsescu served as Romanian Minister of Transport on multiple occasions between 1991 and 2000, and as Mayor of Bucharest from 2000 to 2004. Additionally, he

1740-580: The People's Movement Party (PMP), of which he became president in 2016, subsequently resigning in 2018. He then served as Member of the European Parliament for Romania between 2019 and 2024. Traian Băsescu was born in Basarabi (renamed Murfatlar in 2007), near the port city of Constanța , the largest Romanian port on the coast of the Black Sea . Băsescu's father, Dumitru (1924–2002), was

1827-875: The Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL), respectively. The USL was formed on 5 February 2011 initially between the Social Democratic Party (PSD), and the Centre Right Alliance (ACD) of National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Conservative Party (PC). In June 2012, the USL won the local elections by a landslide. After the elections, in September, the National Union for

SECTION 20

#1732802276603

1914-612: The Socialist International . Băsescu tried to present his party as more democratically oriented, stating that the "PDSR is far from modern social-democracy". He also negotiated a merger with Virgil Măgureanu 's PNR, a party that had many former Securitate employees. In 2003, Băsescu negotiated an electoral alliance for the PD with the PNL in order to create a cohesive opposition against the then-ruling PSD. The new pact, called

2001-433: The economic crisis . Băsescu pledged to cut public spending and promised "more equity" to people living in the countryside. Băsescu tried to portray himself as the champion of the people against what he called the "corrupt political elite". A widely used election poster carried the text: "They cannot avoid what they are afraid of." Băsescu's opponents countered that he is part of that elite, simply with different backers. In

2088-810: The right-wing conservative former President of Romania, Traian Băsescu , who appointed him as leader of the Presidential Chancellery in March 2012. In the Romanian Parliamentary elections of December 2012 , the UNPR won in alliance (i.e. USL) with the PSD, PNL, and PC, 10 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 5 in the Senate. Because the party lacked the necessary number of seats to form a distinct parliamentary group (12 deputies and 7 senators respectively), their parliamentarians joined

2175-637: The "Bucharest-London-Washington axis". In real terms, this meant a continued commitment to maintain Romanian troops in Afghanistan and a smaller contingent in Iraq, and an agreement signed in December 2005 between Romania and the U.S. to allow U.S. troops to use a Romanian military facility. Băsescu is singled out in a report by Dick Marty , an investigator of the Council of Europe , on illegal activities of

2262-589: The Department for Administration of State Heritage and Protocol under the control of the family of Elena Udrea. Băsescu immediately asked Tăriceanu to produce evidence to support his claims, to send it to the Prosecutor's Office, and to remove the ministers allegedly involved. "If the Prime Minister does not produce such proof, the President considers that these statements are without substance and are of such

2349-709: The FSN split into two factions—the Social Democratic Party of Romania (PDSR, later PSD), led by Ion Iliescu , and the Democratic Party (PD), led by Petre Roman , Băsescu joined the PD faction. In 1992, he was elected to the lower house of the Romanian Parliament, the Chamber of Deputies , then re-elected for the 1996–2000 term. Concurrently with his second term in Parliament, from November 1996 to June 2000, Băsescu also served as Minister of Transport in

2436-549: The Fleet File Affair to continue against him. (Romanian MPs were, by default, granted immunity from prosecution of any kind.) Although the case against him was closed at the time for lack of evidence, it was reopened in early 2004, in what some considered a political maneuver against him sponsored by the then PSD government. In 2004, the case was brought before the High Court of Cassation and Justice , however,

2523-567: The French port Rouen , when a fire started around the Romanian tanker Argeș , then under the command of Traian Băsescu, affecting a large portion of the Seine River . The fire destroyed two tugs and six barges, and major disaster was avoided when 70 French firemen from Rouen , Grand-Couronne , Grand-Quevilly , Canteleu , and Moulineaux prevented the fire from reaching the nearby Shell refinery. According to an interview given by Băsescu to

2610-746: The Moldovan Communist leadership sought to cool Băsescu's enthusiasm. In June 2016, Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti signed a decree granting Băsescu and his wife Maria citizenship. The following January, Timofti's successor Igor Dodon signed a decree that withdrawed Băsescu's citizenship. Băsescu stated that Romania regards Kosovo as an integral part of Serbia , as an outcome of the Kosovo status process , and that Romania will not recognize any unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo. Romania formally terminated its mission in Iraq on 4 June 2009, and pulled out its troops. On 23 July

