Ion Iliescu, former president of Romania, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 95.
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The first to announce the news was the PSD leader, Sorin Grindeanu:
"With deep sadness, I learned of the passing of former President of Romania, Ion Iliescu.
During these moments of grief, I extend sincere condolences to the grieving family, to those close to him, and to all who knew and valued him.
A prominent figure in recent history, Ion Iliescu, the first president of democratic Romania, made a major contribution during defining moments for the fate of Romanians, such as joining NATO and the European Union.
For me and my colleagues in the PSD, Ion Iliescu remains the social-democratic leader who fundamentally influenced the party's evolution, a politician who demonstrated deep empathy towards all those in difficulty.
Regardless of divergent opinions, his contribution to the country's transition to democracy remains part of the collective memory," wrote Grindeanu on Facebook.
Then, an official announcement also came from the Government:
"With deep regret, the Government announces the passing of former President of Romania, Mr. Ion Iliescu. The former president of the Romanian state passed away today, August 5, 2025, at the 'Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu' Emergency Clinical Hospital. The Government of Romania extends condolences to the family and all those close! Details regarding the program of state funerals organized in honor of former Romanian head of state Ion Iliescu will be communicated in the coming period."
And from the hospital where he had been hospitalized for over a month:
"Today, August 5, 2025, Mr. Ion Iliescu passed away, with the death being recorded at 15:55.
The 'Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu' Emergency Clinical Hospital extends sincere condolences to the family and loved ones.
Ion Iliescu was admitted to our unit starting from June 9, and during the 57 days of hospitalization, the multidisciplinary medical team made every effort to provide him with the necessary care and treatment.
The 'Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu' Emergency Clinical Hospital remains committed to its mission of prioritizing the life, dignity, and respect of its patients."
Iliescu was suffering from lung cancer. The health condition of former President Ion Iliescu was critical in recent days. His organs failed one by one, as announced by the doctors from the SRI Hospital in Bucharest, where the former head of state had been hospitalized since June 9.
Iliescu was under the care of doctors at the 'Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu' Emergency Clinical Hospital. Upon admission to the hospital, he complained of feeling unwell, with cardio-respiratory complications. Subsequently, doctors determined that he was suffering from lung cancer.
Meanwhile, Iliescu underwent two surgeries.