Leaders Pay Tribute to Ion Iliescu at Cotroceni Ceremony – A Farewell Marked by Silence and Shadows

Bucharest – August 6, 2025 — Romania said farewell today to Ion Iliescu, the country’s first freely elected president after communism, during a day of public mourning and quiet reflection at Cotroceni Palace. Iliescu died Tuesday at the age of 95, and while over 1,000 people came to pay their respects, the mood remained somber and complex — much like the legacy he leaves behind.

In the Unirii Hall, former presidents, political leaders, diplomats, and members of the public passed by the catafalque. Emil Constantinescu offered no public remarks. Traian Băsescu spoke only six words: “May God forgive him.”

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan also came to honor the late head of state, while President Nicușor Dan was represented by Luminița Odobescu and Radu Burnete. The list of absentees included Klaus Iohannis, Mircea Geoană, Adrian Năstase,...