The Romanian Government has decided to hold state funerals in memory of former president Ion Iliescu, which will take place on the 6th and 7th of August 2025.
Additionally, the government, in an extraordinary meeting, adopted a resolution declaring the 7th of August as a national day of mourning, with the national flag flown at half-mast throughout the entire country.
The official ceremonies will begin on Wednesday, August 6th, at Cotroceni Palace, where the funeral procession will be received.
Subsequently, in the Union Hall at the same location, the wake ceremony will take place, a moment of public remembrance open to the public and broadcast live by Romanian Television and Radio Romania.
On Thursday, August 7th, the funeral procession will leave Cotroceni Palace to head towards Ghencea 3 Cemetery, where a military burial ceremony will take place. The interment will be held in a restricted setting for family and close associates.
The organization and details of the funerals were coordinated by the Committee for the organization of state funerals, in collaboration with representatives of the former president's family.
TVR and Radio Romania will provide live coverage of all official moments of the funerals, allowing the entire country to participate in paying tribute to the former head of state.
What does a national day of mourning mean
In accordance with current legal provisions, on the national day of mourning, all central and local public institutions and authorities will fly the Romanian flag at half-mast.
Additionally, the national flag at half-mast will be flown at the headquarters of political parties, trade unions, employer organizations, educational institutions of all levels, cultural institutions, and Romania's diplomatic missions, at border crossing points, airports, ports, train stations, and bus stations, as well as on ships of any kind and vessels sailing under the Romanian flag.
The same obligation applies to individuals if they fly the Romanian flag at their home or residence.
Furthermore, radio and television stations, as well as cultural institutions, will adjust their broadcast schedule and activities accordingly on this day.
The Romanian Football Federation has already announced a moment of remembrance during the matches of this round of the Romanian Cup. Thus, before the start of the matches in the second round of the Romanian Cup, scheduled for the 6th and 7th of August, a moment of remembrance will be observed in memory of the former head of state.