Funeral services conducted for Romania's initial post-communist president, Ion Iliescu, during the recent week.
National Mourning Declared for Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu
Romania is observing a national day of mourning on August 7, following the death of Ion Iliescu, the country's first elected head of state after the fall of communism. Iliescu passed away on Tuesday, August 5, at the age of 92.
Iliescu served as president for three terms: 1990-1992, 1992-1996, and 2000-2004. His legacy is closely tied to the Romanian Revolution of December 1989 and the violent "Mineriads" of the early 1990s.
On August 7, public institutions and authorities will fly the Romanian flag at half-mast. A final funeral ceremony for Iliescu will be held at Cotroceni on Thursday, in the presence of dignitaries and military guards. The coffin, transported from Agrippa Ionescu Hospital to the Cotroceni Palace on Wednesday, is currently on public display in the Unirii Hall at Cotroceni, with high-ranking officials expected to present their condolences during the morning.
Strict security and ceremonial rules are being enforced, including a ban on photography, video recording, and access for children under 14. Members of the public are allowed to pay their respects between 13:00 and 18:00 on Wednesday. A final religious ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday evening, followed by a military guard vigil overnight. The burial ceremony for Iliescu will be held in the presence of family members and close associates.
Iliescu's role in the June 1990 Mineriad, a period of violent unrest, has been a subject of controversy. In April 2025, he, along with former officials, was indicted for crimes against humanity related to the June 1990 Mineriad. The only individual specifically indicted for these crimes is Ion Iliescu himself. Colonel Ion Nicolae and Warrant Officer Corneliu Dumitrescu, both former security officers, were also convicted for their actions during the Mineriad.
In the separate "1989 Revolution" case, Iliescu was accused of deceiving the public through disinformation campaigns coordinated with military leadership between December 22 and 30, 1989. However, this trial was suspended with procedural delays and eventually dropped.
This is the first time in post-communist Romania that a state funeral is held for a former head of state. Military honors were provided by the 30th Guard Brigade "Mihai Viteazul" during the transportation of Iliescu's casket.
[1] "Ion Iliescu, Romania's Controversial Former President, Dies at 92." The New York Times. August 5, 2025. [2] "Ion Iliescu's Role in the June 1990 Mineriad and Legal Status." Romanian Prosecutor's Office. June 13, 2017. [3] "The 1989 Revolution Trial: Procedural Delays and Dropped Charges." Romanian Justice System. February 1, 2023.
The death of Ion Iliescu, Romania's former president, has sparked general news coverage and a renewed examination of war-and-conflicts such as the controversial June 1990 Mineriad, as well as policy-and-legislation surrounding his indictment for crimes against humanity. His legacy, which is inextricably linked to the Romanian Revolution of December 1989, continues to influence the politics of modern Romania.
