Ion Iliescu, Romania’s first freely elected president after Communism, helped bring down the country’s dictatorship and led its transition to democracy and a market economy. A central figure in the 1989 revolution, he went on to serve three terms as head of state – but was later charged with crimes against humanity. The 95-year-old, who died on Tuesday, leaves behind a deeply divided legacy.
“Today's Romania is the creation of Ion Iliescu,” said Ioan Stanomir, a professor of political science at the University of Bucharest, speaking to RFI's Romanian service.
