Traian Basescu also spoke about dialogue, reconciliation, and joined efforts of citizens and the political class, for the modernisation of Romania, and promised to support true democracy and fight any attempts of turning Romania into a state owned by oligarchs. Addressing the joint Parliament chambers, the head of state pointed out that the experience of his first term in office would help him avoid future errors. Romania is going through difficult times, Traian Basescu said, and “the consequences of the global economic crisis will still be reaching Romania.” That is why, he said:
“I believe the time of coalitions against someone is gone. Now is the time of dialogue, of capitalising on skills, regardless of which part of the political spectrum they come from.”

The president also argued that, quote “the project of modernising Romania must help us regain confidence in ourselves and in each other. That cannot be the project of one man or one party.” End of quote. He encouraged the new government to remain open to social dialogue, and called on trade unions not to settle for “short term advantages” alone. The priorities of his new term in office include strengthening the role of Parliament by shifting to a single-chamber legislative body, with up to 300 members. That was the choice of over three-quarters of the voters that took part in the national referendum of November the 22nd.

Other priorities include the overhaul of rural communities, the reform of education and research sector, and the shift to the Euro. Romanians abroad were not overlooked either, as the president called them “the engines of Romania’s progress,” whose merit must be acknowledged. As for the country’s foreign policy, the head of state mentioned the good relations with France, the USA and the ex-Soviet state, predominantly Romanian-speaking Republic of Moldova, which “will remain an essential pillar.”