Ion Iliescu, a key political figure who shaped modern Romanian statehood, died on August 5 at the age of 95. His political career spans one of the most dynamic decades in Romanian history - the transition from a totalitarian regime to a democratic society.
Born on March 3, 1930, in the Danubian city of Oltenița, Iliescu initially studied engineering in Moscow during the Stalinist era. This period of his development became the first step towards his future political career, albeit marked by speculations about possible connections with the communist elite.
His political trajectory passed through various stages - from rising in the communist party to marginalization during Nicolae Ceaușescu's time, and subsequently ascending during the revolutionary events of December 1989.
The revolution, which lasted from December 16 to 25 and claimed over 1,000 lives, became a turning point. Iliescu established himself as the leader of the National Salvation Front and took the interim presidential post, which he subsequently confirmed through the first democratic elections.
His governance was marked by controversial moments. On one hand - successful integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, adoption of a democratic constitution and market reforms. On the other - accusations of deepening corruption practices and violent suppression of civic protests.
Particularly controversial remains the episode of the so-called "Mineriad" in 1990, when miners brutally suppressed student demonstrations in the capital at his invitation, which caused international media coverage.
Political analyst Teodor Tita describes him as a "complex personality who simultaneously builds and destroys democratic institutions". Iliescu managed to win three presidential terms - initially in 1990, then in 1992, and finally between 2000-2004.
His political career includes significant achievements - NATO membership, completion of negotiations for EU accession, and first steps towards a market economy. At the same time, he remains accused of delaying judicial reforms and maintaining corruption practices from the communist era.
In 2017, Iliescu was officially charged with crimes against humanity related to revolutionary events and violence from the early 1990s. However, legal proceedings remain without a final decision.
In the last years of his life, he retired from active politics but continued to publish political comments on his personal blog. His last public statement was in May 2025, when he congratulated President Nicusor Dan on his electoral victory.
Ion Iliescu's death marks the end of an era and closes a page in the extremely dynamic Romanian political history. His personality remains deeply divisive - simultaneously perceived as a hero and an anti-hero of the democratic transition.