The Romanian Constitutional Court (CCR) has restored Traian Băsescu The ruling affirmed his entitlements as a past head of state, ensuring continued access to lifetime government-provided benefits such as a regular stipend, an official residential property, and ongoing protective services. In a unanimous decision, the court determined that a statute from 2001—under which ex-presidents could lose those honors if deemed complicit with the communist-period intelligence agency known as the Securitate—is invalid under the constitution. Biziday.ro reported.
CCR stated that the legislation contravened fundamental legal tenets due to its retrospective application, absence of transitionary measures, and violation of the legality principle.
Although the complete details of the ruling have not yet been released, the outcome indicates that Băsescu—who was President of Romania between 2004 and 2014—will once again receive all benefits tied to his previous position. This includes access to a ceremonial home and workspace, accompanied by support personnel, plus a monthly stipend equal to 75 percent of the sitting president’s income. In addition, he will be entitled to ongoing security protection and unrestricted use of a government-owned vehicle.
Law No. 406/2001, which has been modified and rereleased in October 2021, underwent these changes six months prior to an action taken by Romania’s Supreme Court of Cassation and Justice. issued a final ruling According to Biziday.ro, Traian Băsescu served as an informant for the Securitate, the secret police under Romania's former communist government.
Nevertheless, Băsescu has consistently rejected claims that he willingly cooperated with the secret police. During legal proceedings, he stated that his work was with military counterintelligence and explained that he did not learn about its connection to the Securitate's Fourth Directorate until after the 1989 Revolution.
irina.marica@romania-insider.com
(Photo source: Inquam Photos / Adriana Neagoe )