Romania’s former President Traian Basescu and his wife have taken the steps to get Moldovan citizenship, sources close to the ex-President told local Mediafax. Basescu had announced his intention in 2013, while he was still at the helm of the country.

Ana Samson, the Republic of Moldova Presidency’s senior consultant for public relations, confirmed that Traian Basescu and his wife Maria have applied for Moldovan citizenship of March 8. Their requests are currently pending approval.

The legal deadline for approving citizenship applications is one year, but the Moldovan authorities could also approve their requests faster. In some cases, such applications were approved in three or four months, according to sources cited by Mediafax.

The former President hasn’t made any comments. It is not the first time Traian Basescu showed his affinity towards the Republic of Moldova. During his mandate, he often declared his respect and love for the Republic of Moldova and its people. After ending his mandate, he received the supreme military decoration from the Moldovan President.

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Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com