DOC // Former President of Romania granted Moldovan citizenship

Former President of Romania Traian Băsescu has been granted the citizenship of the Republic of Moldova. A decree to this effect was signed today by the head of state, Maia Sandu.

The President thanked Traian Băsescu for the support he has provided to Moldovan citizens over the years.


“President Băsescu has supported the citizens of the Republic of Moldova with all his strength and unconditionally, regardless of who was in government. As President Băsescu knows how much struggle has taken place on this land to preserve our identity, the Romanian language, and to break away from the Soviet past so that we can move forward toward a European future,” Maia Sandu said.


The head of state noted that the former President of Romania is “respected and welcomed as a brother in the Republic of Moldova.”


“On behalf of our citizens, I thank him for helping to correct a historical injustice and for facilitating the reacquisition of Romanian citizenship, for promoting the granting of scholarships to our young people and for offering the Republic of Moldova unceasing support. I am glad that we have managed to correct an injustice done to Mr. Băsescu, and I have the honor to grant him the citizenship of the Republic of Moldova. Mr. Băsescu, from today you are not only our brother, but also our fellow citizen. We are waiting for you home!” Maia Sandu remarked.


The present decree enters into force on the date of its signing.

Former President of Romania Traian Băsescu and his wife, Maria Băsescu, obtained the citizenship of the Republic of Moldova in June 2016, by decree of former President Nicolae Timofti. Later, in January 2017, former President Igor Dodon signed a decree by which Traian Băsescu’s citizenship was withdrawn. The measure was not applied in the case of Maria Băsescu.

Traian Băsescu challenged the decision in court, but in November 2018, the Supreme Court of Justice in Chișinău upheld the ruling on the withdrawal of his citizenship.