Traian Băsescu attacks Kelemen Hunor, accusing him of looking for a new political “master”

Traian Băsescu issued a harsh response to Kelemen Hunor after the UDMR leader called him “the best product of the communist dictatorship” and “a political product and a product of the communist Securitate.” The former president made the statements on the Digi24 program “În fața ta,” amid the dispute over the UDMR’s rapprochement with Budapest and the party’s role in Bucharest politics.

Băsescu argued that, although he may be considered “a product of the old regime,” he differs from politicians who lacked the courage to take responsibility for controversial decisions. He cited the declassification of the former Securitate’s archives and the condemnation of communism as arguments in his favor.

The former head of state accused Kelemen Hunor of supporting Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s former prime minister, and, following Orbán’s defeat, of seeking a new source of influence in Romania. “I did not lick Orbán. He did. Now, having nothing left to lick, he has turned toward the local scene. He is looking for a master here,” Băsescu said.

The exchange of remarks began with Băsescu’s claims that the UDMR had grown too close to Budapest and was trying to play an important role in Romanian politics. Kelemen Hunor responded by invoking the codename “Petrov,” associated with the former president.