2697-571: The PC turned leftwards and aligned more with PSD and UNPR. As a result, the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL) broke up the coalition on 25 February 2014 and entered opposition. In the 2014 presidential election , PSD, UNPR, and PC would designate Victor Ponta as their united candidate, while the PNL formed a new Christian Liberal Alliance (ACL) with the Democratic Liberal Party (PDL), supporting Klaus Iohannis . At

National Union for the Progress of Romania - Misplaced Pages Continue

2784-537: The PDSR's successor, PSD, with full membership rights, while the PD remained only an associate member. In a 2006 interview, Băsescu stated that his party's exit from the Socialist International was a "huge concession" he made to PNL after discussions of a merger of PD and PNL began in 2004. A change in the leadership of PNL prevented the merger; according to Băsescu, most of the PNL leaders who negotiated

2871-431: The PSD was controlling all state institutions." Antonescu in turn called Băsescu "a demagogue and a populist," and vowed to support Geoană as "the lesser of two evils". On 26 November 2009, footage from the 2004 election campaign showing Băsescu apparently hitting or pushing a 10-year-old boy at a campaign rally was broadcast. The press, unfavorable to Băsescu, interpreted the footage as "hitting with his fist," whereas

2958-454: The PSD, effectively marking the end of the DA alliance. (See Conflict with Prime Minister Tăriceanu below for further details.) Following Theodor Stolojan 's surprise withdrawal from the 2004 presidential elections , Băsescu entered the presidential race on behalf of the Justice and Truth Alliance. His main opponent was then Prime Minister and PSD president Adrian Năstase . Like Băsescu, Năstase

3045-438: The President hadn’t said that, it would have been another candidacy, if not another President." When asked by the press, Băsescu responded to this criticism with: "I made a mistake, I made a mistake." A public scandal broke out when Elena Udrea , a presidential adviser, revealed to the press that then-Prime Minister Tăriceanu passed to Băsescu a "scandalous" written note. When the matter became public debate, Băsescu stated about

3132-496: The Prime Minister's reversal of course in July 2005 after Tăriceanu initially announced he would resign causing early parliamentary elections, which some hoped would have resulted in the Justice and Truth Alliance governing alone. The ensuing poor relations between the President and the Prime Minister have become one of the primary themes of Romanian post-2004 politics, with many unrelated disputes converging towards this dichotomy. Under

3219-636: The Progress of Romania (UNPR), originally a breakaway from PSD and PNL, together with the PSD formed the Centre Left Alliance (ACS) and entered the USL. At the parliamentary elections in December, the four-party coalition won about two thirds of the seats in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies . After the Centre Right Alliance (ACD) of PNL and PC dissolved in November 2013,

3306-830: The Romanian Constitution, the president appoints the prime minister, but does not have the authority to dismiss him. On 11 January 2007, Băsescu presided over the first half of the meeting of the Consiliul Suprem al Magistraturii (CSM; Superior Council of the Magistracy) at which the election of its new president took place. Before the candidacies were announced, Băsescu publicly said to judge Anton Pandrea: "I heard you have announced your candidacy, Mr. Pandrea. I wish you great success." His former counselor Renate Weber later claimed that if Băsescu had not said those words, Pandrea might not have been elected: "If

3393-660: The Romanian TV channel Prima TV on 23 June 1998 (and quoted by Magazin Nautic , the official publication of the Romanian Nautical Club), Băsescu admitted to having made alterations to the ship's installation before the French investigators were allowed to come on board, a thing that — in Băsescu's own words — made it impossible for the investigators to link the cause of the disaster to the Romanian ship. Băsescu

3480-571: The Romanian association NM Petromin SA Constanța with the Norwegian Torvald Klaveness Group between April 1991 and August 2000. However, the case is still open as this is only the latest published opinion, and the only one that serves as evidence in favor of Băsescu. Some have seen this as a political maneuver destined to prove his innocence. In total 136 people were investigated. 80, including Băsescu, were retained for

3567-412: The Socialist International. Editorialist Dan Pavel decried the development as a "marginalization of the right," and the presidential race as a choice between two former " FSN cadres ". Nevertheless, there were significant differences in the economic programs of the DA alliance and the PSD in 2004. The DA alliance leaned towards economic liberalism , with the introduction of a 16% flat tax that replaced

