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Former Romanian first post-communist president, Ion Iliescu, passes away
2025-08-05 20:45:48 / BOTA
Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu, who presided over the country's chaotic transition from communism to democracy, has died at the age of 95.
Iliescu was diagnosed with lung cancer and hospitalized in early June in Romania's capital, Bucharest.
" With deep regret, the government announces the passing of the former President of Romania, Mr. Ion Iliescu ," a government statement said, adding that details of a state funeral will be shared soon.
Iliescu was Romania's first freely elected president and served twice, from 1986 to 1996 and from 2000 to 2004. He was accused of crimes against humanity during the violent revolt that toppled Romania's communist regime in 1989, but always denied any wrongdoing.
Charges were filed in 2019, but he was never convicted.
In a separate case, he was also indicted for his role in calling on miners to suppress student protests after his election in 1990.
The bloody crackdown, which became known as the Mineriada, sparked widespread international condemnation.
Before his latest hospitalization, Iliescu had regular medical checkups at Elias Hospital in Bucharest.
In 2019, he underwent surgery for pericardial effusion – a condition that affects the heart.
Born on March 3, 1930, in the southern city of Oltenița, Iliescu had largely withdrawn from public life in recent years, although he occasionally shared written messages on his personal blog.
In his last post, on May 19, he congratulated the liberal and pro-EU mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, on his election as president.
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