**Ion Iliescu, Romania’s First Democratically Elected President, Passes Away at 95**

Ion Iliescu, Romania's pioneering leader post-communism, has died at the age of 95, leaving behind a contentious yet significant legacy in the nation’s transition to democracy.

Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu has passed away at the age of 95, after being hospitalized due to lung cancer since early June. His death was officially announced through a statement from the Romanian government, reflecting a nation still grappling with the aftermath of his controversial political career.

Iliescu, who was the first freely elected president of Romania, held office twice—first from 1990 to 1996, and then from 2000 to 2004. His tenure was marked by both milestones and controversies, particularly surrounding his involvement during the 1989 revolution, which led to the fall of the communist regime. While the revolution saw over 1,000 fatalities, Iliescu faced accusations of crimes against humanity, charges he continuously denied. In 2018, he was indicted for allegedly failing to prevent violence during the uprising, although these charges were ultimately dropped.

Born in 1930 in Oltenita and trained as an engineer in Russia, Iliescu’s political career began with the Communist Party before he resurfaced as a leader during Romania's transition in the late 1980s. He was elected president in 1990 after the revolution and served a second term after winning back the presidency in 2000, during which pivotal decisions, such as Romania's NATO membership and the initiation of EU membership talks, were undertaken.

Despite holding significant sway over Romanian politics and society, Iliescu remained a polarizing figure. His recent health issues were compounded by public scrutiny, as he faced legal challenges related to events during his rule. His legacy sparked varied recollections from contemporary politicians, with Romania's President Nicusor Dan emphasizing the need to critically assess unresolved historical issues from that period.

Former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu noted Iliescu's influential role in shaping modern Romanian social democracy, while Sorin Grindeanu, current leader of the Social Democratic Party, acknowledged Iliescu's empathetic political approach.

In his later years, Iliescu had largely retreated from public life, receiving treatment for health issues, including surgery for heart complications in 2019. He is survived by his wife, Nina Serbanescu, and will be honored with a state funeral on August 6-7, allowing the public to pay their final respects before a military service at Ghencea Military Cemetery. As historians and political analysts reflect on Iliescu's multifaceted legacy, Romania continues to navigate the impacts of its storied past.