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Winnipeg Free Press
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ion Iliescu's death exposes Romania's deep divisions over his legacy as former leader laid to rest
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — On the day of Ion Iliescu's funeral, the polarizing legacy of Romania's first elected president after the fall of communism was laid bare. While many dignitaries paid their respects, others highlighted the oppression and bloodshed they say defined his political career. A religious ceremony was held on Thursday in a church at the presidential Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest before Iliescu's casket was transferred to a cemetery for a funeral procession with military honors. He died on Tuesday, aged 95, after a lung cancer diagnosis in June following years of ill health. But as flags on official buildings flew at half-staff on Thursday, a national day of mourning, the former president's passing exposed stark divisions over his role in Romania's violent transition after 1989, from communist dictatorship to a free market economy and eventual membership of NATO and the European Union. Iliescu's passing triggers coalition spat Many former leaders and officials paid tribute to Iliescu, in contrast to the Save Romania Union party, a governing coalition partner that opposed the day of national mourning and said party representatives would not attend the funeral, triggering a rift in the recently sworn-in government. USR's decision drew the ire of coalition partners from the Social Democratic Party, or PSD, which Iliescu founded and has been the most dominant party since the revolution. 'These are just shameful attacks from people who will never live up to the legacy left by the founding leader of the PSD,' Marcel Ciolacu, a former PSD leader and prime minister, said in a post on Facebook, adding that it 'demonstrates only sick hatred and lack of decency.' A notable absence from the funeral was Romania's recently elected President Nicusor Dan, who founded the USR party in 2016, and sent a short statement after the former president's death, stating that 'history will judge Ion Iliescu.' Legal battles mounted in later years After largely retiring from public life in 2017, Iliescu's later years were plagued by major legal battles, including charges of crimes against humanity over his alleged role in the bloodshed of the revolution and the violent suppression of civilian protesters in the early 1990s. Iliescu, who served as a minister in the Communist government but was sidelined in 1971, held de facto military authority during the anti-communist revolt. He assumed power after Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena were executed by firing squad on Dec. 25, 1989. More than 1,100 people died during the revolution, 862 of them after Iliescu had seized power. He denied any wrongdoing. In 2018, military prosecutors charged Iliescu with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent 'numerous situations' in which civilians were needlessly killed during the revolution. At the time of his death, he had never been convicted, and the case remained open. In January this year, Iliescu's legal woes mounted when prosecutors charged him with crimes against humanity in a second case. Prosecutors allege he implemented policies that led to a violent crackdown on civilian protesters in Bucharest in 1990, who were demanding the removal of former communists from power. Iliescu had called on coal miners from the Jiu Valley to 'restore order' in the capital. At least four people were killed. Some are mourning victims of transition years A demonstration organized in Bucharest later on Thursday by the civic activist group 'Corruption Kills,' which opposed the national day of mourning, stated Iliescu's passing should serve as 'a moment of critical reflection and remembrance' of the victims of violent repression under his leadership. 'We will do some mourning … but we will do it for the victims, not for the oppressor, not for the killer,' Florin Badita-Nistor, the group's founder, told The Associated Press. Twice re-elected, in 1992 and 2000, Iliescu was a central figure in the country's transition years and its shift westward during his last tenure, which paved the way to membership of NATO and the EU. In recent years, Iliescu's health declined. In 2019, he underwent heart surgery and spent nearly two months in hospital before his death, during which he received the lung cancer diagnosis. — Stephen McGrath reported from Leamington Spa, U.K.
