Ion Iliescu’s Death Deepens Romanian Political Divisions

Ion Iliescu, Romania’s first elected president after the fall of communism, died at age 95, prompting renewed debate over his complex legacy. While credited with guiding Romania towards democracy, NATO, and EU membership, Iliescu remains controversial due to allegations of crimes against humanity during the 1989 revolution and subsequent crackdowns. His state funeral was attended by many political and religious figures but was boycotted by key leaders and the Save Romania Union (USR) party, leading to political tensions and the suspension of coalition meetings. The Social Democratic Party, which Iliescu founded, criticized the boycott and called for political maturity. Internationally, figures such as China’s leadership paid tribute to Iliescu’s diplomatic contributions. Despite his retirement from public life and recent health decline, Iliescu's influence and the debate over his legacy continue to shape Romanian politics.