Ion Iliescu, Romania's first elected president and a pivotal figure during the country’s shift from communism to democracy, has passed away at the age of 95, following a battle with lung cancer.
Ion Iliescu, Former Romanian President, Passes Away at 95
Ion Iliescu, Former Romanian President, Passes Away at 95
Ion Iliescu's death marks the end of an era in Romania’s political landscape.
Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu, who led the country through turbulent times and was integral in its transition from communism to democracy, has died at the age of 95. His passing was announced by the government of Romania, expressing deep regret over the loss. Iliescu was diagnosed with lung cancer and had been hospitalized since early June in Bucharest.
Born in 1930 in Oltenita, Iliescu studied engineering in Russia before entering the political realm as a member of the Communist Party. He stepped away from politics in 1980, but his political career was reignited after the revolution in 1989 that led to the overthrow of Romania’s communist regime. Elected president in 1990 under the Social Democratic Party banner, Iliescu went on to serve two non-consecutive terms, returning for a third in 2000, during a pivotal time when Romania joined NATO and sought EU membership.
Despite his significant contributions, Iliescu’s legacy is marred by controversy. He faced accusations of crimes against humanity related to the violent events of the 1989 revolution, in which over 1,000 people lost their lives. Although he was indicted by prosecutors in 2018 for his actions during this tumultuous period, the charges were eventually dropped. He also faced allegations related to violent crackdowns during student protests in 1990, which resulted in further casualties.
In recent years, Iliescu had retreated from public life. His death has spurred a range of reactions from political figures in Romania. Current President Nicusor Dan noted that “history will judge” Iliescu’s role in the country’s past, while former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu remarked on Iliescu’s influence in shaping Romanian democracy. Sorin Grindeanu, leader of the Social Democratic Party, emphasized the lasting impact of Iliescu's leadership on the progression of social democracy in Romania.
Iliescu's health had been in decline, undergoing various medical treatments, including surgery for a heart condition in 2019. He is survived by his wife, Nina Serbanescu, and has no children. A state funeral is scheduled for August 6 and 7, where the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects before a military service at Ghencea Military Cemetery.
Born in 1930 in Oltenita, Iliescu studied engineering in Russia before entering the political realm as a member of the Communist Party. He stepped away from politics in 1980, but his political career was reignited after the revolution in 1989 that led to the overthrow of Romania’s communist regime. Elected president in 1990 under the Social Democratic Party banner, Iliescu went on to serve two non-consecutive terms, returning for a third in 2000, during a pivotal time when Romania joined NATO and sought EU membership.
Despite his significant contributions, Iliescu’s legacy is marred by controversy. He faced accusations of crimes against humanity related to the violent events of the 1989 revolution, in which over 1,000 people lost their lives. Although he was indicted by prosecutors in 2018 for his actions during this tumultuous period, the charges were eventually dropped. He also faced allegations related to violent crackdowns during student protests in 1990, which resulted in further casualties.
In recent years, Iliescu had retreated from public life. His death has spurred a range of reactions from political figures in Romania. Current President Nicusor Dan noted that “history will judge” Iliescu’s role in the country’s past, while former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu remarked on Iliescu’s influence in shaping Romanian democracy. Sorin Grindeanu, leader of the Social Democratic Party, emphasized the lasting impact of Iliescu's leadership on the progression of social democracy in Romania.
Iliescu's health had been in decline, undergoing various medical treatments, including surgery for a heart condition in 2019. He is survived by his wife, Nina Serbanescu, and has no children. A state funeral is scheduled for August 6 and 7, where the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects before a military service at Ghencea Military Cemetery.