06-08-2025
- Politics
Casket of Romania's divisive first post-communist president, Ion Iliescu, lies in state for funeral
BUCHAREST, Romania -- The casket carrying the body of Ion Iliescu, Romania's first elected president after the bloody fall of communism in 1989, was transferred on Wednesday from the hospital where he died to the capital's presidential palace for a state funeral as his death continues to divide opinion. Eight soldiers carried the casket into a grand hall at Cotroceni Palace, where it lay in state draped with Romania's tricolor flag, as an Orthodox religious ceremony was held to mark the passing of the divisive former president. Iliescu died on Tuesday, aged 95, after he was diagnosed in June with lung cancer. He will be buried at a cemetery in Bucharest on Thursday, which has been declared a national day of mourning in memory of the late president, and flags on official buildings shall fly at half-staff. But in death, as he was in life, Iliescu remains a polarizing figure. His life after politics was beleaguered not only by ill health but also by major legal battles, including charges of crimes against humanity over his alleged role in the bloodshed of the revolution and violence in the aftermath. Dominic Fritz, president of the governing coalition partner Save Romania Union party, said in a post on social media late Tuesday that his party proposed in a government meeting 'that there should be no national mourning' and that USR representatives would not attend the funeral. After paying his respects next to Iliescu's casket on Wednesday, along with other former leaders and state officials, former Romanian prime minister Victor Ponta labelled Iliescu a 'truly historical personality." 'With good or bad decisions, with great or heinous deeds, with people who loved him and others who hated him. Those who see only good deeds, or only bad deeds, are doing propaganda — not history,' he wrote in a post on Facebook. 'Commenting from the sidelines is always easier.' Many view Iliescu's death as the end of an era in Romania's modern history, a chapter in which he was a central figure in the country's abrupt transition from communist dictatorship to free-market democracy, and later became a member of NATO and the European Union. Iliescu, who served as a minister in the Communist government but was sidelined in 1971, held de facto military authority during the anti-communist revolt. He assumed power after Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena were executed by firing squad on Dec. 25, 1989. More than 1,100 people died during the revolution, 862 of them after Iliescu had seized power. He denied any wrongdoing. In 2018, military prosecutors charged Iliescu with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent 'numerous situations' in which civilians were needlessly killed during the revolution. Prosecutors alleged he had spread false information through state media, creating a 'generalized psychosis' that fueled chaos and bloodshed. The charges refer to a five-day period during the uprising, after Ceausescu fled Bucharest on Dec. 22, 1989. At the time of Iliescu's death, he had never been convicted, and the case remained open. Twice re-elected, in 1992 and 2000, Iliescu had largely withdrawn from public life by 2017. In recent years, his health had declined. In 2019, he underwent heart surgery, was diagnosed with lung cancer in June and spent nearly two months in hospital before his death. In a statement on its official website, Romania's Social Democratic Party, or PSD, which Iliescu founded, called it 'a very sad day for Romania.' 'He was a strong leader, loved by most, contested by others, as happens in democracy,' the statement read. 'In the history of the last 35 years, the Ion Iliescu chapter is the most important.' In January this year, Iliescu's legal woes mounted when prosecutors charged him with crimes against humanity in a second case. Prosecutors allege he implemented policies that led to a violent crackdown on civilian protesters in Bucharest in 1990, who were demanding the removal of former communists from power. Iliescu had called on coal miners from the Jiu Valley to 'restore order' in the capital. At least four people were killed. Despite maintaining good relations with the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991, Romania became a member of the NATO military alliance in 2004 during his last presidential term. After his last term ended, Iliescu served as a lawmaker in the PSD, Romania's dominant political party since communism ended. It is now a junior partner in the governing coalition. Sorin Grindeanu, the current PSD leader, said on Wednesday that his party would not attend coalition meetings 'until those from USR show political maturity and review their attitude.' 'We ask all politicians to show respect and decency towards the first president of democratic Romania, the one who led Romania on the European and Euro-Atlantic path,' he wrote in a post on Facebook. After President Nicusor Dan's victory in Romania's tense presidential rerun in May, Iliescu congratulated the new pro-Western leader in a blog post, noting that Romania 'is going through a complex period' and faces economic, social, and geopolitical challenges. 'Romania needs coherence, dialogue and a firm commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and its European path,' he said. 'I am convinced that you will exercise this responsibility with dignity and a sense of duty to the nation.'
