Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu, a key figure in the country's transition from a communist regime to a democratic government, has passed away at the age of 95. Iliescu succumbed to lung cancer after being hospitalized in Bucharest earlier this June. His death was confirmed by the Romanian government, expressing sorrow over the loss of the former president.
Born in Oltenita on March 3, 1930, Iliescu made history as Romania's first freely elected president, serving from 1990 to 1996 and again from 2000 to 2004. His political journey began with a background in engineering and a stint in the Communist Party before leaving politics in the 1980s, only to re-emerge during Romania's revolution and subsequent changes in governance.
Although Iliescu faced allegations of crimes against humanity related to the violent revolts of 1989 and their aftermath, he consistently denied any wrongdoing. Prosecutors in 2018 accused him of failing to curb violence that resulted in over 1,100 deaths during the revolution, and for inciting violent miners to quell protests in the early 1990s, but these charges were eventually dropped.
His death has drawn responses from both political allies and opponents. Current Romanian President Nicusor Dan remarked that "history will judge" Iliescu’s legacy, while former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu described him as one of the most influential figures in Romania's modern history. The current leader of the Social Democratic Party, Sorin Grindeanu, noted Iliescu's deep empathy and significant role in shaping the party and the course of Romanian politics.
In recent years, Iliescu’s health had deteriorated, with medical issues that necessitated surgeries. He leaves behind his wife, Nina Serbanescu, and his state funeral is scheduled for August 6 and 7, where the public will have the opportunity to pay their last respects at his lying-in-state in Bucharest, followed by a military service at Ghencea Military Cemetery.
