Elena Basescu Romanian politician Date of Birth: 24.04.1980 Country: Romania

1. Early Life and Education
2. Entry into Politics
3. Later Career
4. Family

Early Life and Education

Elena Băsescu was born on April 24, 1980, in Constanța, Romania, the daughter of future Romanian President Traian Băsescu. From 1999 to 2004, she studied at James Madison University in Virginia, earning a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance. Subsequently, from 2005 to 2007, she attended the National School of Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest, obtaining a Master's degree in Political Science.

Entry into Politics

In 2008, Elena Băsescu was hired as an intern at the European Parliament by Monica Iacob Ridzi, the head of the Democratic Liberal Party's youth wing. She began working there on September 1, 2008, and was involved in European Parliament committee and debate participation, as well as learning parliamentary procedures and report writing.

On May 28, 2009, during the European Parliament campaign, Băsescu became embroiled in controversy when she was invited on the Antena 2 television program "Hard Talk." When asked about her stance on controversial European Union policies, including the legalization of soft drugs, she initially expressed support for the legalization of marijuana. This statement was widely reported in the Romanian press, sparking public outcry. Băsescu later issued a statement clarifying her comments, emphasizing that marijuana could not be legalized in Romania regardless of its potential negative health effects.

Despite the campaign turmoil, Băsescu was elected to the European Parliament on July 14, 2009, as an independent candidate. During her tenure, she served in three delegations: the Delegation for Relations with Israel (D-IL), the Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (D-MD), and the Delegation for Relations with the United States (D-US).

Later Career

As of 2017, Elena Băsescu held a position at the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Family

Băsescu married Bogdan Ionescu, and they had two children, Sofia and Traian. However, the couple announced their divorce in 2016. As part of the separation agreement, Ionescu was ordered to pay child support of 1200 euros per month, as well as cover all expenses related to the children's education.