Romanian President: We have friendships from the East, but our interests are in the West

In his first speech after returning to office, Romanian president Traian Basescu said Romania will not go backwards, at least not while he is at its helm, but going forward might cost politicians some votes. “I have seen plenty of throwbacks to communist times and it seems that one of them can be very well adapted to our situation, with only one change. You know there was this saying in communism, 'if you don't know, we will teach you'. Only now, the EU has all the availability to teach us," said the president.

"If you cannot, we help you, and there's plenty of money for technical assistance we only need to spend. But, if you don't want it, nobody will make you want it, and you will be abandoned. One cannot say Romania was not helped, was not taught, but if its political class does not want it, the EU will abandon it,” said Basescu, reminding of the political battle while he was suspended for almost two months. “Our path is not towards the East, not even culturally. Of course, we have all the friendship from the East, but all our interests are in the West,” said the President, aiming to remind of the importance of complying with the EU rules. editor@romania-insider.com (photo source: presidency.ro)