PSD's Grindeanu: Ion Iliescu - an outstanding figure in recent history; the first president of democratic Romania

Interim Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Sorin Grindeanu stated on Tuesday that former President Ion Iliescu was an outstanding figure in recent history, the first president of democratic Romania and made a major contribution during key moments which shaped the destiny of the Romanian people, such as the accession to NATO and the European Union.

"With deep sorrow, I have learned of the passing of former Romanian President Ion Iliescu. In this time of grief, I extend my sincere condolences to the grieving family, to his loved ones and to all those who knew and respected him. An outstanding figure in recent history, Ion Iliescu, the first president of democratic Romania, made a major contribution during key moments which shaped the destiny of the Romanian people, such as Romania's accession to NATO and the European Union," Grindeanu wrote on his Facebook page.

He added that for him and his colleagues in the PSD, Ion Iliescu remains the Social-Democratic leader who fundamentally marked the party's development, a politician who proved a profound 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. May God rest his soul in peace," Grindeanu also wrote on his Facebook page.