National Union for the Progress of Romania - Misplaced Pages Continue

3654-639: The US CIA in Europe, as one of the persons who authorized, or at least knew about, and must stand accountable for the black site at the Mihail Kogălniceanu military base from 2003 to 2005. Băsescu made strong ties with the President of the United States, who in return called him a friend: "The President and I are friends. Romania and the United States are friends, and we're allies." In June 2006, Băsescu came into open conflict with Popescu-Tăriceanu after

3741-494: The aging ships at the time were of minimal value, many Romanians believed the compensation received for the ships was artificially low. The "scandal" of the fleet sale became known in Romania as The Fleet File ( Dosarul Flota ) Affair. Prosecutors brought charges against Băsescu, but it was not proven that he was involved in any malfeasance. In 1996, Băsescu was the first Romanian parliamentarian to renounce his parliamentary immunity , in order to allow judicial procedures related to

3828-477: The center-right governments of Victor Ciorbea , Radu Vasile , and Mugur Isărescu . In December 1997, he gave an interview to Claudiu Săftoiu of the newspaper Evenimentul Zilei , in which he accused Prime Minister Victor Ciorbea of not implementing enough reforms, although Ciorbea was accused by the Socialist opposition of being excessively reformist. This became the first episode in an open dispute within

3915-438: The child now refuses to give further details because he is now "afraid for his life and that of his mother". In the second round of the presidential election Băsescu won against Geoana by 50.3% to 49.7%. The opposition's legal objection to their narrow defeat was dismissed. Running on a strong reform and anti-corruption platform, Băsescu's victory was characterized in the media as Romania's " Orange Revolution ", in reference to

4002-633: The communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu . However, Băsescu has claimed that his links with the former Securitate were minimal, though some contact was obligatory at the time for somebody working abroad in a senior position. In 1984, he was promoted to Captain of the oil tanker Biruința , the largest ship of the then Romanian commercial fleet. In 1989, Băsescu moved to Belgium to head the Navrom Agency in Antwerp . The most controversial episode of his professional career began on 10 September 1981 in

4089-451: The dogs, would show up at the shelter to take them back to their neighborhoods. The campaign resulted in nearly 48,000 dogs being put down in 2001, with reduced numbers in the following years. In 2004, Băsescu called the campaign a success. Băsescu also claimed success in improvements to the city's water and lighting systems, which were in a very bad state, as well as modernizing the city's public transportation system. However, his tenure

4176-472: The elections." On the subsequent reaction of the Prime Minister, Băsescu said: "The Prime Minister was consequent. and absolutely not naïve." According to Băsescu, Tăriceanu phoned the Prosecutor General of Romania, then tried to put further pressure through a specially dedicated speech to the Parliament on 8 November 2006, and tried "the same thing" with Justice Minister Monica Macovei, arranging

4263-464: The eyes of some a juridical conflict of a constitutional nature). After he became president, as legally required, he resigned from the Democratic Party (PD). However, he remained very involved in day-to-day politics of Romania, often being accused by other political leaders of overstepping constitutional boundaries on the role of the president. During the course of his presidency, his relations with Popescu-Tăriceanu gradually soured, particularly following

4350-670: The future unification of the two countries, either politically or in the framework of the European Union. His attitude has brought some practical success, but also led to an increase in anti-Romanian rhetoric from the Communist government of Moldova, under Vladimir Voronin . A divisive issue that remains to this day is the opening of two Romanian consulates outside the capital of Moldova, as well as 900,000 Moldovans applying for Romanian citizenship. In both cases, Băsescu strongly supported moves to strengthen relations with Moldova, while

4437-488: The group of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). They voted for the government led by former PSD Prime Minister Victor Ponta . Oprea served as Deputy Prime Minister of Romania between 2012 and 2015. On 29 June 2015, the party absorbed the People's Party – Dan Diaconescu (PP-DD) in aftermath of Diaconescu's conviction of extortion. On 16 December 2023, Gabriel Oprea was re-elected as the president of

SECTION 50

#1732802276603

4524-663: The incumbent president to be a member of a political party. He was subsequently re-elected in 2009 . In 2007, during his presidency, Romania acceded to the European Union (EU). He is the only president of Romania to have been suspended by the parliament twice, in 2007 and 2012 . A former member of the Romanian Communist Party (PCR), he has promoted social conservative , neoliberal and populist policies during his administration. After ending his presidential term, in 2015, Băsescu joined

4611-547: The interest of national economy in mind." The daily newspaper Adevărul published another note, in which the President requested the PD Transport Minister to analyze and find a "legal solution" to a petition from a company close to Băsescu. The newspaper claimed that this was outside the legal prerogatives of the president, and accused Băsescu of sending the note directly to the Minister instead of following