Associated Press
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Casket of Romania's divisive first post-communist president, Ion Iliescu, lies in state for funeral
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — The casket carrying the body of Ion Iliescu, Romania's first elected president after the bloody fall of communism in 1989, was transferred on Wednesday from the hospital where he died to the capital's presidential palace for a state funeral as his death continues to divide opinion. Eight soldiers carried the casket into a grand hall at Cotroceni Palace, where it lay in state draped with Romania's tricolor flag, as an Orthodox religious ceremony was held to mark the passing of the divisive former president. Iliescu died on Tuesday, aged 95, after he was diagnosed in June with lung cancer. He will be buried at a cemetery in Bucharest on Thursday, which has been declared a national day of mourning in memory of the late president, and flags on official buildings shall fly at half-staff. But in death, as he was in life, Iliescu remains a polarizing figure. His life after politics was beleaguered not only by ill health but also by major legal battles, including charges of crimes against humanity over his alleged role in the bloodshed of the revolution and violence in the aftermath. End of an era Dominic Fritz, president of the governing coalition partner Save Romania Union party, said in a post on social media late Tuesday that his party proposed in a government meeting 'that there should be no national mourning' and that USR representatives would not attend the funeral. After paying his respects next to Iliescu's casket on Wednesday, along with other former leaders and state officials, former Romanian prime minister Victor Ponta labelled Iliescu a 'truly historical personality.' 'With good or bad decisions, with great or heinous deeds, with people who loved him and others who hated him. Those who see only good deeds, or only bad deeds, are doing propaganda — not history,' he wrote in a post on Facebook. 'Commenting from the sidelines is always easier.' Many view Iliescu's death as the end of an era in Romania's modern history, a chapter in which he was a central figure in the country's abrupt transition from communist dictatorship to free-market democracy, and later became a member of NATO and the European Union. Iliescu, who served as a minister in the Communist government but was sidelined in 1971, held de facto military authority during the anti-communist revolt. He assumed power after Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena were executed by firing squad on Dec. 25, 1989. More than 1,100 people died during the revolution, 862 of them after Iliescu had seized power. He denied any wrongdoing. In 2018, military prosecutors charged Iliescu with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent 'numerous situations' in which civilians were needlessly killed during the revolution. Prosecutors alleged he had spread false information through state media, creating a 'generalized psychosis' that fueled chaos and bloodshed. The charges refer to a five-day period during the uprising, after Ceausescu fled Bucharest on Dec. 22, 1989. At the time of Iliescu's death, he had never been convicted, and the case remained open. Iliescu's legal woes Twice re-elected, in 1992 and 2000, Iliescu had largely withdrawn from public life by 2017. In recent years, his health had declined. In 2019, he underwent heart surgery, was diagnosed with lung cancer in June and spent nearly two months in hospital before his death. In a statement on its official website, Romania's Social Democratic Party, or PSD, which Iliescu founded, called it 'a very sad day for Romania.' 'He was a strong leader, loved by most, contested by others, as happens in democracy,' the statement read. 'In the history of the last 35 years, the Ion Iliescu chapter is the most important.' In January this year, Iliescu's legal woes mounted when prosecutors charged him with crimes against humanity in a second case. Prosecutors allege he implemented policies that led to a violent crackdown on civilian protesters in Bucharest in 1990, who were demanding the removal of former communists from power. Iliescu had called on coal miners from the Jiu Valley to 'restore order' in the capital. At least four people were killed. Despite maintaining good relations with the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991, Romania became a member of the NATO military alliance in 2004 during his last presidential term. After his last term ended, Iliescu served as a lawmaker in the PSD, Romania's dominant political party since communism ended. It is now a junior partner in the governing coalition. Sorin Grindeanu, the current PSD leader, said on Wednesday that his party would not attend coalition meetings 'until those from USR show political maturity and review their attitude.' 'We ask all politicians to show respect and decency towards the first president of democratic Romania, the one who led Romania on the European and Euro-Atlantic path,' he wrote in a post on Facebook. After President Nicusor Dan's victory in Romania's tense presidential rerun in May, Iliescu congratulated the new pro-Western leader in a blog post, noting that Romania 'is going through a complex period' and faces economic, social, and geopolitical challenges. 'Romania needs coherence, dialogue and a firm commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and its European path,' he said. 'I am convinced that you will exercise this responsibility with dignity and a sense of duty to the nation.' Dan described the late president on Tuesday as 'the central figure of the 1990s transition' and said that 'history will judge Ion Iliescu.' — Stephen McGrath reported from Leamington Spa, U.K.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Military rulers in Mali dissolve all political parties
Mali's military junta has dissolved all political parties in the country amid a growing crackdown on dissent since the army seized power. "All meetings of members of political parties and organisations of a political character are dissolved across the national territory," a statement read on state TV on Tuesday said. The decision was validated by military leader Assimi Goïta, who seized power after coups in 2020 and 2021 and is due to stay in power for at least another five years despite pledges to hold elections. The move is expected to spark fresh resistance by political parties who have been demanding the country returns to democratic rule. Since last year, the military authorities have intensified a crackdown on political activity. Last week, following a rare pro-democracy protest, two opposition leaders were abducted by armed men saying they were police officers. The authorities have not commented on the reported arrests. A national conference organised by the regime - but boycotted by leading opposition parties - last month recommended