Romanian ex-president Băsescu and ethnic Hungarian leader Hunor trade communist-era Securitate accusations

Traian Băsescu and Kelemen Hunor exchanged sharp accusations on Saturday over communist-era ties and Securitate links, escalating a public dispute that began earlier this week.
Speaking on Digi24’s “În fața ta,” Băsescu acknowledged he is “a product of the old regime” but countered that, unlike others, he had “the courage to declassify the former Securitate archives and condemn communism.” He also accused Hunor of seeking a new patron in Romania after the electoral defeat of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. “I didn’t lick Orbán’s boots. He did. Now, with nothing left to lick, he’s turned to the local scene to find a master here,” Băsescu said .
The exchange followed Hunor’s remarks on Sept. 14, when he called Băsescu “the best product of the communist dictatorship, a political product of the communist Securitate” and referred to him as “Petrov.” Hunor’s comments came after Băsescu had urged UDMR to be kept out of Romanian politics, alleging the party had “played with Budapest until its shoes wore out” .
Băsescu emphasized his record, stating he had previously resolved issues left by others, including during the Tăriceanu government, and could do so again. He also noted his career in Romania, including commanding the country’s largest ship, as evidence of his domestic roots .
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