4698-444: The investigation of this case, while the facts pertaining to 51 others were separated for independent investigations. In 2000, Băsescu was elected mayor of Bucharest , winning the run-off against Social Democratic Party (PDSR) candidate Sorin Oprescu by a slim margin (50.69% to 49.31%), despite trailing him by 24% in the first round. As mayor, he was credited with a reduction in the number of stray dogs roaming freely through

4785-418: The joint governance with Băsescu in 2004 had been marginalized by 2006, making collaboration difficult. In December 2006, those members of the PNL who favored closer ties with Băsescu formed their own party, the Liberal Democratic Party (PLD), which eventually merged with the PD in January 2008. After December 2006, the remainder of the PNL became hostile to Băsescu and formed a minority government supported by

4872-403: The judges decided to send it back to the Prosecutor's Office citing procedural errors (the signature of a prosecutor was missing). In December 2007, the Romanian National Anti-corruption Directorate ( Direcția Națională Anticorupție ), a subdivision of the General Prosecutor Office, decided to end the investigation, based on the opinion of financial expertise that there was no prejudicial dealing by

4959-434: The last Romanian soldiers left Iraq. Three Romanian soldiers had been killed during the mission, and at least eight were wounded. Băsescu continued to be rather popular due to his open style and hands-on approach. In his electoral campaign, he promised to be a președinte jucător (in Romanian) , "player-president", in contrast to a more withdrawn president who would be just a mediator among political forces (thus creating in

5046-424: The law, Băsescu did not breach it when he bought the apartment. In 2001, Băsescu was elected chairman of the Democratic Party (PD), defeating Petre Roman , who had previously led the party for nine years, after Roman only managed to get 3% of the vote at the 2000 presidential elections. At the time, the PD had a social-democrat ideology. That same year, Băsescu's party and Iliescu's PDSR both attempted to join

5133-432: The majority of the electorate voting for the reduction of the number of lawmakers from a current 471 to a maximum of 300, and in favour of a transition from the current bicameral Parliament to a unicameral one in a referendum held simultaneously with the first round of elections. In the first round, held on 22 November, Băsescu came first with 32.44% of the votes, and Geoană second with 31.15%. Although Băsescu claimed

5220-480: The new secretary general of the Government, Băsescu gave him a sheet of paper as a "gift". After seeing it, Stroe went pale and refused to make its contents public. When asked, Băsescu said its contents were not classified. Both Adrian Năstase and Radu Stroe were previously involved in corruption scandals. Băsescu ran for a second term in the 2009 presidential elections . Incumbent Băsescu and his Social-Democrat opponent Mircea Geoană offered different ways to tackle

5307-485: The note: "The Prime Minister proposed to me a partnership, one, unfortunately, with our oligarchies." The note, written by the hand of the Prime Minister, was attached on top of a report from the Petromidia company, then under investigation by Prosecutors, and asked the President to "talk about it" during a scheduled visit at the Prosecutor's Office. Băsescu stated: "Such type of partnership was unacceptable to me ... it would have meant that nothing had changed in Romania after

SECTION 60

#1732802276603

5394-465: The opposition Social-Democrat Party, many seats were held by the ultra-nationalist Greater Romania Party (PRM). In late 2006, the PC withdrew from the cabinet, a move at least partially related to conflicts between Băsescu and PC leader Dan Voiculescu . The withdrawal of the PC left the coalition without a majority in the Parliament. In domestic politics, Băsescu has often claimed he fights against high-level corruption. In spring 2005, Romania resolved

5481-416: The opposition, mainly of the ultra-nationalist PRM, and some members of the mainstream Social Democratic Party, tried to disturb the speech. Particularly vocal was the ultra-nationalist PRM leader Corneliu Vadim Tudor , who walked with posters on the floor of Parliament, whistled and interrupted Băsescu's speech several times. Băsescu repeatedly stated that Romania's accession to the European Union remained

5568-502: The owner of the building) for the apartment to be sold to him on the basis of the Romanian Law 10 of 2001, which he claimed "gives priority to existing tenants to buy previously nationalized houses, no matter whether they already owned other houses," and that the price was calculated based on a 1995 law. However, the press noted that, according to the contract, the sale was based on Law 112 of 1995, and that Law 10/2001 had no provisions about selling anything. The 1995 law prevents, with