naming Gen Goïta as president until 2030. The move sparked condemnation from opposition figures and human rights groups. The junta originally committed to holding elections in February 2022. The presidential decree read on Tuesday evening warned Malians not to ignore the dissolution of political parties but did not outline any penalties. It said that anyone working in a political or administrative role could "continue their duties without party affiliation". The main opposition coalition is yet to comment but one of its members, Nouhoum Togo, downplayed the move in a social media post. "No matter how hard they try to make you invisible, your value doesn't depend on their recognition," Togo, president of the Union for the Safeguarding of the Republic (USR) party, posted. The latest order follows the suspension of all political activity - another recommendation from the national conference - which sparked uproar from the opposition. A coalition of a hundred parties had planned a protest against the transitional authorities last week but postponed it following the suspension of political activities. Since taking power, the junta leader has formed an alliance with coup leaders in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, pivoting the region towards Russia after drastically reducing ties with former colonial power France. Gen Goïta has also withdrawn Mali from the regional grouping Ecowas over its demands to restore democratic rule. Burkina Faso and Niger have also left the grouping. The region with more 'terror deaths' than rest of world combined Three military-run states leave West African bloc - what will change? Why young Africans are celebrating military takeovers Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
The Mainichi
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Romania's hard-right candidate will face a pro-EU reformist in presidential runoff
Presidential candidate George Simion addresses supporters via video link after polls closed for the first round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, on May 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) -- After decisively winning the most votes in Romania's first-round presidential election redo, hard-right nationalist George Simion will face a pro-Western reformist in a pivotal runoff in two weeks that could reshape the European Union and NATO member country's geopolitical direction. Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, far outpaced all other candidates in the polls with 40.96% of the vote, according to official electoral data, after all votes were counted from Sunday's election. In second place was reformist Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan with 20.99%. The runoff will be held on May 18 between the two staunchly anti-establishment candidates but ideological opposites, who have made their political careers railing against Romania's old political class. Dan, a 55-year-old mathematician and former anti-corruption activist who founded the Save Romania Union party (USR) in 2016, ran on a pro-EU ticket, told the media early Monday that "a difficult second round lies ahead, against an isolationist candidate." "This was a democratic process that Romania needed -- this won't be a debate between individuals, it will be a debate between a pro-Western direction for Romania and an anti-Western one," he said. "I call on all Romanians to be part of this battle, and I am optimistic that we will win." In third place was the governing coalition's joint candidate, Crin Antonescu, with 20.07%, and behind him Victor Ponta, a former prime minister from 2012-2015, with 13% of the vote, while Elena Lasconi, who came second in last year's first round ballot, only obtained about 2.6%. In response to Antonescu's poor showing, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday. Final turnout stood at 9.57 million people -- or 53.2% of eligible voters, according to data from the electoral authorities. Last year's election was annulled after the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu topped the first round, following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied. The election redo took place months after an annulled vote plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades. Simion, who came fourth in last year's race and later backed Georgescu, said in a prerecorded speech aired after polls closed Sunday that, "I am here to restore constitutional order. " "I want democracy, I want normalcy, and I have a single objective: to give back to the Romanian people what was taken from them and to place at the center of decision-making the ordinary, honest, dignified people," he said. After her poor showing in Sunday's vote, Lasconi announced her resignation on Monday as leader of the USR party, saying, "I fought with all my strength against a rotten, corrupt system that has kept us captive for 35 years." "Our efforts must be directed toward supporting a pro-European path and accelerating the transformation of a system that has proven dysfunctional and not in the citizens' interest," she said. The presidential role carries a five-year term and significant decision-making powers in national security and foreign policy. Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant, said that Sunday's outcome will likely trigger a "crisis" within the mainstream parties, and the runoff will pit pro-Western ideas against "more conservative, patriotic messaging." "We'll have two anti-establishment candidates, one that is anti-establishment with a more conservative view of how Romania should advance, and a pro-Western anti-establishment," he told The Associated Press. "This is the most important thing to say: that it will be like a total anti-establishment movement on both sides of the road." In a speech conceding defeat, the governing coalition's candidate, Antonescu, distanced himself and didn't endorse either candidate in the runoff, saying, "I was not part of the coalition." "I presented a program, some ideas, and some people voted for me. I urge them to decide for themselves which of the remaining candidates best aligns with the ideas I put forward," he said. "I encourage everyone who voted for me today to show up and vote." Distrust in the authorities remains widespread, especially for those who voted for Georgescu, a sizable electorate that Simion has sought to tap into. Simion said that his hard-right nationalist AUR party is "perfectly aligned with the MAGA movement," capitalizing on a growing wave of populism in Europe after U.S. President Donald Trump's political comeback. AUR rose to prominence in a 2020 parliamentary election, proclaims to stand for "family, nation, faith, and freedom," and has since doubled its support. "The antiestablishment sentiment is not like an anarchic movement, but is against the people who destroyed this country," Simion told the AP days before the rerun. "We are not a democratic state anymore."
