Traian Băsescu, a prominent conservative Romanian politician, left a lasting mark on the political landscape of Romania and Europe. Serving as the President of Romania from 2004 to 2014, his career was characterized by various key roles.
Before his presidency, Băsescu served as the Romanian Minister of Transport on multiple occasions from 1991 to 2000. He also held the position of Mayor of Bucharest from 2000 to 2004. His political journey was a testament to his influence in the Romanian political sphere.
In the European Parliament, resolutions are crucial indicators of political dynamics and individual loyalties to various foreign governments. Notably, Băsescu’s voting behavior on key resolutions sheds light on his stance in the European Parliament.
One such instance occurred in September 2020 when the Parliament debated and voted on the annual report on arms exports. The resolution called on all EU Member States to refrain from selling arms and military equipment to countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and members of the international coalition, as well as the Yemeni Government and other parties to the conflict. In this case, Băsescu voted against the resolution, showcasing his position on arms exports to these nations.
In September 2021, another significant vote took place. The European Parliament adopted an urgency resolution on the case of Mansoor, coinciding with the opening of the World Expo in Dubai. The text was notably more critical of the UAE than the 2018 resolution. Băsescu voted against this resolution as well, prompting questions about his stance on human rights issues related to the UAE.
Furthermore, in February 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation in Yemen. The resolution was initiated by right-wing politicians from the ID Group, primarily from France, Germany, and Estonia. It emphasized the importance of Yemen finding solutions to its problems without external interference. Băsescu’s voting record showed his opposition to this resolution, underlining his stance on international involvement in Yemen.
It’s worth noting that Băsescu’s participation in the EU-UAE Friendship Group in 2019 indicates his engagement in European parliamentary activities and relationships with other members.
Traian Băsescu’s political journey has been marked by influential roles and significant positions in both Romania and the European Parliament. His voting behavior on key resolutions highlights his perspective on critical matters, especially concerning arms exports and international involvement in Yemen. These decisions reflect his political convictions and contributions to the European political landscape.
