Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu has passed away at the age of 95 after a long battle with lung cancer. Iliescu was instrumental in Romania's shift from a communist regime to a democratic system, serving two non-consecutive presidential terms between 1990-1996 and 2000-2004. He was hospitalized in Bucharest in early June, and the Romanian government expressed deep regret over his passing through an official statement.
Iliescu, born in 1930 in Oltenita, began his political career after studying engineering in Russia and subsequently joining the Communist Party in Romania. Although he retired from politics in 1980, he resurfaced in 1989 during the revolution against communism. His leadership during this tumultuous period saw him accused of crimes against humanity due to the violent events that resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 people. However, he consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In his first presidential term, Iliescu was re-elected in 1992 but lost in 1996 to a rival party. He returned for a final presidential stint from 2000 to 2004, overseeing Romania's accession to NATO and the initiation of its EU membership bid. Despite his controversial career, political figures reflected on Iliescu's influence in Romania's recent history following his death. Current President Nicusor Dan remarked, "history will judge" Iliescu, recognizing his role in the chaotic transition of the 1990s.
Iliescu had largely stepped back from politics in recent years but faced several legal challenges. While he was indicted over his role during the revolution and the "Mineriad" crackdown against student protests, the charges were eventually dropped. Politicians across the spectrum commemorated his impactful presence, with the current leader of the Social Democratic Party, Sorin Grindeanu, highlighting Iliescu's empathy for the vulnerable.
His health had been a concern in the last decade; he underwent heart surgery in 2019 and received ongoing medical treatment until his hospitalization. Iliescu is survived by his wife, Nina Serbanescu, and will be honored with a state funeral on August 6 and 7, allowing the public to pay their respects at his lying-in-state and a subsequent military service at Ghencea Military Cemetery.