5655-412: The parliamentary group of independents , led by former senator Gabriel Oprea . Afterwards, Oprea was named Minister of Administration and Interior . In 2010, the majority of the group formed UNPR. On 1 May 2010, the new party elected its leaders, by means of congress. Allied with the PDL and UDMR, the UNPR participated in government until 2012. At the first party congress held in May 2010, Marian Sârbu

5742-471: The party. UNPR's doctrine is social-democratic with shades of progressivism . The union is against right-wing politics policies, both conservative and neo-conservative. The union's self reported doctrine is "progressive left-wing" with a social-democratic orientation. UNPR believes in a new political and economic order, based on consolidation of the market economy within an "active state" that protects citizens and human rights . UNPR strongly supports

5829-491: The press favorable to him either interpreted it as a push, or called the footage fake. Asked in a talk show about the incident, the president stated that he did not recall it, but did not outright deny it either, saying that perhaps the child uttered profanity . Later, he made a public declaration that "never in his life has he hit a child," but he refused to comment on whether the footage was manipulated video or not. PDL member Roberta Anastase , who had accompanied Băsescu during

5916-404: The press, these facts made it impossible for Băsescu to legally buy the apartment. When the scandal broke again in early 2005, Băsescu first stated that he would give up the apartment, but later changed his mind announcing that he would give it up only if the Prosecutor's Office decided he had broken the law. The prosecutors investigating the matter concluded that, according to the provisions of

6003-434: The prime minister and the defence minister announced that they and the PNL sought to withdraw Romania's troops from Iraq . However, the troops remained in Iraq after Băsescu called a meeting of the Supreme Defense Council , which voted for the troops to stay. In July 2006, Băsescu voiced concern over the 2006 Lebanon War . Băsescu said in a press conference that: "We recognize Israel’s right to security but it has generated

6090-427: The progressive personal income tax of up to 40%, and the 25% corporate tax. In January 2005, the Financial Times described the DA alliance as "centrist". Băsescu's party would not officially abandon social-democrat ideals until 2005, after PD's leadership was unhappy with the support given by the Socialist International to the PDSR during the 2004 elections, and by the fact that the Socialist International admitted

6177-457: The provisions of Art. 9, sale to tenants who already owned or sold a house after 1 January 1990. Băsescu already bought a villa near Bucharest in October 2002, which he donated to his daughter shortly after. Furthermore, the same law only gave the right to buy the nationalized houses to those who were tenants at the time of it came into force (i.e. the second half of 1996), while Băsescu had only lived in that house since August 2002. According to

6264-447: The rally, declared the child uttered profanity, and that Băsescu pushed the child aside. The footage was released within 24 hours of a declaration by Dinu Patriciu , also present at the rally, who claimed that he saw Băsescu hitting a child in 2004. The boy has been identified, and was interviewed later that night. He acknowledged that Băsescu had hit him after he chanted a slogan favourable to Ion Iliescu and Adrian Năstase, but said he

6351-526: The reformists' perceived victory in neighbouring Ukraine during the same period, and in reference to the orange colour used by the winning Justice and Truth Alliance (DA). Upon taking office, he suspended his PD membership; the Constitution does not allow the president to be a formal member of a political party during his tenure. In line with an agreement between the PD and PNL, he appointed PNL leader Popescu-Tăriceanu as prime minister. In order to form

6438-588: The results of the first round as "a significant vote for the right" because he and Crin Antonescu together received over 50% of the vote, the next day Antonescu refused to back Băsescu in the runoff, and shortly thereafter announced an alliance with Geoană. Subsequently, Băsescu reproached Antonescu for having "thrown himself in the arms of the Social-Democrat party, a party opposed to reforms," and added "This alliance will bring us back to 20 years ago when

6525-448: The ruling center-right coalition, a dispute that eventually led to Democratic Party ministers, including Băsescu, resigning from the cabinet, which, in turn, led to Ciorbea's resignation. Subsequently, in 1998, Băsescu resumed his previous ministerial position in the new cabinet headed by Radu Vasile . During his tenure as Minister of Transportation, Băsescu oversaw the privatization of Romania's merchant fleet . While some argued that

6612-552: The standing Bureau of the Union. Notes : The USL was an electoral and political alliance composed of two other smaller alliances as follows: the Centre Left Alliance (ACS) and the Centre Right Alliance (ACD). The members of the Centre Left Alliance were the PSD (with 58 senators and 149 deputies) and the UNPR (with 5 senators and 10 deputies). On the other hand, the members of the Centre Right Alliance were

