Ion Iliescu: Romania’s democratic pioneer

Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu Passes Away at 95

Ion Iliescu, Romania’s long‑standing “little father,” died Tuesday after a battle with lung cancer. His death sparked national mourning, with the government designating August 7 as a day of remembrance.

Background and Rise to Power

Born on March 3, 1930, Iliescu began his political career as a youth minister under Nicolae Ceausescu. In the 1970s he fell out of favor, but the December 1989 uprising ushered him to the forefront of the National Salvation Front, an interim governing body that emerged from the overthrow of Ceausescu.

• Iliescu secured a sweeping victory in May 1990, the country’s first post‑communist democratic election.
• He was reelected for a four‑year term in 1992, lost the 1996 poll, but returned to office in 2000 for a third term.
• During his last term, Romania joined NATO (2004) and signed the EU accession treaty, member state by 2007.

Political Legacy and Controversy

Despite being revered in many rural regions, Iliescu faced serious legal challenges, including charges of crimes against humanity over the violence that erupted during the fall of communism, which claimed more than 850 lives. A separate indictment accused him of calling in miners to quash student protests after his 1990 election, a crackdown that drew worldwide condemnation. Legal wranglings kept him from trial in either case.

“I would rather be poor but honest than rich and a thief,” Iliescu once declared, underscoring his reputed commitment to integrity.

Personal Highlights

Fluent in English, French, and Russian, Iliescu was married to Nina, a woman who appeared publicly only at national elections. He had no children.

Aftermath and National Mourning

The government announced Iliescu’s death in a statement on Tuesday, following his hospitalization in early June. August 7 was declared a day of national mourning to honor the former president’s considerable influence on Romania’s transition from communism to democracy.