Romanian Presidential Election of 2004: Traian Băsescu’s Victory

On November 7, 2004, the second round of the Romanian presidential election took place, culminating in the election of Traian Băsescu as President of Romania. This election was a pivotal moment in Romania’s post-communist political landscape, marking a shift in the country’s leadership and political direction.

Context and Background

The 2004 presidential election in Romania was held against a backdrop of significant political and economic transformation. Romania was in the process of integrating into European structures, having been invited to join the European Union in 2007. The election was crucial for setting the tone for Romania’s future domestic and foreign policies.

The incumbent president at the time, Ion Iliescu, had served the maximum number of terms allowed by the Romanian constitution, which opened the field for new candidates. The main contenders in the election were:

• Adrian Năstase: The candidate from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), who was also the Prime Minister of Romania at the time. Năstase was seen as a continuation of Iliescu’s policies and had a strong political base.

• Traian Băsescu: The candidate from the center-right Justice and Truth Alliance (DA), which was a coalition between the Democratic Party (PD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL). Băsescu was the Mayor of Bucharest and was known for his populist and reformist stance.

The Election Process

The first round of the election was held on November 28, 2004. Neither candidate secured the majority required to win outright, leading to a runoff between the top two candidates, Năstase and Băsescu.

In the second round on December 12, 2004, Traian Băsescu emerged victorious with approximately 51.23% of the vote, compared to Năstase’s 48.77%. Băsescu’s campaign focused on anti-corruption measures, economic reforms, and a pro-European Union stance, which resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.

Aftermath and Significance

Traian Băsescu’s election marked a significant shift in Romanian politics. His presidency was characterized by efforts to combat corruption, improve governance, and strengthen Romania’s ties with Western Europe and the United States. Băsescu’s victory also highlighted the growing influence of center-right politics in Romania, reflecting broader regional trends in Eastern Europe at the time.

Băsescu’s tenure saw Romania’s accession to the European Union in 2007, a milestone in the country’s post-communist development. His presidency, however, was not without controversy, as it included political conflicts and challenges, including impeachment attempts.

Overall, the 2004 presidential election was a defining moment in Romania’s democratic evolution, setting the stage for the country’s future political and economic trajectory.