Ion Iliescu, Romania’s former president who led the country through its turbulent transition from communism to democracy, has died at the age of 95, the Romanian government announced on Tuesday.
“It is with deep regret that the government announces the passing of the former President of Romania, Mr. Ion Iliescu,” read a statement posted online, offering condolences to his family and loved ones. Details of a state funeral will be announced in the coming days.
Iliescu had been hospitalized since early June with lung cancer, and his condition was reported as “critical” last week by a Bucharest hospital.
Born on March 3, 1930, Iliescu was once a close ally of communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, serving as youth minister. However, he fell out of favor in the 1970s and was sidelined from power.
He reemerged as a key figure during the 1989 anti-communist revolution that overthrew Ceaușescu. Under unclear circumstances, Iliescu declared himself head of the interim government, forming the National Salvation Front.
He won Romania’s first democratic presidential election in 1990 by a landslide, was reelected in 1992, lost in 1996, and returned for a final term in 2000. During his third term, Romania joined NATO in 2004 and signed its EU accession treaty, becoming a full member in 2007.
Iliescu remained a controversial figure. He was indicted for crimes against humanity related to the 1989 revolution and for his role in violently suppressing protests in 1990 by calling in miners to confront demonstrators. Despite years of legal proceedings, he never stood trial and consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Iliescu had not been seen publicly since 2017, when he was questioned by prosecutors.