A key figure in Romania's transition from communism, Iliescu served two terms as president and faced controversy over his involvement in post-revolution violence.
Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu Passes Away at 95
Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu Passes Away at 95
Ion Iliescu, the first democratically elected president of Romania, has died following a battle with lung cancer.
Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu has died at the age of 95, following health challenges including a diagnosis of lung cancer. He had been hospitalized in early June in Bucharest, where he received extensive medical treatment before his passing. An official government statement expressed deep sorrow over his death and promised to provide details regarding a state funeral.
Iliescu became a pivotal leader during Romania's chaotic evolution from a communist state to a democratic government. He served two terms as the nation’s first freely elected president, from 1996-2000 and again from 2000-2004. His leadership was marred by accusations of crimes against humanity linked to the violent events surrounding the fall of Romania's communist regime in 1989, which he denied. In 2019, he faced charges related to this, but a conviction remained elusive.
In addition, Iliescu was embroiled in controversy for his role in the reference incident known as the Mineriad in 1990, when he called in miners to suppress student-led protests, an action that drew widespread international condemnation for its brutality.
Born on March 3, 1930, in Oltenița, Iliescu had largely retreated from the public spotlight in recent years, although he did communicate through a personal blog. His last entry occurred on May 19, where he acknowledged congratulations to Bucharest’s mayor, Nicusor Dan, on his election to the presidency.