6699-418: The streets of the city, from approximately 300,000 in 2000 to 25,000 in 2004, and thus reducing the number of dog bite injuries from 1,500 a month to under 200 a month. This campaign was controversial, as many opposed large-scale dog euthanasia. On the other hand, there were also numerous cases of people asking the authorities to take the stray dogs away, but after this was done, neighbors, who had been feeding

6786-519: The time of the formation (more specifically in February 2011) there were 144 Deputies (89 from PSD, 52 from PNL, and 3 from PC) and 92 Senators (53 from PSD and 39 from PNL) USL was an alliance comprising two smaller alliances as follows: the Centre Left Alliance (ACS) and the Centre Right Alliance (ACD). The members of the Centre Left Alliance (ACS) were PSD (58 senators and 149 deputies) and UNPR (5 senators and 10 deputies). The members of

6873-652: The usual administrative procedures, and furthermore noted that the matter was a commercial dispute that neither the President nor the Transport Minister had the legal means to solve. Social Liberal Union The Social Liberal Union ( Romanian : Uniunea Social Liberală , USL ) was a grand coalition of several political parties which was active in Romania during the early to mid 2010s. The alliance contained two major political parties, one major centre-left and one centre-right , more specifically

6960-450: Was a former Communist Party member. Although Năstase came out ahead in the first round by 7%, Băsescu achieved a surprise comeback, and won the 12 December run-off election by a 2.46% margin, receiving 51.23% of the vote. Băsescu won the presidential election by using anti-communist and anti-corruption rhetoric. In the live TV debate with Adrian Năstase before the 2004 run-off presidential election , Băsescu caught his opponent off-guard with

7047-749: Was a member of the Communist Party before 1989. After the downfall of Communism , he claimed that he joined the PCR to promote his career in the merchant marines. In a letter published in Romanian newspapers, former president Emil Constantinescu alleged that Băsescu was in the second tier of the Communist Party leadership during the regime of former communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu , but had managed to portray himself as anti-communist. During an interview, Băsescu admitted that before 1989 he smuggled jeans and other goods. A former communist official,

7134-549: Was elected UNPR president. UNPR later formed with PSD, the Centre Left Alliance (ACS) which was included in the Social Liberal Union (USL). Cristian Diaconescu , a founding member of UNPR, honorary president, and former Minister of External Affairs, resigned from the union after the party changed sides and entered the Social Liberal Union (USL). He is an independent politician with close ties to

7221-438: Was elected as leader of the Democratic Party (PD) in 2001. During his term as leader of the PD, the party formed the Justice and Truth Alliance (DA) with the National Liberal Party (PNL). Following Theodor Stolojan 's withdrawal from the presidential elections in 2004 , Băsescu entered the presidential race on behalf of the alliance. After being elected president, he suspended his PD membership; Romanian law does not permit

7308-596: Was elected president. In 2011, the National Initiative Party (PIN) merged into the Union. PIN's president, Lavinia Șandru , became UNPR's vice-president but later resigned from the party citing its lack of support for her ecologist policies . In 2012, the government led by independent Mihai Răzvan Ungureanu was dismissed by a motion of no confidence and, as such, the UNPR entered parliamentary opposition. On 28 May 2012, Sârbu stepped down as party leader. Following Sârbu's resignation, Gabriel Oprea

7395-552: Was marked by constant conflicts with the governing Social Democratic Party (PSD)-controlled institutions. Citing the need for decentralization, the central government led by Adrian Năstase passed several ordinances transferring powers from the city mayor to mayors of the city's six sectors , and to the city council . Băsescu accused council members of corruption and obstruction; he also successfully challenged several council resolutions in Administrative Courts. As

7482-412: Was not physically hurt. He also said that for the moment he was happy that Băsescu had paid attention to him, and they smiled at each other, but later he felt disappointed. He added "it was a hit as if he wanted to say: go away!" On 27 November Băsescu told a Mediafax journalist that he saw the footage "de-mounted on computer," suggesting it was manipulated. Cecilia Gheorghe, the boy's aunt, declared that

7569-492: Was replaced in these positions by Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu . Although it was announced that Stolojan had withdrawn because of health concerns, Băsescu claimed to the press that the reason behind this decision was blackmail by political opponents (Stolojan did not confirm this). This sudden change in leadership of the DA alliance transformed the 2004 presidential election to a race between two leaders of parties affiliated with

#602397